eReader discussion
Are eReaders Useful?
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I have a Sony 505 and it has been the best device I've ever owned. I know that electronic readers are not for everyone but this is the perfect device for me. My reading tastes are wide ranging so I can always find something to read. I have found many free books (not just classics) and use ebooks through my public library as well. Also very useful when vacationing and not having to bring a small carry-on filled with paper books.
Hi,I have an ebookwise reader and like it. It is much more affordable at 124.00. The only downside is you can not read PDF files on it. Other than that, it is a great reader. There is a website to check it out at www.ebookwise.com.
I've been quietly lurking in this an other e-reader forums for the same reason Mike joined. I'm not an owner of one yet because I'm still waiting for the magical one that has all the features I want.While I never see myself getting away from paper bricks, I do see a use for e-readers and will eventually buy one.
I just read an article concerning the Kindle that is interesting with concern to who really owns the content you purchase: http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/17/am...
I don't post this as a deterrent to Kindle but rather just an aspect of the technology to consider when shopping for an e-reader. It's certainly not something I had considered prior to reading the article but one I certainly will as I continue shopping.
Hi, all! Thank you very much for your comments. I received the Kindle DX on Friday and I have begun reading with it. It seems to work well and so many of the classics are either free or very inexpensive. Also, the dictionary feature is nice - if you don't know a word you can get its meaning just by pointing at it. However, I am still getting used to reading with the Kindle. It's different than books, obviously. If I get used to it, I'll probably keep it, but if I can't I may return it.
Glad you found a device that may work for your needs. Enjoy your many hours of happy reading.
Hi, once again! I traded in my Kindle DX. I couldn't get used to reading with it, mainly because of its large size, I believe. So, I got the Kindle 2, which is smaller and closer to the size of most books. So far, so good with it.
I'm in love with my Kindle. I have a Kindle 1 and have been ecstatic about it. (I think the DX has ulterior motives better suited for textbooks, magazines and newspapers rather than everyday reading.) I did a TON of research on eReaders before buying one and I just find that the wireless component of the Kindle trumped any other feature. The thing that worries me about the future of eReaders is that everyone seems to want to turn them into multi-use devices that have color, touchscreens, backlight, video, etc., etc. all of which will suck the life out of the batteries! I love that I get 5-7 days of reading in before needing a battery charge. I mean, honestly, when was the last time your smartphone/PDA lasted more than 2 days? Frankly, I don't expect my paperback novels to support a multitude of uses so I honestly don't want my eBook to have multiple uses either, and don't understand why anyone else would either. I think it's enough that eReader technology has been licensed to smartphones/PDAs and would be happy if that was the end of it. So, the upshot of this is, that I hope my Kindle 1 lasts a really long time because I don't plan on upgrading to something with less than 5 days of battery life.
I really just want to get an affordable ebook reader that will read PDF files and will be compatible with Mac OS. I've been keeping my eyes & ears open on all ebook reader info but it's been a mixed bag of opinions. Not to mention that for the most part...all the ebook readers are still ridiculously expensive and limited to particular formats. I just want someone out there to come up with a simple PDF reading device with a reasonable price tag...Anyone here have anything to add???
Most of the readers out there can now handle PDFs (expect the Kindle 1 and 2 which need conversion by Amazon). Make sure you understand that PDF is not the most ideal ebook format as typically a PDF page is formatted for a 8 1/2 x 11 page and this does not translate well to a 5" or 6" screen, which most readers are. The newer readers should all have pdf reflow which helps with fixed page PDFs but only those PDFs that are text based and do not have a lot of pictures/charts/graphs.You may want to look at the new crop of 5" devices: Sony 300, Cybook Opus, Pocketbook 360, Astak Pocket Pro. These can be had for between $199 for Astak and Sony to $240 or $250 for Opus and Pocketbook. All of these devices support DRM and non-DRM PDF and should reflow text based PDFs.
If you are looking for specific information or user's reviews on various devices visit mobileread.com.
Thanks for the info...I'll have to look into which ones definitely have pdf reflow on it...but you've definitely pointed me in the right direction.
There's a new kid on the block in this category. Barnes & Noble will be launching the "nook" sometime at the end of this month. They have in-store demos right now and this looks like it will be a winner. It allows for native PDF usage (unlike Kindle where you have to download a free conversion program and convert PDFs yourself -- not hard but some folks can't be bothered) it has a touchscreen, free wireless download (via AT&T's 3G network....check coverage maps in your area before purchasing), and the very neat feature of being able to lend ebooks to friends for 14 days before they expire. At $259 is is the reason that Amazon all of a sudden lowered the price on their Kindle....
Anna -- just fyi - honestly any ebook can read PDFs it's just that some can read a native PDF file that you can import directly and others need converting. There is a lot of freeware available out there to convert PDFs to Kindle or whatever ebook format you need/want to use. I read PDFs on my Kindle all the time through a freeware program called Auto Kindle and it works fine. Yes the devices could be considered pricey but the books are cheaper and the availability of free books through Google or Feedbooks.com is astounding -- so in the long run they're cheaper than paper/traditional reading materials.
Thanks for the info Cheryl...I'm totally clueless when it comes to tech stuff so I've been trying to find out as much as I can before investing in a reader...I badly need one though since I read mainly ebooks...and I miss being able to curl up and read...right now I'm using my macbook and there's no way to curl up with that...as much as I'd like to...
Anna wrote: "Thanks for the info Cheryl...I'm totally clueless when it comes to tech stuff so I've been trying to find out as much as I can before investing in a reader...I badly need one though since I read ma..."I can't live without the wireless feature so that automatically eliminated Sony. If you're worried about costs - shop around for a used Kindle 1 - I even think you can get them through Amazon. I've had mine for over a year and never had a single problem with it. I even bought an extra battery just in case and have never needed it. I just followed ALL of the instructions regarding charging that came with my Kindle 1 and not a single problem. The Nook has the lending feature (lend books to people w/PCs, other Nooks, or Smartphones) plus the SD card neither of which Kindle 2 offers. Both B&N and Amazon provide storage on their servers for ebooks purchased from them -- which with a 1500 book capacity most people don't need BUT I've found that too many books can slow the device response down. SO, while most people would never need the SD card feature for extra storage space I use it to keep MY books (the PDFs and free classics) that I don't download to the Amazon server. And honestly, the PDF converter for Kindle is sooooo easy that if you decide to go that way here's the link to the download. http://download.cnet.com/Auto-Kindle-... And, both B&N and Amazon have a PC/desktop and Smartphone interface that you can use as well. Happy shopping and if you need more help ping me back!
What about Mac OS compatibility? I buy a lot of my books from other publisher's websites...can I just drag & drop the books through a USB connection? I'm not really concerned about the wireless feature since I always download my books to my macbook...I'll be pretty comfortable if I can transfer my books to the unit to read. I don't like the sharing aspect of the Nook at all.
Cheryl wrote: "honestly any ebook can read PDFs it's just that some can read a native PDF file that you can import directly and others need converting."While this is true, non-PDF ebooks work better on most readers (as was mentioned above). They allow for far more flexibility in font type and size, bookmarking and highlighting, and many other functions.
As one of my tech friends likes to say, "PDFs are where data goes to die".
Anna wrote: "I really just want to get an affordable ebook reader that will read PDF files and will be compatible with Mac OS. I've been keeping my eyes & ears open on all ebook reader info but it's been a mixe..."Well if you don't need the wireless function and don't lend your books to friends then it seems kind of pointless to go Kindle or Nook. I'm not so sure if the issue is really Mac compatibility to the device but more an issue of ebook format compatibility. But, if you're just using PDF files. Generally .Mobi is the sort of de facto ebook format standard... sort of. The Kindle converter just converts the PDF to a .Mobi file and other free .Mobi file converters are easily available online (MobiPocket Creator is one) for a variety of PC operating systems. I believe that Sony announced some sort of Mac compatibility in August in combination with their new wireless eReader. I think that compatibility is based on Sony providing the eBooks themselves in a MAC format -- not PDF or .Mobi or other eBook formats: http://www.teleread.org/2009/08/25/so... here is the press release so maybe you can figure out whether this feature will work for you or not. Just make sure you distinguish between hardware device compatibility versus software book compatibility. I admit I really don't completely understand the Mac compatibility issue in your case because it sounds like you just want to be able to download a book to your eReader. Of course, if you used the free wireless service of the Nook or the Kindle then Mac compatibility wouldn't be an issue unless you want your books in both places in which case, both devices allow you to download a book to at least 2 different platforms. So I guess you're going to have to just keep digging and maybe go to some stores (Sony and Noook) and ask the sales people questions and call Amazon customer service and talk to someone there as well to find the best solution.
Hey Cheryl, I keep finding the term DRM free ??? or DRM again ??? I don't get what that's all about...
What I'm really sure about is that I don't want anything from Sony...so that's one brand that's out of the game...I'm from Canada and I believe that pretty much excludes the Kindle as well (Although I just saw today that Amazon Canada is now shipping Kindle units to Canada...don't know what that's all about)...but suppose I did get a Kindle unit...here's my question to you...I buy all my ebooks from Fictionwise, Bookstrand, Loose Id, Changeling Press, EC and various other smal publishers; does that mean that if I had a Kindle I wouldn't be able to transfer my .pdf files into the reader? Does Amazon have access to my books even though I didn't purchase them from their store? or is it even possible to load the Kindle with non-Kindle books? aargh!!! so freakin' confusing!
I read about several different devices, from all the various forum discussions as well as researching online...there were two products that really caught my eye since they seem to be supporting PDF documents pretty well. The Foxit eSlick and the Astak Pocket Pro EZ reader; however, I've also read that the Foxit has piss poor customer support and is already struggling to provide good feedback in regards to any issues that may be arising with the units. On the other hand, Astak seems to be doing really well with customer support. The Cybook Opus was another one mentioned...but apparently it has a major habit of freezing which is a total No-No in my book.
I really would prefer not to have to deal with re-formatting all my books since I have over a thousand and growing ebook library. I also don't want to have to pay an arm and a leg for the device. So there you go...I apologize for the excessive length of the post but I really need the help.
Anna wrote: "Hey Cheryl, I keep finding the term DRM free ??? or DRM again ??? I don't get what that's all about...
What I'm really sure about is that I don't want anything from Sony...so that's one brand tha..."
I'm really only familiar with Kindle, Sony and now the new B&N Nook. DRM stands for Digital Rights Management and it is basically electronic copy protection. Amazon Kindle came out with an international version that works anywhere, but it's new so unless you find a refurbished one you're going to pay the $259 charge. As I mentioned in several previous posts, with Kindle for right now, you have to convert PDF files. But if you're smart enough to use GoodReads and download books to your PC you're smart enough to convert a PDF using one of the free downloadable file conversion programs that turn a PDF file into a .MOBI file which is compatible on a Kindle. Technologically, any device with wireless capability is accessible by the provider of the wireless service (even your cell phone) -- they are 2-way devices -- so is PC when it's hooked up to the internet. So it is technologically possible for Amazon (through the wireless carrier) to have access to any non-Amazon books on the Kindle, just like it is possible for T-Mobile to access any files on your cell phone and your ISP to get into your PC if you're connected to the internet. Does anyone bother doing it? Probably not unless you're a terrorist and your government authorizes someone to do it. The wireless eReaders (Kindle, Nook and now new Sony) all have the option for you to download files to your PC and then move stuff from the PC to the eReader using the USB cable. The wireless function has an off switch. You have now exhausted my knowledge of eReaders :-). Good luck with your search. I hope you find something that fits you perfectly!
Cheryl, you've been such a great help! I think I'm pretty close to making a decision. I am liking a lot of the features on the Kindle II, it also helps that it's quite snazzy looking :) Thank you for patiently taking the time and addressing my questions and concerns. YOU ROCK!!! One last question for you, what program would you recommend for converting .pdf to .mobi files?
Hope to hear from you soon. :)
Mobireader does a decent job of converting PDFs to its native format. It's just drag and drop -- I drag the PDF to it and it starts the conversion process.And calibre can convert almost any ebook format to almost any other!
Both are free, but I'm not sure about Mac compatibility.
Thanks Rivka...I'll head on over and google the info
I know Calibre works on Mac. I have no experience with Mobireader.
mobireader doesn't work on mac...I checked a little while ago...Does Calibre function the same way? you drag the file and it automatically does the conversion for you?
Looks like you have to browse files instead.
Anna wrote: "Cheryl, you've been such a great help! I think I'm pretty close to making a decision. I am liking a lot of the features on the Kindle II, it also helps that it's quite snazzy looking :) Thank you f..."Oh dear ... looks like MobiReader might not work on Mac. But I use MobiPocket Creator which might not be available for MAC and I use AutoKindle both of which look like they don't work on MAC... so sorry!!! If I find a cool PDF converter I'll let you know!
Found one "If you are on a Mac, Stanza makes the process even easier. Simply find your file in the database and choose the Export Book As option. You will see that Amazon Kindle is one of the conversion choices." -- Stanza is available at www.lexcycle.com
Cheryl, you are my ereader Goddess! Thanks very much. I'm going to copy this info and save it so that I can use it once I get my reader.
Hi all, new here. I'm Kim, busy mum of 1 and have a Sony PRS300 and love it (don't have room for lots of physical books now so is ideal).Hoping you guys can point me to some sites to get new books, I'm struggling as all the sites I have found seam to be american and you can't buy from them if you reside in the UK, any advise?
i also have a sony PRS300 its pink. my husband bought for me. it was a surprise he knows how much i like to read
I'm trying to decide between the Kindle 2, the Nook and the Kobe ereader. I am waiting to see what Borders comes up with for their eBook store. Right now I'm leaning towards the Kindle 2 but I just can't decide!
Go Kindle. You will not regret it. The Kindle is lighter, faster, and way cooler than all the others. Consumer Reports tested it against a whole load of ereaders (including the Nook and Sony), and it came out way ahead.
I agree, go Kindle. I bought a first generation used (the guy bought the new one for his wife) and I love it.I thought I would enjoy reading newspapers on it but I don't. So I stick to books and it is fun. Kindle lowered their price to 189 and I am really contemplating another
one, newer generation. Go Kindle.
I totally am in love with my sony e-reader. Best present my husband ever got me!
That is a great idea. Some of my local restaurants have their menus online as a PDF. Never thought to transfer it to the Kindle, though. OpenOffice will create pdfs of any document, which could make some of the transfers easier.
I love the directions idea. The text would be big enough to read, rather than itty bitty like on my "Crackberry."
Thanks!
It pushed me over the edge into buying the DX graphite. Well that and the ME WANT factor.
Thanks for your comments!