eink vs LCD for reading a novel poll

[pdurrant]

OK, I've voted on the choices available.

[leebase]

I can’t answer the poll because “under what lighting conditions” wasn’t listed....and my screens aren’t all LCD as my phone is OLED.

I prefer reading on devices as I’m not one who has any discomfort issues reading on them...even hours at a time.

To me they are free for reading. I own phones and tablets for other reasons so it doesn’t cost any extra for me to have an eReader.

I can easily buy from any book store. I don’t have to side load books bought at a different store than my device.

I read in dim lighting conditions far more than bright ones. And I just about never read outdoors in full sunlight...though I can and have. Of course, under those conditions a paper book or eInk device would be much nicer.

I don’t have any problems keeping my devices charged. I take battery packs when I travel.

All my devices are instantly responsive...no delay or blinking when turning a page.

I like having color. Not so important for reading novels, but I can read anything I want.

I do like color for novels when reading in the evening or complete dark. A midnight green almost black back background with a lighter green but nothing near white text....I can read in darkness in bed comfortable and not disturb my wife.

I like being able to do other things on my phones and tablets. An eInk device would not keep me from also needing my phone and tablet.

[4691mls]

Maybe somebody can start a new thread with a poll about polls

If a poll started by another member doesn't include an option that makes sense to you, you would:

1. Back out of the thread and ignore it;
2. Pick whichever option is at least somewhat close to what your actual answer would be;
3. Don't vote, but post your opinion on the topic in the thread;
4. Complain that the poll is completely unscientific and ask that it be taken down and replaced; after all, this is Serious Business and lives, or at least tax dollars, are hanging on the outcome;
5. The blue one with the fish (didn't this used to be an option on many Mobileread polls? I miss it!)

[Quoth]

Though I'd guess that almost everyone with an ink ereader has a smart phone, but most people (including those that don't read books on a device) have a smart phone and have never even seen eink in real life.
I think I saw a survey that suggested that 52% ebooks are read on a phone. Then next is tablets. Generally unless people read a lot AND have tried an ink reader they can't see the point of spending $50 to $500 for something that's only B&W + 14 greys and really only good for novels.

The ereader based on eink is a niche now dominated by Amazon, though they were late to the party.

[leebase]

Does experience reading a book have any bearing on reading on an eInk device?

[Quoth]

Only in the sense that if you don't read novels regularly and your reading is mostly Social Media & Web news you might not see the point of it.

[leebase]

Originally Posted by FrustratedReader

Only in the sense that if you don't read novels regularly and your reading is mostly Social Media & Web news you might not see the point of it.

I was asking more about the reading experience on eInk vs paper

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by leebase

I was asking more about the reading experience on eInk vs paper

Probably it varies from person to person, as all other things in the world. Me, I vastly prefer eink to paper, and this preference has not changed in the last 8 years. Most readers are the other way around (not the MR members, but readers in general). And even here some members have gone from eink back to paper.

[MGlitch]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Probably it varies from person to person, as all other things in the world. Me, I vastly prefer eink to paper, and this preference has not changed in the last 8 years. Most readers are the other way around (not the MR members, but readers in general). And even here some members have gone from eink back to paper.

I’d like to see the studies on this, not that I doubt you or disagree really, but most of the sources I see making this claim use ereader to encompass both LCD and eink and further obfuscate the results by only mentioning tablets.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by MGlitch

I’d like to see the studies on this, not that I doubt you or disagree really, but most of the sources I see making this claim use ereader to encompass both LCD and eink and further obfuscate the results by only mentioning tablets.

Well, I went by what I've read here. Posters have written about their family members and friends who have tried eink readers, but still prefer paper. And at least a couple of members have themselves said they prefer paper books, even though they have (had) eink readers. Admittedly none of it is in any way scientific.

[BadBilly]

My eink reader does not have a front light. Sony T1. I do have the case with an external light I can use in a pinch. So I didn't vote.

Now, as for my opinion, I prefer the eink if I'm intending to read for a significant period. Say if I'm settling in at home or on a long train ride. However, both the phone and my tablet, with AMOLED screens get used a fair bit, as I'll have them with me when I may not have the reader or because I can just pull the phone out of a pocket, rather than digging in my bag for the ereader.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Well, I went by what I've read here. Posters have written about their family members and friends who have tried eink readers, but still prefer paper. And at least a couple of members have themselves said they prefer paper books, even though they have (had) eink readers. Admittedly none of it is in any way scientific.

My daughter who, unlike me, reads very quickly, won't even entertain the idea of possibly using an eBook reader. She likes the feel of books. As a matter of fact, nobody in my immediate family really likes eReaders (my father and brother will use eReaders, but they prefer printed books and do almost all their reading on paper).

[ilovejedd]

I'm the only reader in the immediate family. The rest are happy watching on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

My aunt reads occasionally but she's more than happy to use the iPad for that.

[Nausicaa]

LCD. eink has terrible contrast, slow refresh and very expensive. can't wait for clearink to dethrone it

[leebase]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Well, I went by what I've read here. Posters have written about their family members and friends who have tried eink readers, but still prefer paper. And at least a couple of members have themselves said they prefer paper books, even though they have (had) eink readers. Admittedly none of it is in any way scientific.

It's a nuanced topic. I would bet that those who like books over eInk are the same ones who prefer books over tablets. They just like books. Not so much a commentary of "eInk is uncomfortable on my eyes".

I was plumbing this topic to address the "well you don't have an eInk device". True, but I do have books. I understand how "reflected" light from a book compares to reading on my iPad. I have handled and read some on eInk devices. Other than the "device-ness", I didn't see any improvement or degredation when compared to ink on paper. Well, correction, the ability to change font size is definitely a "eInk makes things easier to read than a book". But again, that's not a differentiator between eInk and tablet.