Why are dedicated ebooks readers still popular?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by ReadingManiac

Personally I love my Paperwhite. I've tried reading on my tablet when the Kindle is charging but the difference in the screen is distracting. I can't imagine trying to read on my phone. Far too small!

I have a 10' charge cord I use with my K4. I keep reading while tethered to the charger

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by theducks

I have a 10' charge cord I use with my K4. I keep reading while tethered to the charger

I hate using devices while charging. The cable's always getting in the way.

[Dazrin]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

I hate using devices while charging. The cable's always getting in the way.

I have an external battery pack with a built-in 4" long charging cord. It's basically the same size as a phone, so I just hold it behind whatever device I'm charging and barely notice it's there except for the added 1/4" thickness and a couple ounces of weight. It even charges faster than some wall chargers I've used.

[hobnail]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

I hate using devices while charging. The cable's always getting in the way.

It wouldn't be so bad if the USB port was on the top where it's out of the way but why do they always put them on the bottom? Even on the side, like the Forma has, is less convenient.

[Uncle Robin]

I sometimes read on my Libra when a passenger in our car. The battery pack sits in the door tray and the cable is plenty long enough to allow easy use without getting in my way.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by hobnail

It wouldn't be so bad if the USB port was on the top where it's out of the way but why do they always put them on the bottom? Even on the side, like the Forma has, is less convenient.

I decided that was why the Boyue Likebook Mars has a rotate 180 degrees. So I added the upside down sleep and off covers.

The Libra port on the side is not too annoying as you can rotate automatically, but it's awkward when connecting to the laptop.

I've hardly ever read eink with charger connected because I leave it charging if I'm updating / adding books for later. The LCD based phone & tablets often need powered while in use, hence I think the so called wireless charging is crazy, it's actually induction so practically contact and far less efficient and more awkward than a cable. A dock like used for mobile radio chargers or cordless phones makes more sense than the inductive charging plates.

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by hobnail

It wouldn't be so bad if the USB port was on the top where it's out of the way but why do they always put them on the bottom? Even on the side, like the Forma has, is less convenient.

There are problems with the screen, or a wide border would have to be made.
It is particularly stupid on the Boox Note Air, where it and the power button are not accessible when the cover is closed.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Quoth

I decided that was why the Boyue Likebook Mars has a rotate 180 degrees. So I added the upside down sleep and off covers.

The Libra port on the side is not too annoying as you can rotate automatically, but it's awkward when connecting to the laptop.

I've hardly ever read eink with charger connected because I leave it charging if I'm updating / adding books for later. The LCD based phone & tablets often need powered while in use, hence I think the so called wireless charging is crazy, it's actually induction so practically contact and far less efficient and more awkward than a cable. A dock like used for mobile radio chargers or cordless phones makes more sense than the inductive charging plates.

Thank you for confirming my initial skepticism: That was my take on Wireless Charging as well. (it is a Air Gap Transformer)

I run my K4nt inverted (cord Up) because the Forward buttons are in the wrong place for my big hands. I need Forward under my finger TIPS
when holding in a single hand (I read a lot in bed). Unfortunately LAB126 missed a lot of lesser used additional screens that do not honor the Rotate setting and I need to spin it around if I need those.

[John F]

Since wireless charging was mentioned...

I like it. I use it exclusively for my phone. In the evening I just put it in the cradle, so the phone is convenient if I need it, and is charging when I don't. My phone is seldom down to 75% by the evening when I put it in the cradle.

As far as my tablet, I could use it if it was convieient, but my tablet is bulky enough that I don't feel I would be gaining anything using wireless charging. I don't even know if my tablet has wireless charging.

[Katsunami]

Same as always.

- The phone is too small. Some time ago I tried it and liked it, but in the end it turned out that the phone was too small compared to the e-reader.
- Reading drains the phone's battery, so I can't use it for things the phone can do, but the e-reader can't.
- I also tried a tablet. Both the phone and tablet become unreadable when the light outside is somewhat bright. I often read by outside light, either in public transport, or train stations.

In the end, an e-reader with a screen that can be inverted to have a black background for reading in darker conditions (it obviously needs to have a front-light to make this work), is the best option.

I don't like the newer current Kobo's and Kindle Oasis form factor, so I'm sticking with my 5 year old Aura ONE, as it still works fine. If there's an e-reader with that form factor again, at around 7.8 or 8 inch, I might upgrade to get a newer device, but for functionality, I don't need to.

[pwalker8]

Originally Posted by Katsunami

Same as always.

- The phone is too small. Some time ago I tried it and liked it, but in the end it turned out that the phone was too small compared to the e-reader.
- Reading drains the phone's battery, so I can't use it for things the phone can do, but the e-reader can't.
- I also tried a tablet. Both the phone and tablet become unreadable when the light outside is somewhat bright. I often read by outside light, either in public transport, or train stations.

In the end, an e-reader with a screen that can be inverted to have a black background for reading in darker conditions (it obviously needs to have a front-light to make this work), is the best option.

I don't like the newer current Kobo's and Kindle Oasis form factor, so I'm sticking with my 5 year old Aura ONE, as it still works fine. If there's an e-reader with that form factor again, at around 7.8 or 8 inch, I might upgrade to get a newer device, but for functionality, I don't need to.

It is interesting how we all have our own views. For years I read on my iPad almost exclusively, but since I got my Kobo Forma, I've been using that. It's easier to read with a cat or two in your lap.

[sakura-panda]

Originally Posted by jbcohen

When smart phones can do that as well?

I can understand when readers prefer the dedicated ebook reader eliminate distractions because of the unavailability of email and the internet.

However the dedicated ebook reader is something additional to carry and something to worry about getting smashed or lost. Isn't it easier to carry one device?

Ultimately, personal preferences; any reason any one has can be countered by the opposite reason by someone else. I'm just grateful there that they are still popular enough that I can purchase them, even as I continue to wish the format was larger.

I think the screen on my iPhone is too narrow for reading and I have to turn the pages so often that it is a distraction. It's also uncomfortable to hold in my hand for a long time while reading (although, not surprisingly, very easy to hold for a long time when I'm doing other things. ) It also dims the screen too quickly (which I get around by making more frequent page turns) and is just overall a mediocre stand in.

Half the pleasure of reading is in the experience, which for me isn't as satisfying on my phone. You can eat your ice cream with the fork from your salad, but it's a lot more satisfying with a dedicated spoon.

[ReadingManiac]

Originally Posted by theducks

I have a 10' charge cord I use with my K4. I keep reading while tethered to the charger

I can do that with my newest Paperwhite. The model I had before went to a charging screen.

[ReadingManiac]

Originally Posted by pwalker8

It is interesting how we all have our own views. For years I read on my iPad almost exclusively, but since I got my Kobo Forma, I've been using that. It's easier to read with a cat or two in your lap.

I often have two cats in my lap while reading. If I perch the reader on the chair arm I can get way with a quick page swipe without either cat feeling neglected.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by ReadingManiac

I can do that with my newest Paperwhite. The model I had before went to a charging screen.

If you are not connected to a computer where you can eject your Paperwhite, how do you manage with a charger that your Paperwhite thinks is a computer? Do you have to make sure that you use only chargers that your Paperwhite does not see as a USB host?