11-20-2010, 05:32 PM | #1 |
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E-reader in Australia, cheap for teen
Hi Guys n girls,
I am looking at all the different e-readers available, and it just keeps getting more confusing. It is for a 12yo girl, who is an avid reader, but is also wanting good audio file/play (for music, hopefully whilst still being able to read) and if possible, video compatibility (ie, a colour screen that doesn't take forever to load, and could play a movie) In Australia, and looking in the $250 and under range. Was orignally looking at an ipad, for the multi-features, but have decided to keep computer and e-reader seperate, as wanting to take care of her eyes. There was one at officeworks (not on display so couldn't have a play) STASH W950 Ebook Reader for $120...anyone heard of this? Any help would be great! Thanks |
11-20-2010, 08:27 PM | #2 | |
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Snipped from Stash W950 specs
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EDIT Maybe a Sony PRS350 for $229.00AUD no audio but a good reader. Sony PRS650 has audio but they want $299.00 for one of those. Disclaimer I have no ereader experience I've just been doing a bit of research. Last edited by VICROAMER; 11-20-2010 at 08:45 PM. |
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11-20-2010, 08:55 PM | #3 |
Enjoying the show....
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Welcome to MobileRead, charlie123
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11-21-2010, 12:50 AM | #4 |
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I would advise sticking with the well known brands such as Sony, Kobo and Kindle. None of those do colour but how much colour is in a book anyway? I'm not sure if the Kobo can play music. You could have it all with an IPad but they are considerably more expensive and not as convenient for book reading as a dedicated device.
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11-21-2010, 02:06 AM | #5 | ||
Wizard
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Quote:
If you want reflective (like EPD), color, and video, you'll have to wait a while until better technology becomes available and cheaper. If you want video, you will not be getting a reflective screen in the short term. If you want the reflective screen, you will need to sacrifice color, and certainly video, in the short term. If yo Quote:
If you want a reflective reader that will play music...many of them will. I just tried my Kindle's MP3 player and it seems to work while I read, even though I'll personally never use it. addendum: I just tried out the music player while reading and pageturns cause slight interference with the music, both in the speakers and over headphones. Perhaps it's not a good recommendation if some audio integrity is important. Last edited by LDBoblo; 11-21-2010 at 02:12 AM. |
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11-21-2010, 05:13 AM | #6 |
neilmarr
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Good to have your company, Charlie. You might like to take a look at the new Australian 'Kogan'. It's not colour (for that you need a backlit device that can, indeed, be hard on the eyes -- and even harder on the battery), but it seems to support a heck of a lot of formats. Cheers. Neil
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11-21-2010, 05:30 AM | #7 |
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Charlie
With all those requirements, you would seriously be better off buying a cheap netbook (Asus eePC for example), unless you wish to splash out and buy a tablet like the iPad. Some dedicated e-ink readers will play music but none play video as the display technology is not geared towards that sort of purpose. For video playback you will need a backlit colour LCD. If you want to buy a dedicated ereader locally you have a goodly selection now. I would recommend the Kobo, Kindle3 or a Sony PRS-350. Neil does recommend the Kogan but I have heard there are many, many issues with it. But is is still worth a look all the same. Another option is the Jetbook Lite. It is powered by 4 AA batteries. http://www.ectaco.com/main.jsp?do=pr...fid=29532#spec Stay right away from the cheap stuff offered at Officeworks, JB HiFi and DSE, These are cheap, yes, but you may regret the purchase. The three I mentioned above play nicely with ebook retailers webfronts and the Sony PRS-350 and Kobo ADE compliant. If a netbook is a better option, then you can download ereading software such as Kindle for PC, Kobo Desktop, Sony Reader or Calibre which will allow you to read ebooks. The first three even allow you to buy ebooks online. Anyway, these are naturally my opinions and may not sit well with you or others. Good luck and feel free to ask any questions. You are certainly in the right place to ask! Last edited by sabredog; 11-21-2010 at 05:33 AM. |
11-21-2010, 02:53 PM | #8 |
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Borders are running out the Kobo1 at the moment for $129.00, no doubt they have the Kobo2 waiting in the wings. if the Kobo1 appeals maybe ask a few questions here on the Kobo Forum to ask if there is any operational issues that may cause concern.
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11-21-2010, 09:32 PM | #9 |
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Hi,
Thank you all. We've decided to ditch the video part, and stick to getting a good reader, with mp3 (still wanting decent audio). She's not the most techno savvy, so things will have to be kept simple, and so we need easy access to e-books with the least amount of fussing around required. Any more ideas? |
11-21-2010, 09:48 PM | #10 |
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Jetbook lite might be the best option as a tradeoff for cost and the ability to play MP3's. They are a great product.
http://www.ectaco.com/main.jsp?do=pr...fid=29532#spec The best way to buy one of these (sub US$99) is from the US, via online stores or ebay. They use 4 AA batteries for 23 hours reading. Do try and avoid the cheap ereaders as mentioned in my post above. |
11-21-2010, 10:04 PM | #11 |
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I would say get her a prs-650 (good build quality, audio playback capability, built-in dictionary, touch screen, no proprietary file format, google books support, library support...it's just awesome!), and then sign her up for the Free Library of Philadelphia
see post here https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93451 here's their e-collection page. See if she likes it http://freelibrary.lib.overdrive.com...owseeBooks.htm I threw in my application form a few days ago. They replied to say they've got it, and it took 6-10 business days to process. I am now waiting happily. Took a little fussing around, but only at the beginning. I wish someone did all these for me when I was 12! Last edited by antistar; 11-21-2010 at 10:14 PM. |
11-21-2010, 10:26 PM | #12 |
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The PRS-650 is a nice piece of kit but at AU$299 is over the price range mentioned by the original poster. The PRS-350 is cheaper but does not play MP3's.
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11-22-2010, 01:50 AM | #13 | |
Wizard
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I would get her an iPod... It's a great device - easy to read on and get books for - across all formats.... Music and videos are fantastic.. The iPod is just a mini iPad, really... but much cheaper, easier to carry and plugs into some music systems to play all the songs on it.
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