I'm in Aussieland and need some help deciding on an eReader

[lene1949]

I bought the Kobo reader... They also have books available, which are not available from Amazon for Australian buyers... That's a plus....

[Barlo]

Slightly off topic, but does any one know where in Australia I can phsyically look at a Kindle DX in the Sydney NSW area as in a bricks and mortar store?

[IndecisiveMe]

Originally Posted by Barlo

Slightly off topic, but does any one know where in Australia I can phsyically look at a Kindle DX in the Sydney NSW area as in a bricks and mortar store?

You could always visit this thread and meet up with someone in your area who has one.

[F_r_a_n_c]

Hi, Just subbed to this forum so I could post to this thread -

In todays catalog officeworks are selling:

6" 'Stash' W950 reader (colour ) $129
6" Pico W960 E-Ink reader for $238
6" Pico BK 6001 Ebook reader for $297

No idea how they are like, haven't had time to check them out as I just got the catalog (Ive been looking myself)

[Barlo]

Originally Posted by IndecisiveMe

You could always visit this thread and meet up with someone in your area who has one.

Thanks for the heads up mate, I'm still a bit green here and had not noticed that thread yet.
Cheers again

[Barlo]

Originally Posted by F_r_a_n_c

Hi, Just subbed to this forum so I could post to this thread -

In todays catalog officeworks are selling:

6" 'Stash' W950 reader (colour ) $129
6" Pico W960 E-Ink reader for $238
6" Pico BK 6001 Ebook reader for $297

No idea how they are like, haven't had time to check them out as I just got the catalog (Ive been looking myself)

F_r_a_n_c, I was actually in OW yesterday and had a look at those readers you have listed. Their pricing is very reasonable and they all looked like great units if a 6" screen is what you are after, however for reading PDF documents mostly I find the screen size just not large enough for my use.

[Almas]

Yup, like Franc said above, e-readers are now available at Officeworks. There are three versions of the Pico. Haven't looked into it. You can view one of them here:

http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail...ooks/PLW960EBK

I am happy to see e-readers coming to more and more stores in Australia. When I bought mine, you could only get one at Dymocks and even that was at a ridiculous price!

[nomesque]

What?? How and why did this avalanche occur days after I finally bought a Sony??? God, are you playing with me AGAIN???

Thanks for the heads-up, Franc.

[kgn]

I am an Australian looking for an eBook reader also. I just want to read novels (in bed, etc). Don't want Wifi, etc. All my stuff will be downloaded - do not want online bookstores of any kind. I will be using Calibre to load books.

The Officeworks units seem like rather basic units. Very little details on their website. The Kobo one also looks extremely basic - the most basic one you can get!

I like the look of the Bebook Neo - that is my favourite at the moment. I do not mind buying from the USA - I have already done that for many items.

I want a 6" unit - touchscreen (not mandatory). Needs folder support I think. Also needs an expansion SD card of at least 4 gigs. This is important - 2 gigs simply won't cut it!

The Nook looks good - but the bottom screen is a problem. It is distracting from the reading process, especially in a darker room (lying in bed). Also does not support folders.

The Kindle 2 is a good price, but limited memory (2 gigs) and no folder support. Also a bit big (perhaps) with the bottom keyboard. But I could be talked into it.

The Sony 600 might be ok.

Has anyone else gone down this route and found the ideal ereader?

[sabredog]

I went through the whole rigmarole regarding ereaders for close to six months. I did not want a Kindle due to the proprietary format and one shop lock in. That really limited what I would consider an affordable ereader. In the end, a chance came up to buy a Sony PRS-300. This is a superb basic little e-ink reader with a 5" screen. I am most happy with my new ereader.

Next was what to buy my wife? The first choice was the Sony, but now the Kobo is here in Australa with a 6" screen, SD card additional memory and cheap to boot, then my choice is almost made.

Couple the Kobo with Calibre and you would have a great set-up saving over AU$150 compared to buying a Kindle2, Nook or Pocketbook.

An other alternative would be the mono non reflective Jetbook Lite. At around US$150, it competes with the PRS-300 and in AUD, is close to the Kobo price wise. The Sony though would be harder to purchase, though eBay is your best bet there. Sony ereader range, though is coming soon to Australia.

I would strongly recommend you visit a Borders or Angus and Robinson store and get a hands on with the Kobo before you hand over your hard earned dollars. If that does not suit, then there would be the option of getting the touch screen Sony or similar.

[iandix]

Originally Posted by kgn

The Nook looks good - but the bottom screen is a problem.
The Kindle 2 is a good price, but limited memory (2 gigs)
The Sony 600 might be ok.

The nook is a rather nice unit, the screen is very clear to read, the touch screen on the bottom goes dark after a very short while (you can set the time) and when it's dark you can then use it as a swipe to change pages. So it's not a problem at all. The touch screen does use more power than other readers but you should still get about 5 or 6 days out of it (that's using it, 4 hours a day), before recharge. But as you said it's only real draw back is the way it catalogues it's books. you can softroot it and install trook and that will fix that little problem.

Kindle 2 again nice unit...but does not read epub, so limited on where you buy your books from

The sony PRS 600 very nice looking and robust reader, it looks expensive but the screen is a real pain. the contrast is not as good as the nook so it's harder to read and because of the touch screen it reflects any lights in the room making it even harder to read.

The kobo reader, I held it next to my nook to check out the screen .. I believe the nook was better but it was really hard to find any difference. The kobo has a very nice catalogue system for it's books.

So I would recommend the nook or the kobo... maybe the kobo wins out seeing it's easier to get hold off. It's not that easy buying a nook from the US.

I'm sure other people here will argue with what I posted :-)

[mikebliv]

Too many models coming out from now to christmas. Probably better to wait although that stash from officeworks is tempting. Does it open DRM from borders and fictionwise?

[F_r_a_n_c]

Originally Posted by mikebliv

Too many models coming out from now to christmas. Probably better to wait although that stash from officeworks is tempting. Does it open DRM from borders and fictionwise?

Dunno, but as thats colour its going to be craptacular for proper reading anyhow.

Though after I get my e-ink when the new wave of cheap colour chinese stuff comes out (and hopefully some 10" readers) ill pick up one for color pdfs and the like

[Anarel]

Have you checked out the kindle? It works internationally, has a six inch screen, and has all of Patricia Brigg's works ^_^

[Katdragon]

Hi guys,
Just to let you know that I'll be picking up my (black) Kobo from Borders on Monday night after my book club, so I'll let you know how it goes. Hopefully my brother is bringing a nice Gelaskin for me back from Canada so I'll report on that as well.

Thanks so much for your help!