Is the iPhone too small for reading ebooks

[Daephex]

I used Stanza and eReader, both of which allow you to dim everything if it's too bright for your eyes. I've read many books using both apps, an experience which is different from my Kindle or Sony Reader-- but definitely a fine setup. Don't discount it, the Touch makes a good platform for ebooks!

[Maggie Leung]

Originally Posted by kkay5

I do wish the battery lasted longer. I can go anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what I use it for. If I am just reading it's closer to 4 hours, if I am using the wifi it's closer to 2 hours. I did find an attachable battery for the iPhone and iPod that's only $30 and I am going to be getting that VERY soon!

You might wanna check whether there's something wrong with your battery if you're getting only two to four hours outta your Touch 4.

I read that some people upgraded to 4.2 firmware and were having battery issues. There were some kind of easy backup and restore steps that were fixing some owners' problems, but I didn't follow the issue closely.

I also read that some apps might unintentionally drain your battery when left running by multitasking. You might wanna check that as well.

[benham]

Originally Posted by Daephex

I used Stanza and eReader, both of which allow you to dim everything if it's too bright for your eyes. I've read many books using both apps, an experience which is different from my Kindle or Sony Reader-- but definitely a fine setup. Don't discount it, the Touch makes a good platform for ebooks!

Thanks for that. Stanza looks good. There seemed to be a lot of complaints with ebooks so I downloaded iBooks. Now I just need the iTouch to get here.

New axiom- A watched USPS Tracking Number never gets delivered.

[joker]

I've been reading Under the Dome on my iphone 3GS with no problems. My fiancee doesn't like reading on her touch so I guess it just depends on the user, like others have said. I really like that I can have access to all the different readers.

[mishnogramjo]

I just returned an ebook reader that I bought for my wife for Christmas. I read exclussively on my ipod touch and so does she. Main reason for returning it was that e-ink doesn't work well when trying to read in the dark. I find the size great and can switch back and forth between checking email, facebook and reading.

[benham]

E-ink isn't designed for reading in the dark. They are designed to be like hard copy. There are clip on reading lights for that. I enjoy reading on both the ereader and the iTouch.

[bla]

I have used both a BB and a windoze phone as an e-reader .. both with Mobi reader loaded... it's ok for casual reading but the small size will get to you after awhile...

[ukiacat2]

Originally Posted by kkay5

I think it totally depends on the person. I have an iPod Touch that I use as my only ereader. I use the night mode and turn the brightness down on it and it doesn't bother my eyes at all. But it's different for other people. I have read probably 50 books on it since I bought it in March. I love that I have it EVERYWHERE I go. It fits in my pocket and no matter where I am at I can read it if I have unexpected reading time. I can get all different kinds of reading apps for it and even read library ebooks on it. As soon as the iPhone comes to my area, I will replace my iPod Touch with the iPhone.

I have a Nook, an iTouch4 and was just given an iPhone for Christmas. I prefer to read on my Nook or my iTouch4. The iPhone is thicker than the iTouch so I prefer the iTouch.

I never thought I'd like reading much on the iTouch but it is just fine. I downloaded the Nook app, the Kindle app, the Stanza app and the iBook app on my iTouch and iPhone so that I have a choice when Kindle offers a book I want to read. I love my Nook but carry the iTouch or iPhone when I go anywhere and often prefer to use the iTouch in bed because then I don't have to deal with a booklight. I agree with everyone, you'll have to try it to know but you might be surprised how much you like it.

[Joe Minton]

I completely agree with ukiacat2. I have both the Sony prs-350 and 650 and haven't read on either of them for a month or more. I prefer my Apple iTouch 4G.

With reading glasses, which I must wear anyway, the screen is plenty big enough. It is much sharper than the Sonys. I can read at night by reversing the colors, which I prefer to do in daylight as well.

My Sonys are much more limited in what they can show me. The iTouch, with appropriate apps, can present anything; I can read something from Kindle or Sony or Nook or my own work sent to Stanza as an epub document I create with Calibre.

The iTouch is much more versatile than the Sonys in many ways other than the fact that it can present all of the formats I have any use for. It is the best reader I own and I now use the Sonys only when I'm going to read out in the sun, which is seldom.

I think Apple accomplished more than they may be aware of. Except for battery charge life and direct-sunlight reading, there is nothing my Sonys do that the iTouch does not do better. Apple deserves their success.

[blt50203]

With the retina display the reading experience is great. I use my iPhone 4 and iPad but also have a nook (old school)

[Jowi]

Another great thing about the iPod touch or iPhone as an ereader is the Instapaper app! It Rocks for reading online content in a more friendly way, with night mode and the best thing, tilt to scroll!

[Caltsar]

The iPhone is very versatile and it's quite easy to read on with the new displays. I use mine to read when I don't have my nook with me and it's fairly comfortable. Having the screen on for extended periods of time does tend to run the battery down, so depending on how much you read and how often you want charge the iPhone, you may want to consider something with an extended battery life too. The iPhone is not too small for me, but I wouldn't go any smaller.

I do, however, prefer an eBook reader with a 5 to 7 inch screen as I'm used to the paperback sized books and text. Personally I'd recommend the nook or Sony PRS-350 if you find that you prefer something with a slightly larger screen.

[ukiacat2]

I already posted the fact that I love to read on my iTouch 4. But do want to add that I use my Nook for certain situations where the iTouch won't work...like when I am riding a recumbent bike, which I do almost every evening for about an hour. I figure if I'm going to read, I might as well burn some calories too. Or maybe I should say that if I'm going to work out, I might as well enjoy it with a book

The Nook fits into the book holder and is large enough to see while I'm seated and all I have to do is push the side button to turn the page. With a paperback book I had to lift it out of the holder to turn the page and the lower part of the pages were blocked by the book holder. I would not like to use an iTouch while I work out. I'd have to hold the iTouch and would probably find it annoying; not to mention the potential issue of sweat dripping on it.

For me, the ultimate ereader would be an iTouch that is bigger than the current one but smaller than an iPad but, until then, I love the iTouch with it's reading and internet capabilities and the Nook too.

[injapan]

Originally Posted by Joe Minton

I completely agree with ukiacat2. I have both the Sony prs-350 and 650 and haven't read on either of them for a month or more. I prefer my Apple iTouch 4G.

Is that right? is reading on the iTouch that good? wow

[sabredog]

My iphone 4 is used to read when my wife/daughter are clothes shopping or I am waiting for an appointment. I use either Stanza or ibook apps.

I do prefer my Kobo or PRS-300 but the iphone works a treat in those above situations.