Nook vs. Kindle2 vs. Sony PRS300 (or 505 if can be found)

MelC · 01-15-2010, 03:32 PM

Okay. I feel like I know a fair bit about ebook readers now, I've been in since the Gen3 came out and I am really happy with my Sony. My sister has just asked me to help her with choosing an ebook device and I am struggling a little, however. The difficulty is in putting myself in her shoes:

Facts: My sister can operate and perform basic functions such as email, word documents, synching her ipod (with uploaded CDs - she has never to my knowledge used the Itunes store independently of my involvement), watching DVDs. She mostly wants to read novels although she would be happy if some history non-fiction was available as well. We live in Canada. She has typical far-sightedness (ie. reading glasses) issues for her age and would like a book that she could potentially use to read without the glasses.

Of course my first instinct at the moment is Sony, to me it is easy, has an attractive form factor and comes from a tried and tested manufacturer. I am guilty of the typical anti-Amazon sentiment regarding security and privacy of my device and captive retailing. However, I can see how a person who is not terribly comfortable with computers might prefer one that enabled them to essentially search and purchase a book from wherever they are with the touch of a few buttons and no computer required. I know both the Nook and the Kindle have this capability - I don't know how much more idiot proof it is however compared with using the Sony Store. I don't know almost anything about the Nook except that it reads B&N specialty epubs and presumably can read unencrypted epubs as well.

So, if any of you are like my sister and have some experience with these devices tell me which you would prefer?

Mel

JSWolf · 01-15-2010, 03:39 PM

I would go with a PRS-900 for your sister. It's very easy to use and the bigger screen means you'll be able to have more text at a larger size for her. Since she can operate an iPod, the 900 will be easy enough to use. If the iPod is a Touch, then the 900 will be simple. The battery is nice, the speed is good, & ADE supports full justification. Plus by being ePub compatible, more store choices to buy books.

daffy4u · 01-15-2010, 03:55 PM

She may have to play with the font sizes on the Sony. I found I was missing some in-between sizes that were more comfortable for me. Sometimes the text would be too small and the next size too big (M-L on the 505) I now run my books for the 505 through Calibre with a base font size of 14 points (or change it via a CSS).

The Kindle is easier for me to read without my glasses (which is how I prefer to read) with a consistent font size through all my books (I read on 4 out of 6).

01-15-2010, 03:32 PM	#1
MelC Evangelist Posts: 410 Karma: 2081 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada Device: Cybook Gen3, PRS600	Nook vs. Kindle2 vs. Sony PRS300 (or 505 if can be found) Okay. I feel like I know a fair bit about ebook readers now, I've been in since the Gen3 came out and I am really happy with my Sony. My sister has just asked me to help her with choosing an ebook device and I am struggling a little, however. The difficulty is in putting myself in her shoes: Facts: My sister can operate and perform basic functions such as email, word documents, synching her ipod (with uploaded CDs - she has never to my knowledge used the Itunes store independently of my involvement), watching DVDs. She mostly wants to read novels although she would be happy if some history non-fiction was available as well. We live in Canada. She has typical far-sightedness (ie. reading glasses) issues for her age and would like a book that she could potentially use to read without the glasses. Of course my first instinct at the moment is Sony, to me it is easy, has an attractive form factor and comes from a tried and tested manufacturer. I am guilty of the typical anti-Amazon sentiment regarding security and privacy of my device and captive retailing. However, I can see how a person who is not terribly comfortable with computers might prefer one that enabled them to essentially search and purchase a book from wherever they are with the touch of a few buttons and no computer required. I know both the Nook and the Kindle have this capability - I don't know how much more idiot proof it is however compared with using the Sony Store. I don't know almost anything about the Nook except that it reads B&N specialty epubs and presumably can read unencrypted epubs as well. So, if any of you are like my sister and have some experience with these devices tell me which you would prefer? Mel

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Buy Sony PRS 505 or Nook WiFi	itsmattxp	Flea Market	2	08-10-2010 08:58 AM
Classic Nook vs Sony PRS-505	cookie1030	Barnes & Noble NOOK	58	06-26-2010 06:37 AM
Hi i'm new and need help re; Sony PRS300	Sandiebb	Introduce Yourself	8	03-24-2010 08:55 PM
help: Sony 505 or Nook??	tedwinters	Which one should I buy?	11	02-21-2010 10:36 PM
Classic Nook and Thai PDF - I found suitable format	bthoven	Barnes & Noble NOOK	9	02-09-2010 06:01 AM

01-15-2010, 03:39 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,931 Karma: 128903250 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I would go with a PRS-900 for your sister. It's very easy to use and the bigger screen means you'll be able to have more text at a larger size for her. Since she can operate an iPod, the 900 will be easy enough to use. If the iPod is a Touch, then the 900 will be simple. The battery is nice, the speed is good, & ADE supports full justification. Plus by being ePub compatible, more store choices to buy books.

01-15-2010, 03:55 PM	#3
daffy4u I'm Super Kindle-icious Posts: 6,734 Karma: 2434103 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Drive, Calinadia Candafornia Device: KDXG, KT, Oasis	She may have to play with the font sizes on the Sony. I found I was missing some in-between sizes that were more comfortable for me. Sometimes the text would be too small and the next size too big (M-L on the 505) I now run my books for the 505 through Calibre with a base font size of 14 points (or change it via a CSS). The Kindle is easier for me to read without my glasses (which is how I prefer to read) with a consistent font size through all my books (I read on 4 out of 6).