Anyone using an e-reader?

Construct · « **Reply #20 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 05:08 pm »

Quote from: ctviggen on 2 Aug 2010, 04:57 pm

Which would be what? Aren't they all relatively closed? That is, if I want to buy an electronic book from Amazon, don't I have to buy a Kindle?

Nook vs kindle side by side: Updated 2010:http://ireaderreview.com/2010/04/24/kindle-vs-nook-review-2010/

turkey · « **Reply #21 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 05:31 pm »

Quote from: ctviggen on 2 Aug 2010, 04:57 pm

Which would be what? Aren't they all relatively closed? That is, if I want to buy an electronic book from Amazon, don't I have to buy a Kindle?

I wouldn't buy ebooks from Amazon either...

Construct · « **Reply #22 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 05:35 pm »

Quote from: turkey on 2 Aug 2010, 05:31 pm

I wouldn't buy ebooks from Amazon either...

There is only so much cyber rebellion/outrage that is practical. Would the ideal device be an open source reader that was able to read all known formats and download from non chain mom and pop stores?

turkey · « **Reply #23 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 05:35 pm »

Quote from: Construct on 2 Aug 2010, 05:08 pm

Nook vs kindle side by side: Updated 2010:http://ireaderreview.com/2010/04/24/kindle-vs-nook-review-2010/

It certainly looks like the Nook is a better device than the Kindle.

turkey · « **Reply #24 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 05:41 pm »

Quote from: Construct on 2 Aug 2010, 05:35 pm

There is only so much cyber rebellion/outrage that is practical. Would the ideal device be an open source reader that was able to read all known formats and download from non chain mom and pop stores?

It would be very nice to have a open source reader with all open source software (like my netbook running Ubuntu). As for formats, I'm only interested in those that aren't tied to any one device or store. (The Jet Book is fine in terms of the formats it handles.)

Construct · « **Reply #25 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 05:44 pm »

Quote from: turkey on 2 Aug 2010, 05:41 pm

It would be very nice to have a open source reader with all open source software (like my netbook running Ubuntu). As for formats, I'm only interested in those that aren't tied to any one device or store. (The Jet Book is fine in terms of the formats it handles.)

The jetbook looked pretty good, the "lite" has a 5" screen, which is smaller than I'd like. I am holding off a little more, I have a feeling that Christmas time will reveal some kind of linux or android table that will balance low cost with usefulness. I like the idea of a bigger screen, but like you mentioned, I don't want to be caged into "You must buy only this format" nonsense.

turkey · « **Reply #26 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 05:51 pm »

Quote from: Construct on 2 Aug 2010, 05:44 pm

The jetbook looked pretty good, the "lite" has a 5" screen, which is smaller than I'd like. I am

The 5" screen is actually a good size for me. It's large enough that you're not constantly turning pages, but not so large as to be awkward. I'm easily able to hold and operate my JBL with one hand, so I can even read while I'm having lunch.

I'm not sure that a 6" screen would really be better for my usage. It would probably look better when viewing pdfs with graphics, or photos, but that isn't what I have an e-book reader for. (I'll use my netbook for that kind of thing.)

Dan Driscoll · « **Reply #27 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 05:54 pm »

Quote from: turkey on 2 Aug 2010, 04:12 pm

I really don't see that the Jet Book has a problem with the speed of page turns. As for them not showing enough text, how much can you read at once? Also, even with a paperback book, you have to shift the book to read one page and then the next.

JetBook does turn pages at a decent speed, probably because it's an LCD screen, which is the drawback, IMO. For long term reading eInk is far superior, IMO.

On every reader I've looked at the screen is too small. A single paperback page shows more text and a hardcover shows 3-4 times as much. And with a real book you are viewing 2 pages at a time, so you get anywhere from 2-8 times as much text in a single view than you do with any e-reader, except possibly the Kindle DX, which I haven't seen.

Construct · « **Reply #28 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 06:04 pm »

Quote from: Dan Driscoll on 2 Aug 2010, 05:54 pm

On every reader I've looked at the screen is too small. A single paperback page shows more text and a hardcover shows 3-4 times as much. And with a real book you are viewing 2 pages at a time, so you get anywhere from 2-8 times as much text in a single view than you do with any e-reader, except possibly the Kindle DX, which I haven't seen.

Makes sense. I mean my iphone 4 has crystal clear text, but 1) The display is too small and 2) Too reflective for long term viewing. I have to use a standard paperback book as a metric. The dimension of the page. An 8" display would probably be just right.

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #29 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 06:58 pm »

Quote from: ctviggen on 2 Aug 2010, 04:57 pm

Which would be what? Aren't they all relatively closed? That is, if I want to buy an electronic book from Amazon, don't I have to buy a Kindle?

Well, the Ipad can read em all, but that's off e table for Construct. In fact, I can read any formats I want, basically, with the iPad, given The program I mentioned, Readdle. You may have to do some conversion here or there, but it's doable with the Ipad.

davidrs · « **Reply #30 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 07:18 pm »

Still using a Gen One Kindle from way back when. It has been bomb proof.

For my eyes, eInk is the way to go for reading for any time period, but especially longer times. Much much less eye strain. I personally would forgo a color screen for my laptop and live with an eInk screen.

All of you know how it is -- The way our economies and business models are set up and operate, plus the buying behaviour of consumers, the oh so slow trickle of enhanced features, format and software incompatibilities, fiefdoms, obsolesence, etc. etc. etc. is here to stay.

The $139 or $189 price for the Kindle 3 versions, and the similar price ranges for the other brands, make the decision a simple one - just treat yourself and get one. Once you make the switch, you will be on your way.

I am considering the DX primarily because of the content I read - lots of graphs and illustrations, so the larger version makes that easier. Still buy printed books, for the previous reason (graphs), and when the pricing is lower than than the digital version or a digital version is not available.

- Davd.

Construct · « **Reply #31 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 07:20 pm »

Quote from: davidrs on 2 Aug 2010, 07:18 pm

Still using a Gen One Kindle from way back when. It has been bomb proof.

For my eyes, eInk is the way to go for reading for any time period, but especially longer times. Much much less eye strain. I personally would forgo a color screen for my laptop and live with an eInk screen.

All of you know how it is -- The way our economies and business models are set up and operate, plus the buying behaviour of consumers, the oh so slow trickle of enhanced features, format and software incompatibilities, fiefdoms, obsolesence, etc. etc. etc. is here to stay.

The $139 or $189 price for the Kindle 3 versions, and the similar price ranges for the other brands, make the decision a simple one - just treat yourself and get one. Once you make the switch, you will be on your way.

I am considering the DX primarily because of the content I read - lots of graphs and illustrations, so the larger version makes that easier. Still buy printed books, for the previous reason (graphs), and when the pricing is lower than than the digital version or a digital version is not available.

- Davd.

The kindle wifi ($139) is sold out...

only accepting pre-orders now.

TONEPUB · « **Reply #32 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 07:26 pm »

Had a Kindle and it was great for reading books, especially outside, but I read a lot of magazines, so the ipad has been awesome.

Construct · « **Reply #33 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 08:02 pm »

I am going to try the new nook wifi and maybe an ipad this thursday. I also have to consider the weight factor. The ipad would get heavy after an hour or two, and the power drain would be much higher. I did read that the ipad has a class action suit against it... apparently some users that bought it for e-reader use said it shuts down in direct sunlight after a short time.

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #34 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 08:06 pm »

The iPad IS heavy, and the battery life is good but not jaw dropping. Everything has its share of compromises. I don't life the iPad up, I leave it resting on something. I also don't read in direct sunlight. Make sure you try the iPad with kindle and nook applications in addition to iBooks. The iBooks selection is pitifully small.

Construct · « **Reply #35 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 08:09 pm »

Quote from: ooheadsoo on 2 Aug 2010, 08:06 pm

Make sure you try the iPad with kindle and nook applications in addition to iBooks. The iBooks selection is pitifully small.

I heard it just started with a few thousand titles, vs 1 million for the nook and 630K for the kindle. Another lawsuit: Apparently Apple and Amazon are being looked at for favored book deals.

davidrs · « **Reply #36 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 08:14 pm »

"The kindle wifi ($139) is sold out... only accepting pre-orders now."

Hi Construct,

And so is the 3G 6" version.

Bottom line, if you see Amazon replenish their inventory, jump in and place the order. This pattern has played out with every launch of the Kindle.

I think, even if you had gotten in line early, you had to wait until the end of Aug for the newest versions to ship.

If you are going the 3rd gen route, Amazon has been pretty good in the past of getting its inventory back up to speed. Unless, there was an absolute rush on the pre-orders. In a way, the marketplace is telling you that both versions are a good investment.

Are you looking for something right now? If so, and you are cool with a 2nd Gen Kindle, there will be a lot offered up for sale due to the latest version being available. If so, sign up for notifications. The used Kindle products generally move fast and I would imagine they will have to come in at around or under $139. Also know, that Amazon, in order to protect their investment in the Kindle, has outsize fees for re-selling on Amazon. So the seller is not making a lot on the Kindle. Refurb units are usually a good option since they carry a decent warranty, reseller warranty is more limited. Good plus on the 2nd gen is that it is 3G.

You can always put the pre order in and cancel later, should you change your mind. Will at least get you in the que.

- David.

Construct · « **Reply #37 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 08:21 pm »

Quote from: davidrs on 2 Aug 2010, 08:14 pm

"The kindle wifi ($139) is sold out... only accepting pre-orders now."

Hi Construct,

And so is the 3G 6" version.

Bottom line, if you see Amazon replenish their inventory, jump in and place the order. This pattern has played out with every launch of the Kindle.

I think, even if you had gotten in line early, you had to wait until the end of Aug for the newest versions to ship.

If you are going the 3rd gen route, Amazon has been pretty good in the past of getting its inventory back up to speed. Unless, there was an absolute rush on the pre-orders. In a way, the marketplace is telling you that both versions are a good investment.

Are you looking for something right now? If so, and you are cool with a 2nd Gen Kindle, there will be a lot offered up for sale due to the latest version being available. If so, sign up for notifications. The used Kindle products generally move fast and I would imagine they will have to come in at around or under $139. Also know, that Amazon, in order to protect their investment in the Kindle, has outsize fees for re-selling on Amazon. So the seller is not making a lot on the Kindle. Refurb units are usually a good option since they carry a decent warranty, reseller warranty is more limited. Good plus on the 2nd gen is that it is 3G.

You can always put the pre order in and cancel later, should you change your mind. Will at least get you in the que.

- David.

The kindle wifi is a very attractive device, and thusfar has a better track record than the nook. I really like the battery life and keypad features. I know the battle is on fire, since the prices came down to earth. If anything---I have to use the nook to gauge a 6" screen's readability. And due to cost, weight and sunlight limitations- the ipad doesn't seem practical for me.

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #38 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 08:32 pm »

Maybe it's where I live (los Angeles) but I'm glad i don't deal with reading in the sun. I would just avoid it, e ink, LCD, or paper. Sincere question: do you guys Really read in the sun a lot?

the iPad is more, but you do get more for your money. Ive been able to post all of these msgs from my iPad.

turkey · « **Reply #39 on:** 2 Aug 2010, 08:37 pm »

Quote from: Dan Driscoll on 2 Aug 2010, 05:54 pm

JetBook does turn pages at a decent speed, probably because it's an LCD screen, which is the drawback, IMO. For long term reading eInk is far superior, IMO.

I can read for long periods of time with no problem with my JBL.

Quote

On every reader I've looked at the screen is too small. A single paperback page shows more text and a hardcover shows 3-4 times as much. And with a real book you are viewing 2 pages at a time, so you get anywhere from 2-8 times as much text in a single view than you do with any e-reader, except possibly the Kindle DX, which I haven't seen.

I only look at one page at a time, and then only one line of the page at a time.

I just don't see your point.