economical ereader for a kid?

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Don't do it. Young children and delicate electronic devices really don't mix.

I have to disagree with this...

I would say any of the under $200 devices would work will.

The Kobo reader, the Jetbook Lite, the Sony Pocket Edition, the EZ Reader pocket pro.

I would expect the Jetbook would be the most robust as far as not being easily broken... the LCD screen seems much less prone to breakage the the eink screen. However, the 5inch devices being smaller are much sturdier.

BTW: There are literally thousands of ebooks you can d/l for free right here at MR.

BOb

[mrkarl]

the jetbook, or aluratek libre.........inexpensive and simple to deal with and so far I'm finding it quite solid, and the words look fine on it.....kids have more time to read so it'll have to be charged twice a week probably

[drpepperslurpee]

I bought my 14 year old a Sony 300 before our month long trip to Asia this past winter, and she loved it. I pre-loaded it with lots of reading material - Black Beauty, Anne of Green Gables and the Little House series are all available for free, along with lots of other classics.

If you think she is responsible enough to care for the device, I say go for it. My dd loves hers (and I love my 505!)

Carrie

[daisies]

Thanks for all the additional responses! There are so many options I had no idea existed. I'll probably be back with questions as I read a little more about these.

I should have added at the beginning that I'm hoping to stay under $100 or at least not a whole lot higher -- used is fine. We are very low-tech, so she's not picky -- she'll be thrilled with anything that gives her access to books.

OK, off to read a little about some of these things.

[valcho]

Originally Posted by daisies

Thanks for all the additional responses! There are so many options I had no idea existed. I'll probably be back with questions as I read a little more about these.

I should have added at the beginning that I'm hoping to stay under $100 or at least not a whole lot higher -- used is fine. We are very low-tech, so she's not picky -- she'll be thrilled with anything that gives her access to books.

OK, off to read a little about some of these things.

So, in this case Jetbook Lite is the closest to the $100 limit.
BTW, I got mine today, still in the box, tomorrow will start playing with it

[GA Russell]

daisies, since you are going overseas, your best bet might be the jetBook Lite (JBL) because it runs on AA flashlight batteries. However, the JBL does not at this time read library books.

There are many public domain books available for free on the internet, but I don't know what an eight-year old likes to read.

The JBL is the least expensive reliable device. It was on sale last week at newegg.com for $99.99.

Both the jetBook original and the Aluratek Libre can be found on sale for $150 from time to time. They come with a case and an SD card, and also allow you to listen to music.

However, I think that the flashlight batteries with the JBL is the way to go when overseas.

[tablettweet]

I think Sony Digital Reader Pocket Edition is very interesting choice. and Sony are already lower their e-reader now. and If you are looking for tiny screen how about IPod touch ? it also has a kindle version for IPod touch too. (I think it readable If you change the IPod touch's reading scren into black and change font into white)

[LDBoblo]

Just get an iPad. I mean it's already got Winnie the Pooh, and that Alice prog. And iBooks has that awesome pageturn animation that mystifies all the reviewers.



Just kidding.
I too recommend the jetBook/Libre group or one of the 5" e-ink readers. In this quite rare situation, I'd recommend the E-Ink devices for battery life and also because they can handle DRM-enabled books with less fiddling than the LCD-based devices would demand. I'm no fan of E-Ink, but for a child who probably has linear reading habits, it should be good enough. It may also help teach something of patience.

[Ea]

Originally Posted by daisies

I should have added at the beginning that I'm hoping to stay under $100 or at least not a whole lot higher -- used is fine. We are very low-tech, so she's not picky -- she'll be thrilled with anything that gives her access to books.

Given this, if you want to take advantage of potential library books, you might be limited in your choices - but it depends on which DRM scheme the library uses. If it's Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) (epub and pdf), then you'll probably have to look at e-ink devices which have ADE installed and support time-limited books (think all of them do now?). If it's Mobipocket, then there's a good reading application that can be installed on a PDA.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by daisies

Any recommendations?

A Sony Clié. Either the SJ-20 (mono), or SJ-30 or SJ-22 (color). You can pick these up on eBay very cheaply (<$30)

They can use Mobipocket ebook software (free), and have a great "scroll wheel" on the left hand side for moving to the next page. Only enough internal memory for 10 books or so, but you can add a memory stick for lots more storage.

I read using one for several years.

If she's going to be reading outdoors, I'd recommend the SJ-20. That has a mono screen that works very well in sunlight.

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by daisies

I should have added at the beginning that I'm hoping to stay under $100 or at least not a whole lot higher -- used is fine. We are very low-tech, so she's not picky -- she'll be thrilled with anything that gives her access to books.

OK, off to read a little about some of these things.

The ebookwise 1150 runs $99. New. Old tech a decade old but robust and works like a charm. No library access but rechargeable batteries. Enough RAM for about a 100-200 books. You can find plenty of PD books here or at Munseys.com already in ebookwise format; just download and copy.

The Jetbook Light at Newegg.com is currently running $129. Price seems to vary a bit. If overseas power might be an issue the fact that it uses regular AA batteries (one-use or rechargeable) may be a factor.

PDA: if you can find a Sony Clie or HP Jornada 6xx series and install the free Mobipocket Reader you'll have access to library books *and* the ubiquitous PD books using the PRC/Mobi versions. Jornadas had outdoor readable transflective color screens and a great side-mounted rocker switch for paging plus a flip-up hard screen cover. Games and music are an option. Jornadas use Compact Flash card, Clies Memory sticks for flash memory both of which are readily available and cheap. Just copy the books to the card and plug it into the reader. Jornadas look like the classic STAR TREK comunicator, too.

iPod Touch: if you can find a used or refurbished one in your range (Amazon has the newest 8GB version at $149 refurb, $179 new) you could install the Kindle Reader app which can handle the Mobipocket format PD books *and* the Txtr Reader App which should *theoretically* handle Adobe-DRM Library ebooks. (Haven't seen it verified.)
http://www.teleread.org/2010/01/15/t...or-ipod-touch/

Don't know if the new Kobo app supports library books but the iPod Touch can be configured to read most ebook formats with one reader app or another (stanza in particular seems to be very popular) and you do get a media player and game platform on the side.

Of the eink readers, the Sony PRS300 is currently running $169 new, $130 refurbed from ecost.com, among others. It will handle Adobe DRM library ebooks, the usual PS books, and last up to 2 weeks between charges. Since it an be recharged off any PC via USB overseas power shouldn't be an issue. You get no extra features like media playback or gaming but you get the sharpest text display and the largest screen size of all the listed options thanks to the eink.

The project sounds doable; the kid should be pleased.

Edit: I'd like to pass it as a typo but it was probaby a braincramp; the HP Jornada I wanted to reference was the Jornada 56x series PDAs, not the 6xx clamshell pocket computers. Both are good devices and both run Mobipocket, but the 56x is the one that is best for ebook reading, of course. Sorrry!!

[Omega]

I should mention that my 3 year old regularly plays games on my 1st gen iPod Touch, so the warning about small children and electronics is not necessarily true.

I've carried myTouch loose in my purse since I got it a few years ago and despite the abuse, it's still in excellent condition. I attribute this to having it in a good quality hard case with a screen protector. So, if you get a Touch, get a good case (mine has a rubberized backing) and screen protector.

Check the price on refurb Touches on the Apple website. I can't remember at the moment what the cost is, but they do give a full 1 year warranty, new battery, new outer case and box.

One benefit of the Touch is that you can do more than just read. The downside is that, with the small screen, you will be scrolling or turning pages more often (which might be a drag on a really long book).

[Ea]

Originally Posted by Omega

I've carried myTouch loose in my purse since I got it a few years ago and despite the abuse, it's still in excellent condition. I attribute this to having it in a good quality hard case with a screen protector. So, if you get a Touch, get a good case (mine has a rubberized backing) and screen protector.

They use specially treated glass which is practically 100% scratch resistant. You don't need a screen protector for an iPod Touch.

[Omega]

Originally Posted by Ea

They use specially treated glass which is practically 100% scratch resistant. You don't need a screen protector for an iPod Touch.

Scratch resistant, not scratch proof. Since I regularly throw the Touch into my purse or pocket where I have my keys or other loose objects bumping around, I feel better having that extra layer between the screen and everything else. It might not be necessary, but it doesn't hurt anything.

[Bltprf502]

Originally Posted by daisies

Wow, I'm surprised at some of the responses.

This kid doesn't care about pictures -- she devours words. She likes books like the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Tale of Despereaux. She will happily read 300 pages in a day if given the time. She'll be overseas at a family member's house for a month this summer and can't pack more than a half-dozen or so "real" books. That will keep her busy for about 3 or 4 days. Then she'll REALLY miss books. I thought of this solution because I want everybody to be able to enjoy the trip. I know the library downloads expire, but I thought I'd load the thing with a good mix of library versions and regular purchases/free books. This would be a combined birthday present from me and her grandparents.

She is very careful, by the way.












Anyway, thanks for the ideas for things to look into. Had no idea that PDAs were an option, and never heard of a couple of those devices as I just started to look into this. Thanks for the suggestions.

I disagree with many responses above personally. I have an 8 year old myself and he wants an ereader. He uses my PRS-300 when I am home and loves it. Its probably the easiest one to find at a low price. Now a days around $169.00 shipped and sometimes with a lighted cover. The PDA is too small for a child that is used to reading real books. You are on the right track and yes my 8 year old is very careful with mine too. No worries. They understand its not a ball... Especially if they are focused avid readers. I use my 300 and travel to Europe every month. It has help up fine and takes up less room than a paper back. If you want low tech, the ability to buy books and a warranty the Sony is a good bet. Best of luck!