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Please help me decide which e-reader to buy
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Mod
You'll have to see how their prices compare and the availability of ebooks you'd like to read.
The Kindle:
Easiest to use
Has own ecosystem
Uses own DRM-scheme (which kinda locks you into their store)
Adds a $2 surcharge to ebooks (not sure if that's true for the NL too)
eBooks seem to be more expensive, not a large selection (at least for me)
The Kobo:
Cheaper than Kindle devices
Uses ePub which is used by most stores (except Amazon) so can buy from other shops
Slightly more difficult to use than Kindle
Would need Wifi or PC to download books (same as Kindle without the 3G options)
Quite often has discount coupons which make them much cheaper than Amazon
In general seems cheaper than Amazon ebooks
Personally I'd go for one of the Kobo ereaders; specifically the Glo. Although you should also look at the Kobo Mini (if you can get one from the UK they seem to be half-priced over there).
Best thing would be to try them in a shop that stocks them and see which ones work best for you.
I use a Sony T-1 and am very happy with it, although their store doesn't cater for non-US buyers. Should it break I'd get a Kobo.
Since I've only had one e-Reader I can't compare any, but here's what I think of my Kindle:It's an older model (Kindle Keyboard, I think), which I've had for about 3 years. The keyboard is a huge help not just for reviews but also for group reads when I find a quote I want to mention or need to make a note. It's small and light but durable (I've dropped it many times), and the battery lasts quite a while. The e-ink makes it look like a normal book.
Overall, I'm very happy with it, but there are some things I don't like. It can be slow - sometimes when I make a highlight or note it takes a minute or so to save before I can turn the page. Organising your books can also be a pain, and even though it's sorted into folders/collections on the Kindle, the files are all just loose when you view it on your PC via USB.
I buy books on Amazon, but not very often. The prices vary, but I think Crusader has done comparisons that can better help you decide which e-reader will be more cost-effective when buying books.
I'd buy a Kindle again; I'm actually thinking of upgrading to the Paperwhite, which gives you page numbers to match print copies. It also lights up the whole screen if you want to read in the dark. Just not sure about it's keyboard options, and since my current Kindle is still serviceable I figure I can save my money for now.
Mod
The major thing to do is to compare the prices of ebooks on any devices you are considering. Take a bundle of 10 or so books and see how their prices compare.
How is shopping on the Kobo and Sony Crusader?Browsing Amazon's eBook store on the Kindle is actually terrible unless you're looking for something specific. Buying a book is very easy - you just click buy, no need to enter credit card details - but if you're randomly looking for something to read it's better to do it on your PC.
Mod
Browsing is pretty easy and they've got a huge selection. Their prices are in ZAR (local currencies). The search function can be a bit finicky, but normally if you search for things in quotes it works out. You can store your credit card details so you don't have to enter it each time.
I haven't used a Kobo reader, but I think they have the same functions as the Amazon shop on the device itself, where you can browse and buy directly.
I've played with the Kobo app on my tablet and that seems to deliver any books you've purchased to the device like Amazon does when it's connected via Wifi.
To get books to my Sony reader I just transfer using a USB cable.
With Kindle you can also transfer files via USB cable. You can also add music and other audio files, but I don't use that feature.What I don't like about browsing on the Kindle is the clicking back and forth to read plot summaries and other little annoyances. But it's fine when I know what I want. I use Goodreads and blogs to get recs anyway. Amazon's recommendation feature sucks.
On another note - the Kindle reads several kinds of files: azw (Amazon's), prc (I've gotten a few review copies with this extension), mobi (you'll see this a lot, especially with free books), txt, and pdf. Pdf isn't great though - I'd suggest downloading the program Calibre to convert pdf to mobi.
Mod
PDFs aren't really an ebook format, even when run through Calibre you'll get formatting issues (i.e. page numbers in the text, titles etc.).
The Sony also supports audio but it's not something I've ever used.
Where will you be buying your ebooks, Barbara? Find that out first and work from there.I think Kobo has a Netherlands store, so they'll have Dutch books too and mostly I find Kobo has very competitive prices.
Amazon has a bigger selection of English ebooks, but lately they seem more expensive (at least for the books I read).
The Kindle 4 (non-touch) - only worry here is the reduced battery life if you ask me.
Kindle Paperwhite / Kobo Glo - I've used both of these and I cannot see any lack or flaw that would make me pick one device over the other.
Crusader wrote: "you should also look at the Kobo Mini (if you can get one from the UK they seem to be half-priced over there)."The Kobo Mini's are half-priced in the Netherlands too. :)
Mod
Where did you see that? I tweeted with someone in the UK and they are going for around £25 over there. If it's the same in the Netherlands then that could be a cheapish option.
Although for more extensive reading the larger 6" screens would definitely be preferable.
Edit:
Ah, I see some online sites have them for € 39,95
Mod
Thanks for all the advice. I will certainly use it. I will go and compare prices and figure out how I am going to buy books.
Mod
If reading is your only goal then an eInk reader is far superior (lighter, cheaper, longer battery life).
Mod
I read on my iPad that can have both a Kobo and Kindle app and I LOVE it!
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Thanks for all your help!
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Thanks for all your help!"
Nice! Could I ask why you opted for the Paperwhite instead of the Kobo Glo?
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That's good. Hope it works out for you.
This is more relevant to South Africans and highly skewed to SFF readers, but I just posted an ebook price comparison comparing Kobo, Amazon, Kalahari and Exclusives.
Kobo wins by a very large margin and it's silly how expensive our local stores are in comparison. O.O
Mod
And then I thought I would go home and have a very relaxing evening. But when I got home I saw I had missed the delivery guy and he took my kindle away with him and didn't leave it with my neighbours. :( Now I have to wait till tomorrow when he will try to give it to me at work.
Mod
And then I thought I would go home and have a very relaxing evening. But when I got home I saw I had missed the deliver..."
Oh no! I hope you get it tomorrow :)
Crusader wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Based on the kind of books I want to buy and what they cost. Also I kind of had my heart set on a kindle so I was a bit predisposed to buying one."
That's good. Hope it works out f..."
Kalahari and EB can be really expensive :)
Mod
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It's just insane especially when you take into account that they don't really add any value. In fact it seems you are only allowed to download your purchase 3 times, not like the unlimited downloads Kobo and Amazon offers.
Let us know what you think of the Kindle when you get it Barbara. Would be very interested in hearing your impressions.
Mod
It's a no-brainer. Don't buy a specific e-reader. Invest in an iPad or similar, and you can download all the free Apps which will enable you to download books from who-ever and get what you want, wherever you want.And do a lot of other stuff as well.
Leon wrote: "It's a no-brainer. Don't buy a specific e-reader. Invest in an iPad or similar, and you can download all the free Apps which will enable you to download books from who-ever and get what you want, w..."I disagree. I wanted a specific e-reader because
a) I didn't want to pay for loads of different functions when I just wanted an e-reader
b) Dedicated e-readers like the Kindle have e-ink, which doesn't strain your eyes like the backlit display of an iPad or similar tablet.
c) Without all those other functions, the battery lasts longer.
Mod
* Easier on the eyes
* Much lighter
* Better battery life. Tablet needs to be charged almost daily
* More comfortable to hold
I definitely prefer my ereader over my tablet for reading. The tablet gets too warm while holding it in hand and is heavier.
Ah, yes, it's less comfortable to curl up with a tablet.Also forgot about reading in the sun or simply outside in good light - the backlight prevents that and anyway a tablet would heat up much faster, and probably be damaged more easily.
Mod
But yea in the sun and so on, not the best idea!
My cat always tries to chew my laptop and my Kindle; it's better if I can move it out of her way! Also I don't always read in a place/position that allows me to prop the reader against a pillow, and I usually fall asleep when I do that anyway :)
Mod
The only huge advantage a tablet has over an ereader is that you can have apps from multiple stores installed on them. Of course if you are able to remove DRM and convert different file formats for your ereader that doesn't matter too much.
I have a Sony E Ink, a Nook Color which sometimes doubles as a tablet and a Samsung Galaxy Note . (sadly Nook and Sony are not available here)However I prefer the Sony because it is a dedicated reader and the battery life is really good (charged once in 2 weeks with at least 2-3hrs reading daily.
Then comes the nook which although has the functions of a tablet - I use solely for reading.
The Samsung I don't use at all for reading,
So I would say - If you're looking for a dedicated reader then choose one that would serve that purpose and not settle for a tablet simply because you can 'do more' with it.
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My cats do the same I have several books with puncture holes from when Bastet was a kitten and had very sharp teeth and I have managed to persuade hernot to bite anymore but she still rubs her head against books and now my kindle. I am constantly removing hair from my candle.
I have twin dents on each top corner of my laptop from Maia, *sigh*. I don't read many print books so those have mostly been safe from her at least.
Crusader wrote: "Which Sony do you have Sheetal? I have the T-1 which I had imported when Takealot used to allow that. Was right around the time they went on special in the US."I have the Sony PRS 600 as well as the PRS T2 - I know the PRS T3 just came out if you're looking.
Mod
At least they're twin dents so you could just say it is part of the design.
Thanks for the help!