New here, Nook or Sony? please help!

[NorthernPines]

Originally Posted by diamante

ProfCrash, I advise you to get that Sony.

NorthernPines, it sounds like you were not impressed with the Nook. I agree with you on that point. I think speedlever made an excellent point about libraries--have you looked into the selection and typical wait times at your library? That could be a consideration, especially since you say you already have so many PDFs to read. Do you really need your e-reader to do audio? If you are only going to do that occasionally, you could pick up a cheap MP3 player that would do a better job with that sort of thing. Or just get CDs from the library. If you don't want to spend the extra money for the Sony Touch, I think you should sacrifice either the library aspect or the audio and go for either the Kindle or the Sony. And I think a major part of the decision should be which device seems nicer to you when you look at it and use it. Of course, the Nook is an option too if you can get past your negative impressions of it. For me, the klunk factor and the inferior dictionary functionality were Nook deal-breakers. Anyway, it sounds like we're all telling you to get the e-readers we own and love. I'm sure you will feel the same way about the one you decide on... Now, how long are you going to keep us in suspense?

Yeah, the Nook did seem kinda klunky to me. It was nice, but I dunno . . . I wasn't quite at ease with it especially at that price. (with tax even more) If I didn't feel like I was limiting myself too much with a Kindle I'd go with the Kindle, but I really don't like how it doesn't do epub. I will be sharing this with one other person who does a LOT of a library reading and reads like 4 or 5 novels a week. (yes per week) So that's an issue at play too. However Sony's bookstore seems a little more pricey too so . . . ugh if only Kindle did library I would even think on it. I don't like the touch pad etc but again this is for reading so in the end as long as it functions I'm okay with it. I didn't even think about mp3 and battery life on the Nook, which kind of puts the Sony back into play. All I can do is check things out and see what happens. But I really appreciate all the advice and tips. Lots to think about.

[diamante]

Well, here's one more thing to think about. Apparently, Barnes & Noble may be about to come out with a brand new Nook.

http://www.teleread.com/chris-meadow...s-e-magazines/

[Latinandgreek]

Originally Posted by NorthernPines

Yeah, the Nook did seem kinda klunky to me. It was nice, but I dunno . . . I wasn't quite at ease with it especially at that price. (with tax even more) If I didn't feel like I was limiting myself too much with a Kindle I'd go with the Kindle, but I really don't like how it doesn't do epub. I will be sharing this with one other person who does a LOT of a library reading and reads like 4 or 5 novels a week. (yes per week) So that's an issue at play too. However Sony's bookstore seems a little more pricey too so . . . ugh if only Kindle did library I would even think on it. I don't like the touch pad etc but again this is for reading so in the end as long as it functions I'm okay with it. I didn't even think about mp3 and battery life on the Nook, which kind of puts the Sony back into play. All I can do is check things out and see what happens. But I really appreciate all the advice and tips. Lots to think about.

Some libraries do have mobi books, which can be read on the Kindle, but as far as I know they are in the minority. Still, it's worth checking out your local library to see if they offer mobi books to check out. I'm sorry, I'm probably not helping your decision any more... in any case, you don't have to buy books from the Sony store for a Sony if you do decide to get one, there is also the Kobo store Fictionwise...

[jehane]

NP, I read a lot of text pdfs on my sony 300. In fact my library doesn't offer epubs, it has ADE pdfs and a few mobis. Plus I've read a few "normal" pdfs. IME the reflow isn't always the greatest, but it doesn't stop me from reading library books on a regular basis. In fact, the library is my main source for books. I haven't used other devices (other than computer) to compare though, and Sony is generally considered the best for pdf reflow.

You'll hear a lot on here about how terrible libraries are and how you should just buy all your books, but really each library is different. I have found many books to read in my library and the longest I've waited is about a week and a half. Have a look at the catalogue and waitlists for your library and see what it's like.

With regards to bookstores, I have never used the Sony bookstore. Be aware that Amazon, BN and Apple have their own DRM schemes, so books bought from those locations can only be read with their software/devices unless you are prepared to strip them. Everywhere else that sells DRM epub uses ADE, and all other devices will read those.

My main concern is that you are going to try and share the device with another heavy reader! You know you will end up getting a second one within a week, don't you? :P

[NorthernPines]

Originally Posted by jehane

NP, I read a lot of text pdfs on my sony 300. In fact my library doesn't offer epubs, it has ADE pdfs and a few mobis. Plus I've read a few "normal" pdfs. IME the reflow isn't always the greatest, but it doesn't stop me from reading library books on a regular basis. In fact, the library is my main source for books. I haven't used other devices (other than computer) to compare though, and Sony is generally considered the best for pdf reflow.

Thanks for replying. I went to WalMart and they didn't have any sony readers, or nooks, which they are supposed to have. Next week I'll be going to Best Buy though and see what the sony reader looks like in person.

I'm actually starting to lean to a Kindle, even though it doesn't so library books. My library still does tons of print books, and always gets the newest ones in, so I'm not entirely sure the library ebook thing is even that big of a consideration for me. I'm still not sure though.

You'll hear a lot on here about how terrible libraries are and how you should just buy all your books, but really each library is different. I have found many books to read in my library and the longest I've waited is about a week and a half. Have a look at the catalogue and waitlists for your library and see what it's like.

I read way too many books only once to simply buy all my books. I read a lot of history, Biblical studies, world religions etc, lots I never read again. There's just no reason for me to buy all those books. However I buy enough books that I'm running out of shelf space at this point and think an ereader will be great. I just don't understand why Amazon doesn't do epub. If they did I think they'd pretty much rule the market for B&W e readers. But that's their choice. I really want to check out a sony though and take a look at it then I'll see about making a decision.

My main concern is that you are going to try and share the device with another heavy reader! You know you will end up getting a second one within a week, don't you? :P

lol! Well we read generally at different times so I might be able to wait a month!

[NorthernPines]

Well I went to Best Buy today, and looked at both the Kindle and the Sony Pocket Reader for about 45 minutes. I really liked the Kindle for some of it's extra features and thought the e-ink display looked exactly like paper. However I really, really loved the touch screen on the Sony. I also thought the screen, though a little less like paper, actually seemed to be easier on MY eyes and I didn't mind the smaller screen at all. At least in the store. If in the end I don't like it I can always take it back in a few days, but I think I'm going to love this thing. It's charging for the first time right now. I can't wait to use it for the first time. Thanks to everyone for the great advice on this and other threads. I'm reluctantly excited and happy about the sony pocket reader; will post again once I get to play for my toy!

[ProfCrash]

Enjoy your Sony!

[diamante]

Congratulations. I think you will love it. I've had mine for almost two weeks, and the more I use it the more I like it.

[Latinandgreek]

Congratulations, enjoy your new Sony!

[NorthernPines]

Well, I've gotten to use it a little bit, and I love it. The screen is a tad small, but not really that big of a difference to me compared to the kindle. Besides for all the extra benefits it has (epub, touch screen) it's more than a fair trade off for me. I really, really love it thus far. I was even able to download a couple of books from google books that have been out of print for many decades that cost hundreds of dollars, but were free through google/epub. And I've already checked out a library book too, so I think it really was the right decision. I love the small size of the whole device, no keyboard etc and when I hold it my thumb rests right on the page turn key. (though I do love using the swipe screen page turn too) I'm really happy with my purchase and appreciate all the help I got from everyone here. Now I've gotta find more free and cheap books for my new ereader!

[cognym]

I replaced my Sony PRS505 with the Sony PRS350 (Pocket Edition) for about 2-3 weeks now and I like it a lot! I thought I didn't care for the touch screen, but I use it more and more and more. So 'quiet' to turn page. :-)

I like the PRS350 so much that I think I'm going to splurge and get the PRS650 as well, as soon as I get the bonus this year.

Enjoy your Sony!