I know what features I want...not what ereader

Noonie · 07-17-2014, 04:09 PM

I have the original Kobo with the button. It's been having issues so I was going to replace it. Like another post I read here, where the person listed features important to them, I've done the same here (no particular order - but they're all important)...thanks.

Light: I read a lot in bed with no lamps on, while my wife is sleeping (or trying to

). I use a clip-on light now and would love to get an ereader that is nicely back-lit in bot the dark, and very dim conditions. This is very important.

Basic use only (so I want easy): All I ever do on my ereader is buy a book, read it, and will likely not read it again. I don't read so much that I need to manage the library (much), and therefore, I want it to boot up quickly, turn pages quickly, have a nice to read screen, and have very little quirks or issues. With my Kobo I made a case out of a double dvd case as when I'm using my kobo I like just handling it without extra weight...so the 'case' considerations are important (can I make a nice one and do like I do today, or is there a perfect after-market case?).

Audio books: I listen to audio books in the car (iPhone) when I'm driving to work or elsewhere on my own. I currently use audible. Some of those books are like 40+ hours long of listening...I read about whispersync and thought it would be cool to listen and read the same book and have simple synching ability. However, I do not want to listen/read all books, just some (5-10 a year). So while this is important, it's not absolutely necessary. Would give 7 out of 10 on importance scale. With Kindle/Audible, is this a big cost (heard you buy both ebook/audiobook...exlample, Words of Radiance by Sanderson).

Location: I live in Canada (Ontario). I want to be able to buy just about any book that is available as an ebook, without location issues. That said, I primarily read fantasy (Sanderson, Martin, etc.) and cycling books...but some odd books too (japanese tea, for example).

Battery life/indicator: longer life the better. But give me an accurate battery reader so that I can know when I'm 25%, 10%, etc. I don't care if it takes a while to charge (would do over night). Plus I still read paper books...

Any other factors I would want to consider (given my points above)?

davidfor · 07-17-2014, 10:21 PM

Other than the audio books, those specs say either a lit Kobo device or a Kindle Paperwhite. As you already use a Kobo device, then I'd say stay with it. The Glo is cheapest of the lit devices, and is enough for your use. If you can find the Aura at a good price, it would be good as well. The Aura HD is probably overkill.

meeera · 07-17-2014, 11:02 PM

If you stick with Kobo, you won't get Whispersync for audiobooks, so I'd say a Kindle Paperwhite is closer to your perfect device.

HarryT · 07-18-2014, 04:01 AM

I agree that the Kindle PW would be ideal for the user's needs: the Amazon bookstore is the best around, and the user has no interest in re-reading old books.

For the benefit of the original poster, it's worth noting that no eInk read is backlit, for the simple reason that eInk screens are opaque. All the illuminated eInk devices are frontlit.

Noonie · 07-18-2014, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

For the benefit of the original poster, it's worth noting that no eInk read is backlit, for the simple reason that eInk screens are opaque. All the illuminated eInk devices are frontlit.

What does that mean to providing light for reading in the dark...are the PW and Aura (for example) frontlit? Is that inferior to backlit?

HarryT · 07-18-2014, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noonie

What does that mean to providing light for reading in the dark...are the PW and Aura (for example) frontlit? Is that inferior to backlit?

It simply means that the screen is illuminated from the front, not from the back. No, it's not inferior - just different.

susan_cassidy · 07-18-2014, 05:05 PM

And, the Paperwhite does not have any audio ability, so Whispersync is out. Only the Fires, of the currently sold models, support that.

Rizla · 07-18-2014, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noonie

Light: I read a lot in bed with no lamps on, while my wife is sleeping (or trying to

). I use a clip-on light now and would love to get an ereader that is nicely back-lit in bot the dark, and very dim conditions. This is very important.

A front-light makes your eyes go funny in the dark, no matter how dim it goes. You'll still need a clip-on light. But the front-light is handy for dim situations.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noonie

Audio books: I listen to audio books in the car (iPhone) when I'm driving to work or elsewhere on my own. I currently use audible. Some of those books are like 40+ hours long of listening...I read about whispersync and thought it would be cool to listen and read the same book and have simple synching ability.

AFAIK no mainstream e-reader offers audio anymore. There are other things that are harder to get and cost more. I'd forget this if I were you.

If you like your current Kobo, I's suggest the new Kobo Aura (not the HD).

But you might want to wait. Normally new e-readers come out in the fall. You might want to get a new model or get a deal on a current model being phased out.

mystika1 · 07-18-2014, 07:19 PM

I like the Kindle PW2. They will likely release a new e ink reader in the fall, so you may want to hold off.(If you like having the newest devices)

susan_cassidy · 07-18-2014, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizla

A front-light makes your eyes go funny in the dark, no matter how dim it goes. You'll still need a clip-on light. But the front-light is handy for dim situations.

What the heck are you talking about? I've never heard of a Paperwhite user's eyes "going funny". You don't need a clip-on light - that's what the front lighting is for.

kristalana · 07-18-2014, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizla

A front-light makes your eyes go funny in the dark, no matter how dim it goes. You'll still need a clip-on light. But the front-light is handy for dim situations.

Is it possible there's something specific about your eyes? Or perhaps you've had defective ereaders? Because I have no idea what you're talking about here.

meeera · 07-18-2014, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by susan_cassidy

And, the Paperwhite does not have any audio ability, so Whispersync is out.

The OP says they listen to audiobooks on their iPhone.

HarryT · 07-19-2014, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizla

A front-light makes your eyes go funny in the dark, no matter how dim it goes. You'll still need a clip-on light. But the front-light is handy for dim situations.

That sounds like a problem with your eyes, not with the device. A clip-on light is still a frontlight. Think about it logically - why should there be a difference? I've been using frontlit readers ever since they've been available, with no problems at all.

NickyWithNook · 07-20-2014, 09:36 AM

I have no problem with either my Paperwhite or Nook Glow reading with the device light on in the dark. And I don't have great eyes. I do have a problem with backlit screens (like my iPad) in the dark, but not much if I turn the light down quite a bit.

I like the PW and Glow lights turned pretty low in the dark and high if I'm reading around a lot of light. I assumed it would be the opposite.

speakingtohe · 07-22-2014, 02:15 PM

The majority of people seem to be happy with a built in frontlight. I don't like it but my eyes do not go funny. In the few situations where I have used it, either dim or dark, I fiddle with it off and on, and find myself stopping reading sooner because it isn't as comfortable as either an overhead light (my favorite) or a lighted cover. More convenient but less comfortable for me.

Most ereaders can be returned, so I would advise getting one with a frontlight. And even if you don't love it like myself, still is handy on occasion if you don't want to spend the money on a lighted cover.

Helen

07-17-2014, 04:09 PM	#1
Noonie Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2014 Device: None	I know what features I want...not what ereader I have the original Kobo with the button. It's been having issues so I was going to replace it. Like another post I read here, where the person listed features important to them, I've done the same here (no particular order - but they're all important)...thanks. Light: I read a lot in bed with no lamps on, while my wife is sleeping (or trying to ). I use a clip-on light now and would love to get an ereader that is nicely back-lit in bot the dark, and very dim conditions. This is very important. Basic use only (so I want easy): All I ever do on my ereader is buy a book, read it, and will likely not read it again. I don't read so much that I need to manage the library (much), and therefore, I want it to boot up quickly, turn pages quickly, have a nice to read screen, and have very little quirks or issues. With my Kobo I made a case out of a double dvd case as when I'm using my kobo I like just handling it without extra weight...so the 'case' considerations are important (can I make a nice one and do like I do today, or is there a perfect after-market case?). Audio books: I listen to audio books in the car (iPhone) when I'm driving to work or elsewhere on my own. I currently use audible. Some of those books are like 40+ hours long of listening...I read about whispersync and thought it would be cool to listen and read the same book and have simple synching ability. However, I do not want to listen/read all books, just some (5-10 a year). So while this is important, it's not absolutely necessary. Would give 7 out of 10 on importance scale. With Kindle/Audible, is this a big cost (heard you buy both ebook/audiobook...exlample, Words of Radiance by Sanderson). Location: I live in Canada (Ontario). I want to be able to buy just about any book that is available as an ebook, without location issues. That said, I primarily read fantasy (Sanderson, Martin, etc.) and cycling books...but some odd books too (japanese tea, for example). Battery life/indicator: longer life the better. But give me an accurate battery reader so that I can know when I'm 25%, 10%, etc. I don't care if it takes a while to charge (would do over night). Plus I still read paper books... Any other factors I would want to consider (given my points above)?

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07-17-2014, 10:21 PM	#2
davidfor Grand Sorcerer Posts: 24,907 Karma: 47303748 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sydney, Australia Device: Kobo:Touch,Glo, AuraH2O, GloHD,AuraONE, ClaraHD, Libra H2O; tolinoepos	Other than the audio books, those specs say either a lit Kobo device or a Kindle Paperwhite. As you already use a Kobo device, then I'd say stay with it. The Glo is cheapest of the lit devices, and is enough for your use. If you can find the Aura at a good price, it would be good as well. The Aura HD is probably overkill.

07-17-2014, 11:02 PM	#3
meeera Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,659 Karma: 66420972 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Libra 2, iPadMini4, iPad4, MBP; support other Kobo/Kindles	If you stick with Kobo, you won't get Whispersync for audiobooks, so I'd say a Kindle Paperwhite is closer to your perfect device.

07-18-2014, 04:01 AM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I agree that the Kindle PW would be ideal for the user's needs: the Amazon bookstore is the best around, and the user has no interest in re-reading old books. For the benefit of the original poster, it's worth noting that no eInk read is backlit, for the simple reason that eInk screens are opaque. All the illuminated eInk devices are frontlit.

07-18-2014, 05:05 PM	#7
susan_cassidy Wizard Posts: 2,251 Karma: 3720310 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)	And, the Paperwhite does not have any audio ability, so Whispersync is out. Only the Fires, of the currently sold models, support that.

07-18-2014, 07:19 PM	#9
mystika1 Addict Posts: 353 Karma: 1360168 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Louisiana Device: IPad Air 2, , Kindle Voyage, Kobo Aura HD, Kobo Aura H2Ov1, Kobo Mini	I like the Kindle PW2. They will likely release a new e ink reader in the fall, so you may want to hold off.(If you like having the newest devices)

07-20-2014, 09:36 AM	#14
NickyWithNook Guru Posts: 748 Karma: 3942770 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Michigan, USA Device: Kindle Fire, Kindle Paperwhite (Don't use Nook anymore)	I have no problem with either my Paperwhite or Nook Glow reading with the device light on in the dark. And I don't have great eyes. I do have a problem with backlit screens (like my iPad) in the dark, but not much if I turn the light down quite a bit. I like the PW and Glow lights turned pretty low in the dark and high if I'm reading around a lot of light. I assumed it would be the opposite.

07-22-2014, 02:15 PM	#15
speakingtohe Wizard Posts: 4,812 Karma: 26912940 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: sony PRS-T1 and T3, Kobo Mini and Aura HD, Tablet	The majority of people seem to be happy with a built in frontlight. I don't like it but my eyes do not go funny. In the few situations where I have used it, either dim or dark, I fiddle with it off and on, and find myself stopping reading sooner because it isn't as comfortable as either an overhead light (my favorite) or a lighted cover. More convenient but less comfortable for me. Most ereaders can be returned, so I would advise getting one with a frontlight. And even if you don't love it like myself, still is handy on occasion if you don't want to spend the money on a lighted cover. Helen

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