Tough world traveler, 6-8 inch: Quick thoughts?

[gponym]

Looking for off-the-cuff suggestions of where to focus my search:

• Tough, does well outside cities and in bad weather
• Works well outside US/Canada, esp in Europe, Latin America
• 6-8 inch size
• Prefer ePub-friendly, but I will consider the right Kindle
• Handles random PDFs (I'm happy to use K2pdfopt)

Ereaders preferred over tablets; as a last resort, I might get a tablet instead.

Thanks for your suggested models to check out!

I'm willing to try to buy inside or outside the US.

(I live mostly in the US, but a device like this really comes into its own when I'm traveling overseas.)

[meeera]

Tablets are pretty much across the board less fragile than e-ink readers, so if that's your key feature, that's the way to go. They're also compatible with all the formats you mention.

[gponym]

Originally Posted by meeera

Tablets are pretty much across the board less fragile than e-ink readers, so if that's your key feature, that's the way to go. They're also compatible with all the formats you mention.

Thanks very much, I did not realize tablets were tougher. Tablets are great, but there are reasons that I am hoping to find an ereader for this use case. (I edited my original question to reflect that, sorry for the confusion.)

It puts me in a quandary. I would love to have the tablet toughness. OTOH, I also place a high value on the long time between charges for ereader batteries. I also really value the non-sleep-interfering nature of ereaders, versus the tablets and their blue-green light emissions.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by gponym

Thanks very much, I did not realize tablets were tougher. Tablets are great, but there are reasons that I am hoping to find an ereader for this use case. (I edited my original question to reflect that, sorry for the confusion.)

It puts me in a quandary. I would love to have the tablet toughness. OTOH, I also place a high value on the long time between charges for ereader batteries. I also really value the non-sleep-interfering nature of ereaders, versus the tablets and their blue-green light emissions.

The way I see it you have a a few main options, depending on which direction you'd like to compromise:

- Go for a good e-ink reader, get a good rigid book case for it plus put that into a protective shell case for transport, and treat it well. I love my Kobo H2O (and it works for your 'bad weather' requirement), but you have plenty of choices here depending on the features you're looking for.

- Go for a basic cheap six inch reader, whack it in whatever case comes to hand, and be prepared to replace it

- Go for a tablet, turn the brightness way down, and make sure its one where you have control over the colour temperature. Don't read it blazing on full brightness with black text on a stark white background - choose a sepia tone or if you can handle it a reversed-text nightmode. Also, get one that you can configure to automatically turn the colour temp warmer as sunset approaches.

- and with the tablet, carry an external battery charger. Solar charged if you're going to be completely away from power.

The studies declaring "iPads disrupt sleep" had their subjects reading white-background documents in full brightness in a dim room for two hours before bed. That's not a realistic usage.

Unless you're talking about library epubs, if you're going to manage your device with Calibre (strongly recommended) format conversion from epub-kindle or the other way round is largely trivial.

[ZodWallop]

The Kobo H2O seems to be the winner. Waterproof, handles epub, not so large as to be a pain when traveling. Not sure how it does with PDF.

What do you mean by 'tough'? Lots of airports tough, or climbing mountains tough? A good, sturdy cover may well be enough if you're just traveling. I keep my Aura in the official leather 'hard cover' and leave it in my satchel that goes everywhere I do.

Hiking or camping, maybe put it inside a shell case as mentioned.

[gponym]

Originally Posted by meeera

The way I see it you have a a few main options, depending on which direction you'd like to compromise:

- Go for a good e-ink reader, get a good rigid book case for it plus put that into a protective shell case for transport, and treat it well....
- Go for a basic cheap six inch reader...and be prepared to replace it

- Go for a tablet....[and keep control over the color temp and brightness]...and carry an external battery charger.

The studies declaring "iPads disrupt sleep" had their subjects reading white-background documents in full brightness in a dim room for two hours before bed. That's not a realistic usage.

Unless you're talking about library epubs, if you're going to manage your device with Calibre (strongly recommended) format conversion from epub-kindle or the other way round is largely trivial.

Thanks a heap, the three basic paths make sense to me, I'll ponder, look around and see if other questions arise. And I already use CaLibre (a little), and love its great number of capabilities.

As far as sleep disruption from LCD screens, I have extensive personal experience with desktop screens, running f.lux the past year or so. My perception, whether imaginary or not, is that the sleep disruption in my case seems to stem from a) the light colors; b) the less than restful posture I often adopt sitting up, using keyboard and mouse, etc; c) the kind of concerted attention to thoughts and to subtle visual cues that constitute rapid and intensive computer use. All to say, I already think it's not all light color's fault. And maybe a tablet, used while reclining, primarily for pleasant reading and graphics viewing, with attention to brightness and color, will be so different an experience that sleep won't suffer too much. I do know that using an ereader under those more relaxing conditions was more like reading a book in bed.

The tablet sounds worth an experiment. I presume that almost any used Android should handle automatic time-of-day color wavelength software and have ability to force a dark reading background, again automatically, in most cases. I'm ready to try it, given how tough they sound, even though my sleep at present is pretty fragile: I'll be a good test case, I guess ;-) .

Next step is to find out what tablet mfrs to avoid, as not being tough enough. I'd guess that most iPads will pass the "tough" test. What I hope is to find a cheap 8 inch (or one step larger) Android that also passes the test, but I will fall back on used iPads if that proves hard. Not to start a new topic--I should open a new thread--but I read good things about the nVidia Shield, though it is on the small side for my purposes.

[gponym]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

...What do you mean by 'tough'? Lots of airports tough, or climbing mountains tough? A good, sturdy cover may well be enough if you're just traveling. I keep my Aura in the official leather 'hard cover' and leave it in my satchel that goes everywhere I do.
...

Good to know about the Kobo H2O, sounds fairly durable.

By "tough" I mean hauling around in a daypack as well as a larger hiking pack day after day without having to baby the pack to save the device. And probably sharing it from time to time. On a plane I would typically carry onboard, or pack more carefully in a checked backpack.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by gponym

Next step is to find out what tablet mfrs to avoid, as not being tough enough. I'd guess that most iPads will pass the "tough" test. What I hope is to find a cheap 8 inch (or one step larger) Android that also passes the test, but I will fall back on used iPads if that proves hard. Not to start a new topic--I should open a new thread--but I read good things about the nVidia Shield, though it is on the small side for my purposes.

Given that it's for reading, you definitely don't need the latest and greatest as far as speed is concerned, or a huge device; just a decent display. A refurbed iPad Mini from the first retina version - iPad Mini 2 - could do you just fine, and they're from $209 with an Apple warranty at the moment. The Mini 4s are a hundred dollars more. I don't know anything about Android tablets, sorry, but I'm sure there are a variety of similar devices which could do just as well.

Do you know anyone from whom you could borrow a tablet for a week or two to test it out?

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by meeera

I don't know anything about Android tablets, sorry, but I'm sure there are a variety of similar devices which could do just as well.

With Android, I would just say to stick with a manufacturer you've actually heard of. You can read reviews on individual models. Different manufacturers tweak Android in various ways and some displays are better than others.

In terms of toughness, odds are, if you've heard of the company, you are probably fine. Google, Acer, Asus, Dell, Sony, Samsung. If all else fails or it is overwhelming, buy a Samsung.

I will say though, for fiction reading, nothing beats an e-ink reader. I love my tablet for reading comics, browsing and email. But it's worth it to me to also carry an e-reader just for reading books.

I have a Timbuk2 satchel and carry both devices with me everywhere, every day.

[stumped]

Originally Posted by gponym

Thanks a heap, the three basic paths make sense to me, I'll ponder, look around and see if other questions arise. And I already use CaLibre (a little), and love its great number of capabilities....

Next step is to find out what tablet mfrs to avoid, as not being tough enough. I'd guess that most iPads will pass the "tough" test. What I hope is to find a cheap 8 inch (or one step larger) Android that also passes the test, but I will fall back on used iPads if that proves hard. Not to start a new topic--I should open a new thread--but I read good things about the nVidia Shield, though it is on the small side for my purposes.

For what it is worth, amazon claim that fire tablets are toughterthan ipad, do better in drop tests etc. Not sure how much they cherry pick results. They are much cheaper to replace. The one they sell as a kids tablet with 2 year no quibble you break it we replace it is a possible, as a cheap back up for your main device.

Dunno if carry weight is a factor for you, the nvidia shield is heavier then average.

[gponym]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

With Android, I would just say to stick with a manufacturer you've actually heard of.

If you have Samsung Galaxy Tab experience, would be nice to know if Android version can be easily upgraded. If you haven't done this, just ignore.

I know a bit about Linux sys admin but completely green when it comes to Android/iOS.

(Blinq.com has a $130 deal on Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 Wifi 10.1 16GB tablet that has Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.)

[Cinisajoy]

Originally Posted by gponym

If you have Samsung Galaxy Tab experience, would be nice to know if Android version can be easily upgraded. If you haven't done this, just ignore.

I know a bit about Linux sys admin but completely green when it comes to Android/iOS.

(Blinq.com has a $130 deal on Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 Wifi 10.1 16GB tablet that has Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.)

I like my Galaxy but I haven't updated the operating system. It stays in the side pocket of my purse when we are out and about.
Oh and I tend to just throw my ereader (kindle) in my purse and haven't had one break. Now if you are going to be putting a lot of stuff in the backpack, just buy a case for the ereader or tablet.

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by gponym

If you have Samsung Galaxy Tab experience, would be nice to know if Android version can be easily upgraded. If you haven't done this, just ignore.

I know a bit about Linux sys admin but completely green when it comes to Android/iOS.

(Blinq.com has a $130 deal on Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 Wifi 10.1 16GB tablet that has Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.)

I don't have experience. I just upgrade my OS as it is offered. Samsung is decent about supporting devices, so that Tab 2 you mentioned would likely auto-update to something newer than Ice Cream Sandwich.

However, I searched for a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 on Amaxon and they have refurbs for $120. It says it comes with Jelly Bean. The resolution of 1200X800 isn't so great though.

If you love Linux and are interested in self-updating, check out the XDA forums. Here's one for the Galaxy Tab 2. Looks like they've at least gotten Marshmallow (Android 6) on it as well as Ubuntu Touch.

[gponym]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

... a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 on Amaxon and they have refurbs for $120. It says it comes with Jelly Bean. The resolution of 1200X800 isn't so great though.

Thanks for comment about resolution. Sounds like I should think twice before going so far back in time to buy.

I think what I need to do is to find a couple of test files online that could be safely and easily loaded to a friend's tablet so I could try out two different resolutions before buying.

One test file is a science or math paper converted to PDF, since that is a major use case.

Second test file could be an ordinary ePub.

I could create these, but I can't easily put them somewhere online to be downloaded, hence the wish to find good test files already out there.

EDIT: Started a list of free format/file examples elsewhere on MobileRead: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...14#post3481214

(this page is a great help in a search like this for online example files: https://www.geckoandfly.com/11873/20...-free-e-books/)

[gponym]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

If you love Linux and are interested in self-updating, check out the XDA forums. Here's one for the Galaxy Tab 2. Looks like they've at least gotten Marshmallow (Android 6) on it as well as Ubuntu Touch.

I _do_ love Linux--but I don't love system admin so much as I used to. ;-)

That said, it's great to know of xda-developers site as I'm sure to learn some useful stuff there. Today I learned that it can be complicated to load one's own Android version on the Galaxy Tab 2! I doubt I want to do that--I believe you suggested using Samsung's versions, which is likely palatable enough to me.