Researching my first e-reader purchase

[kelly1010]

The 505 DOES use the Adobe Digital Editions Software. They also have their own Sony software.

[kazbates]

Originally Posted by kelly1010

The 505 DOES use the Adobe Digital Editions Software. They also have their own Sony software.

As does the 700!

[Xiaopanda]

Originally Posted by Rique

Hello from Warrenton, VA

- here is what I am looking for:

• Aesthetics -
• Format support - Do I need DRM? - Don't mind converting - and use a Mac and a PC (OS not important).
• Bookmarks - Have to have.
• Folders - or tags -
• Performance - the less "flash", the better. The quicker the page flips, the better.
• Battery life - poor battery life is a deal-breaker.
• Readability (is that a word?) - Good contrast (don't like Sony 700).
• Size -5" or 6" are better for me.
• Price -
• Service and Support -
• Coming Soon - Willing to wait a bit
• What am I forgetting to mention? - I'm sure there are important factors I left out. Please share your personal experiences.

-- Rique in VA.

Hi Rique,

I'm an Aussie in Singapore, and have been reading E books on and off on a PDA for years.

In the mean time, I've been doing heaps of research on E-book readers etc...., so here is my quick-and-dirty advice (or 2cents worth)

IMHO: Forget DRM, learn to strip DRM from the books you want and use em on your reader.

look for the Epson contoler, so far it appears to be THE fastest and best out there.

Go for 6 inch if you can, 5 inch is good, but 6 inch seems to be a happy medium.

Look at the flea-market forum and Ebay / Gumtree etc... for the device you want, often you can find Sony 505 for $200 US or there abouts.

Wait untill decemebr as there are many 'new' products just about to launch, if you can't wait, see above!

I decided on the Hanlin V3, and have recently purchased the same for under $200 USD from a MR'er (still waiting for it in the post!!). I chose this model cos it has an acceptable form, Visaplex screen, SD support, great file format support and an included cover.

If needed I strip DRM from my own personally bought Ebooks and convert them to the format I want. I never sell or lend these books, I think of it as scanning my pbooks to read on my PC, which I think is haziley legal.

Just decide on what you actually want the device to do, ask a lot and read the specs, make your choice!

Sounds like the Sony would be a good move for you, though EZ reader has a lot of support and OI upgradablity.....

[sphinx666]

Originally Posted by Rique

Jon, thanks for that clarification. I think my misunderstanding stems from the fact that the matrix lists Adobe ADEPT as a "DRM format" for the Sonys and for the (unreleased) Mentor. Would it be accurate to say that PDF is actually the format and that ADE is the DRM format?

Regardless, I am going to have to learn how to work with it, since it dominates our public library system here in Fauquier county, VA.

Thanks again! -- Rique

Rique, we seem to be in the same position - my requirements were similar to yours. Did you end up buying one?

Thanks

[cheerio6414]

You got to search around and do research to find the best deal

[Rique]

Originally Posted by sphinx666

Rique, we seem to be in the same position - my requirements were similar to yours. Did you end up buying one?

Thanks

Sure did, and I have enjoyed it very much! Learning to scrub the DRM from my (legally purchased) epubs, has added another advantage - Sony bookstore purchases can now go anywhere (for example, I can loan books to my wife, who has an iPad).

-- Riq