Easy annotations in an ereader?

idle · 09-13-2011, 10:52 AM

Hello,

I'm thinking about buying a new ereader which would allow me to annotate texts while reading.

For some time I've been happily using Hanlin V3 with OpenInkpot firmware, and love its wide range of file formats and settings, but it lacks the possibility of annotations. Now and then I read a text - usually not a proper book, but something written by me or one of my friends - and need to take short notes while reading. Paper & pencil are a solution too, but a bit clumsy one.

I know there are readers out there that can annotate, but I guess I need some details.

So, I'm looking for a reader that:
- has a decent 6" screen
- allows annotations, ideally in .doc files, but I'm okay with RTF or HTML or whatever I can easily convert
- either by a physical keybord or touchscreen, I'm open to both options so far, but appreciate any views on this
- what about exporting those notes to a computer?
- it would be nice if it worked well with google docs - I have some issues with displaying them properly in my reader (italics gets lost, and I need it)

No, I don't want a tablet, most of the time I only read. But I'd like to find out how much of this can be done on a current ereader.

Anyone can help?

HarryT · 09-17-2011, 06:30 AM

The Kindle, with its physical keyboard, is excellent for annotations. I find it much better for this purpose than the touch-screen devices that I also own.

log · 09-17-2011, 12:29 PM

The new Sony Reader WiFi is a 6" e-Ink screen, and supports annotations with keyboard (touch screen) or hand written using a stylus.

It only supports ePub, PDF, and TXT, not sure that is a deal breaker for you.

idle · 09-19-2011, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

The Kindle, with its physical keyboard, is excellent for annotations. I find it much better for this purpose than the touch-screen devices that I also own.

With Kindle, I guess I'd have to look at various hacks. I had one borrowed for a few days and it was okay, but I missed lots of settings I'm used to. A physical keyboard is a plus.

Quote:

Originally Posted by log

The new Sony Reader WiFi is a 6" e-Ink screen, and supports annotations with keyboard (touch screen) or hand written using a stylus.

It only supports ePub, PDF, and TXT, not sure that is a deal breaker for you.

Yes, I've been looking at it and kinda liked it, but having to convert everything to ePub... yeah, it's an option too, but I wouldn't be too happy about it. (TXT is useless because of its lack of formatting and PDF is... well, PDF). Some of the previous Sonys have a DOC support, don't they? At least I think I read it somewhere. If the T1 had that too, it would be a strong contender.

HarryT · 09-19-2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idle

With Kindle, I guess I'd have to look at various hacks. I had one borrowed for a few days and it was okay, but I missed lots of settings I'm used to.

Such as what, for example?

idle · 09-19-2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Such as what, for example?

Such as line spacing, indentation etc. I guess these will be available with some hacks too, but I didn't have the opportunity to try any.

thebestjeter · 09-21-2011, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idle

Such as line spacing, indentation etc. I guess these will be available with some hacks too, but I didn't have the opportunity to try any.

I don't get it. You can change the line space between words. the indentation is fixed (you can't change it), but I don't really understand what are your needs about this.

I use the Kindle for notetaking too and I find myself my pleased about.

idle · 09-21-2011, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebestjeter

I don't get it. You can change the line space between words. the indentation is fixed (you can't change it), but I don't really understand what are your needs about this.

I use the Kindle for notetaking too and I find myself my pleased about.

Maybe not as much needs as... well... preference. Or something. I trust that Kindle is useful, but finding a reader with a native support of more formats would please me more.

The thing is, I'll never know for sure what I want until I have been using a reader for several weeks. That's why I'm asking around to find as much as I can in advance.

susan_cassidy · 09-21-2011, 12:29 PM

Line spacing is somewhat controllable on the Kindle. Not sure what that has to do with notes, though, as notes are not displayed inline with the book text.

09-13-2011, 10:52 AM	#1
idle I Do Like Ebooks Posts: 145 Karma: 1006 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Prague, Czech rep. Device: Pocketbook Ultra 650	Easy annotations in an ereader? Hello, I'm thinking about buying a new ereader which would allow me to annotate texts while reading. For some time I've been happily using Hanlin V3 with OpenInkpot firmware, and love its wide range of file formats and settings, but it lacks the possibility of annotations. Now and then I read a text - usually not a proper book, but something written by me or one of my friends - and need to take short notes while reading. Paper & pencil are a solution too, but a bit clumsy one. I know there are readers out there that can annotate, but I guess I need some details. So, I'm looking for a reader that: - has a decent 6" screen - allows annotations, ideally in .doc files, but I'm okay with RTF or HTML or whatever I can easily convert - either by a physical keybord or touchscreen, I'm open to both options so far, but appreciate any views on this - what about exporting those notes to a computer? - it would be nice if it worked well with google docs - I have some issues with displaying them properly in my reader (italics gets lost, and I need it) No, I don't want a tablet, most of the time I only read. But I'd like to find out how much of this can be done on a current ereader. Anyone can help?

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09-17-2011, 06:30 AM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	The Kindle, with its physical keyboard, is excellent for annotations. I find it much better for this purpose than the touch-screen devices that I also own.

09-17-2011, 12:29 PM	#3
log ... Posts: 226 Karma: 514506 Join Date: Sep 2011 Device: Sony PRS-T1	The new Sony Reader WiFi is a 6" e-Ink screen, and supports annotations with keyboard (touch screen) or hand written using a stylus. It only supports ePub, PDF, and TXT, not sure that is a deal breaker for you.

09-21-2011, 12:29 PM	#9
susan_cassidy Wizard Posts: 2,251 Karma: 3720310 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)	Line spacing is somewhat controllable on the Kindle. Not sure what that has to do with notes, though, as notes are not displayed inline with the book text.