EBook Reader recommendations

[AnnieP]

I thought as many of you will be very computer literate, and possibly like to have the latest technology..... (if you are like me :D )...

So my question is -

Can anyone recommend a good EBook reader?

I am after one soon. I have heard good things from my UK friends about Amazon's Kindle. Anyone have any experience of this or any other types?

Thanks

Annie

[soulman]

I've also heard good things about the Kindle. A mate got one for Christmas and loves it. Not sure if it falls within what you're looking for, but I've been reading books on an iPad recently and finding it excellent. Not quite as good as a Kindle for reading, being heavier, but the upside is you can do much more than read books on an iPad too.

[ricktas]

The iPad can also have the Kindle App loaded and you can buy from Amazon rather than from the Apple Store

[AnnieP]

The iPad can also have the Kindle App loaded and you can buy from Amazon rather than from the Apple Store

As much as I would love an iPad, I have been advised that the backlighting can really strain your eyes when reading for anylength of time. And because of this and $$$ I am not considering an iPad for now.

I do like the sound of the Sony Ereaders - particuarly the fact that they are touch screen (I've had an iPhone for too long - and love touch screens). Where as I believe the Kindle still has a small exturnal keyboard.

.... so much to consider.

[bobt]

As much as I would love an iPad, I have been advised that the backlighting can really strain your eyes when reading for anylength of time. And because of this and $$$ I am not considering an iPad for now.


My wife was on exactly the same path, and our daughter bought a Kindle. My wife bought the ipad and loaded the Kindle app. She has absolutely no problem with the Ipad as a reader, and it does so many other things as well.

A book reader is a one act toy - it does nothing but read books, and so if you would use the other things that an Ipad has you will still need another toy for other purposes.

It's a no brainer to me ... instead of having multiple gadgets, get a multi-purpose one that does lots of things. having seen the daughter's Kindle and the Ipad I wouldn't dream of just buying a Kindle.

The only benefit of a Kindle is size ... but the Ipad isn't exactly huge.

[ricktas]

As much as I would love an iPad, I have been advised that the backlighting can really strain your eyes when reading for anylength of time. And because of this and $$$ I am not considering an iPad for now.

I do like the sound of the Sony Ereaders - particuarly the fact that they are touch screen (I've had an iPhone for too long - and love touch screens). Where as I believe the Kindle still has a small exturnal keyboard.

.... so much to consider.

The iPad reader apps have a slider to adjust the strength of the screen brightness etc. I have found turning it down makes it very easy to read

[ricktas]

As much as I would love an iPad, I have been advised that the backlighting can really strain your eyes when reading for anylength of time. And because of this and $$$ I am not considering an iPad for now.

I do like the sound of the Sony Ereaders - particuarly the fact that they are touch screen (I've had an iPhone for too long - and love touch screens). Where as I believe the Kindle still has a small exturnal keyboard.

.... so much to consider.

The iPad reader apps have a slider to adjust the strength of the screen brightness etc. I have found turning it down makes it very easy to read

[Boofhead]

I have a kindle and an iPad. The kindle is a lot better if you only want to read as the screen is a lot more like paper than the iPads screen and can be read in full sun and any other lit conditions. I have a book light that I use at night and that works quite well as well.

The iPad is excellent as an all round device. I subscribe to a few magazines on the iPad which get delivered automatically and quite a saving over newsagency prices. Being full colour makes all the difference with magazines. News content is great on the iPad as well.

Hope this helps :o

[soulman]

I have been advised that the backlighting can really strain your eyes when reading for any length of time.You can adjust the screen brightness. Also, reading on an iPad is the same as reading on a good computer screen which is something thousands of people do without eye strain. I've never found it a problem, though I should add that I spend a lot of time looking at a computer screen too. Kindles are really hard to read in bright or dim light because they're not backlit. Like Bob, I couldn't really see myself buying something so specialised in this day & age. If you're concerned about iPad costs, keep an eye on the AppleStore online for refurbished machines. I got a 16GB iPad 1 for about $400 just after the second one came out. For that price, they're hard to ignore.

[Jules]

I have a Kindle and I love it. I spend all day staring at a computer screen at work, so the non-illuminated screen of the Kindle really suits me. It's very easy to setup and use, and buying books from Amazon is a breeze. It also has excellent battery life - I charge it once a month (and I read a lot). The iPad can't even come close to that sort of battery life.

[AnnieP]

I have a kindle and an iPad. The kindle is a lot better if you only want to read as the screen is a lot more like paper than the iPads screen and can be read in full sun and any other lit conditions. I have a book light that I use at night and that works quite well as well.

The iPad is excellent as an all round device. I subscribe to a few magazines on the iPad which get delivered automatically and quite a saving over newsagency prices. Being full colour makes all the difference with magazines. News content is great on the iPad as well.

Hope this helps :o

Andrew... I think you and the others on here are going to cost me $$$$. I mainly read in bed at night, can you turn the backlighting down enough on the iPad so it's not illuminating the room like Blackpool illuminations? Other wise Mr P gets grumpy!

Also do you subscribe to any photographic mags on it .... I am getting excited now..... but who's going to tell Mr P that My birthday pressie has just increased substantially from a couple of hundred $$? :eek:


Also

[AnnieP]

I have a Kindle and I love it. I spend all day staring at a computer screen at work, so the non-illuminated screen of the Kindle really suits me. It's very easy to setup and use, and buying books from Amazon is a breeze. It also has excellent battery life - I charge it once a month (and I read a lot). The iPad can't even come close to that sort of battery life.

Jules trust you to throw a spanner in the works! ;) I am even more undecided!

maybe I should get a kindle for birthday and an iPad from Santa....

Perhaps I should start a pole?!

[bobt]

I mainly read in bed at night, can you turn the backlighting down enough on the iPad so it's not illuminating the room like Blackpool illuminations? Other wise Mr P gets grumpy!

This is where marketing comes in ..... if you explain to Mr P how alluring a scantily clad wife can look by the light of an Ipad, then I'm sure he'll come around. :D


Perhaps I should start a pole?!

If you're going to start pole dancing as well you'll *never* get anything read !! Oh ...... you meant "poll" :o:o

[CherylB]

+1 for iPad! :th3: Mine arrived today and I haven't figured out how much of anything works .... but I have downloaded four different book reader apps! One thing nobody seems to have mentioned is that if you buy a proprietary book reader (eg. Kindle, Kobo, etc) there will be some limitations on which books you can download. At least with the iPad there are the different readers you can use if a particular book is "locked in" to a specific reader-type.

[AnnieP]

This is where marketing comes in ..... if you explain to Mr P how alluring a scantily clad wife can look by the light of an Ipad, then I'm sure he'll come around. :D



If you're going to start pole dancing as well you'll *never* get anything read !! Oh ...... you meant "poll" :o:o


Bob - 1st of all - I will never get any reading done if I market it too well - and trust me a good book always wins! ;) !
And 2nd when I typed 'Pole' I'm thinking 'That just doesn't look right' OMG too much Sav Blanc perhaps!


But I am thinking I will go for the Kindle. And then save up for an iPad. My research shows me that with the Kindle App you can easily transfer books purchased through the Kindle on to the iPad.

Now.... white or graphite? :rolleyes:

[Boofhead]

Andrew... I think you and the others on here are going to cost me $$$$. I mainly read in bed at night, can you turn the backlighting down enough on the iPad so it's not illuminating the room like Blackpool illuminations? Other wise Mr P gets grumpy!

Also do you subscribe to any photographic mags on it .... I am getting excited now..... but who's going to tell Mr P that My birthday pressie has just increased substantially from a couple of hundred $$? :eek:


Also

You can turn the brightness down quite a bit and also you can have white writing on a black background which is quite easy to read and doesn't seem to light the room up as much.

I have a couple of photography magazines on the iPad at the moment, unfortunately none from Australia that I have been able to find just yet. I have Digital SLR Photography from the UK and outdoor Photographer from the US of A. Quite a bit of info in both and not bad reading. I have only recently downloaded the Zinio app which is where I am getting the magazines through. They do seem to have quite a range of subjects from all over the world, we just need the Australian editions to get on board a bit more.

[mikec]

Two things no one has mentioned about iPad vs Kindle.

1. If you buy the 3G version of the Kindle you can download books anywhere in the world and not pay for the data usage. Can't do that with an iPad. This was very important to me.
2. Kindle is a lot smaller than iPad.

I bought a kindle for my upcoming 2 month trip and have been using it for close to a month, I love it.

[cam bicknell]

+1 for the Kindle.
My wife had an iPad 2 but we ended up selling it. My Kindle gets used every day.
You can get cases for the Kindle that have a little slide out LED light on the top corner and I definitely preferred the lack of backlighting on the Kindle in comparison to the iPad.
For illustrations the Kindle barely gets it done in my opinion but it's not much chop for photo based illustration.
3G is good as when someone recommends a book to you you can check it out there and then and if you like it then download it.

[kiwi]

but can the kindle:

play angry birds
play movies
sync emails, calendar and contacts
load and process raw files and post to facebook
take pictures
have skype for face to face video chat

??

[Jules]

but can the kindle:

play angry birds
play movies
sync emails, calendar and contacts
load and process raw files and post to facebook
take pictures
have skype for face to face video chat

??

Ahh, but Annie asked for recommendations on a good ebook reader, not a good multifunction device.

I think it's pretty obvious that the iPad is a great little device for all the reasons you mentioned and more. I just don't like it for reading. IMO, the Kindle is the better ereader because of its small size, weight, ergonomics, exceptional battery life and non-illuminated screen.

[kiwi]

ahh yes, I guess my point is that you could have a laptop, dvd player, nintendo ds, ereader, calculator, lanuage translater, alarm clock, diary in your handback - or an ipad - does it fulfil every function as "best in class" ? No, does it make sense as an integrated everyday device that does everything very well - yes

[Terri]

I have a Kindle and love it. It's 3G so download for free from anywhere. To buy books though, I mainly use Amazon.com online and use my login, it downloads straight to the Kindle. I love the size of the Kindle - it's significantly smaller than an iPad, even in it's pretty little hot pink leather case :D (I have a white one btw - much cuter than grey I reckon :D)... it fits in a small-to-medium sized hand bag even. Oh, and you can also get leather cases/sleeves that have a built in light that you pull out, so that solves the lighting problem.

[JohnRA]

I bought a Kindle nearly 3 months ago & am more than satisfied.
I have not used any other Ebook supplier than Amazon so I can't draw comparisons, they may offer the same service.
What I am talking about is the fact I can browse the books available, download the first chapter to see if it is what I like .... @ no charge .... then make a choice, hit the BUY button & it's delivered within seconds. Beats browsing around a bookstore.

[PH005]

:th3: for Kindle WiFi. Bought one for Jan at Xmas. She loves it. Easy to download and use. Not that expensive.

[Rattus79]

I have the Iphone4 and it's awesome for reading books on. the portability is brilliant, and the screen does not stress my eyes at all. Mum and Dad have the Kindle, and from all I've seen of it, it's quite good as well. jsut lacks the functionality that the iphone/ipad/itoaster has.

[JM Tran]

I would hate to carry something around that can only do one function such as the Kindle. In this day and age a multi purpose device such as an iPad makes more sense in the long run - the ability to read ebooks and in more varying environments too as well as the ability to listen to music, watch movies, use internet, document typing, play games, communications and a plethora of other things - almost makes it a no brainer to choose over a one trick pony device. The Kindle would have been great 5 or 10 years ago, but its limited purpose is of a disadvantage in 2011 and onwards.

[ving]

wow! so many ipad ifans out there... but I ask, why spend so much money (unless you are after an ipad of course). and ebook readers, I wouldnt waste my time on them.

My sugestion is an android tablet. I have one with a 7 inch screen, they are cheap as, are touchscreen and do most of the stuff an ipad does. better still, unlike the ipad the one i have has 2 USB ports.... i cant believe that they have a second version of ipad now and they still havent put a USB port in...

anyhow, my one about $180 AU plus postage. heres a link to what i got
http://www.merimobiles.com/Wopad_WR701Rockchip_600MHz_android_2_1_Capacitive_p/meri0547.htm
there are better ones out there now (have had mine for a while now) but its excellent for ebooks and reads all the popular formats. because its andriod you get the apps market too so kyou can get the kindle app if thats what kyou really want.

:th3::th3:

[kiwi]

Id say android tablets are ok too, i just dont think they are easy to use or as dumbed down (in a good way) as an iPad......granted I havent used one....but the mobility specialists they are getting better all the time and are better for business right now but as a consumer device still lag the "i" culture.

[Geoff79]

My wife wanted an e-reader for her birthday, and after doing a bit of research I settled on the Kindle 3 too. Took me a while to figure it all out - because I'm super impatient - but I finally got it all set up with a heap of books and it's working well for her. And it seems excellent.

I just can't see when we would ever need everything that comes with an Ipad, especially after she just got herself an Iphone. The only time she reads in upstairs in bed or on holidays. Don't need an Ipad upstairs in bed because we have a laptop at home, or her Iphone, and we don't need an Ipad on holidays because we're on holidays. :)

[ving]

for those that like to read the classics, I recommend visiting "project guttenberg"! all free on there! :D

[AnnieP]

Thanks you everyone - it certainly seems that we all have our own opinions on this subject! And no one answer is right or wrong. However for me I think the Kindle will tick all the boxes.


I bought a Kindle nearly 3 months ago & am more than satisfied.
I have not used any other Ebook supplier than Amazon so I can't draw comparisons, they may offer the same service.
What I am talking about is the fact I can browse the books available, download the first chapter to see if it is what I like .... @ no charge .... then make a choice, hit the BUY button & it's delivered within seconds. Beats browsing around a bookstore.

Thanks John, I buy lots of books from Amazon as they are far cheaper than any book stores online or otherwise, - So it's great to know that you can view the first chapter for free - try before you buy!!


I have a Kindle and love it. It's 3G so download for free from anywhere. To buy books though, I mainly use Amazon.com online and use my login, it downloads straight to the Kindle. I love the size of the Kindle - it's significantly smaller than an iPad, even in it's pretty little hot pink leather case :D (I have a white one btw - much cuter than grey I reckon :D)... it fits in a small-to-medium sized hand bag even. Oh, and you can also get leather cases/sleeves that have a built in light that you pull out, so that solves the lighting problem.

Terri I am a pink girl too - so tell me is the inside of the case black so it doesn't distract from your reading? And does the white Kindle get very grubby?



Ahh, but Annie asked for recommendations on a good ebook reader, not a good multifunction device.

I think it's pretty obvious that the iPad is a great little device for all the reasons you mentioned and more. I just don't like it for reading. IMO, the Kindle is the better ereader because of its small size, weight, ergonomics, exceptional battery life and non-illuminated screen.

Jules - Spot on - I could not have answered it better. I went in to my local Apple store today and had a look at the iPad 2 - imagined I was reading on it - dimmed the screen (which worked well) but it was just too heavy for me as a book. So mind made up.


but can the kindle:

play angry birds
play movies
sync emails, calendar and contacts
load and process raw files and post to facebook
take pictures
have skype for face to face video chat

??

No Kiwi but my iPhone 4 can do a lot of those things and my laptop can do the others!! ;)

Seriously I love the iPad and will get one eventually - but the Kindle will fit in my handbag nicely and I really just want to read books on it!

:th3:

[Terri]

Annie, the inside of the cover is a light grey suede - not distracting at all! And no, my white Kindle is still in pristinely spotless condition and has not got dirty at all (see, I know all the important stuff - who needs specs and boring bits like that :D)

[AnnieP]

Annie, the inside of the cover is a light grey suede - not distracting at all! And no, my white Kindle is still in pristinely spotless condition and has not got dirty at all (see, I know all the important stuff - who needs specs and boring bits like that :D)

Terri - I may have to be your groupie and also order a whire one and pink case (to match my pink iPhone cover!!)

Thanks for the advice that matters to us girlz!

[rellik666]

I have a Kindle and I love it. I spend all day staring at a computer screen at work, so the non-illuminated screen of the Kindle really suits me. It's very easy to setup and use, and buying books from Amazon is a breeze. It also has excellent battery life - I charge it once a month (and I read a lot). The iPad can't even come close to that sort of battery life.

This.....Kindle all the way! I read a lot and love it.....battery life.....paper like reading screen and previews of books for free......I love my iphone sortta but there is no way after spending my day infront of a computer screen would I want to take an Ipad to bed....And what about on the beach, by the pool....etc etc....all the places I love to read...I wouldn't take an ipda to the beach...where do you leave it when you go in the sea.....I have read my kindle in the pool....I wouldn't do that with an Ipad.

Can I ask how the ipad is with sun glare? I can't see the screen on my iphone that well in the sun....no problems with the Kindle.

It is small and light and erganomically better than a touch screen you don't even need to move your hand to change page.
Mine fits in my hand bag and even my coat pocket.....I can't see it being a particular risk when reading on the train....

Sorry if i am old fashioned but to me one does not fit all......

Roo

P.s I do not work for amazon and yes I there are 2 Kindles in my household and no none are white! :D

[Scotty72]

I have both

And frankly, I wasted my money on the kindle :(

If you are a bookish type who reads books, more books then more books... The kindle is great. But, if your like me, likes to read a chapter or two then, rest for a few mins by checking emails, AP etc then, read a few more - the iPad is King.

ESP because all my Kindle content was transferred over.

The backlight is easy to turn down and in fact, unlike the kindle, you don't need a desk lamp etc - so your partner will be better off.

Scotty

[ving]

Id say android tablets are ok too, i just dont think they are easy to use or as dumbed down (in a good way) as an iPad......granted I havent used one....but the mobility specialists they are getting better all the time and are better for business right now but as a consumer device still lag the "i" culture.

If i can use one they must be easy to use :p
And i can do this....

Sent from my TR718D

[AnnieP]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I would update you now I have my Kindle. Got to say I love it, it does exactly what it says on the tin.

I got the Black 3G wifi with a bight pink Kindle case with built in light.

Two things which were better than expected was that with the majority of ebooks from Amazon you can choose to down load a 'sample' of the book, for free. (either from your PC or the Kindle) this is normally a chapter or two, and after reading this you can decide whether you want to purchase the whole book or not. I have purchased one book so far this way. Once I clicked on purchase (on the Kindle) it downloaded within 60 seconds via the free 3G and I could carry on reading.

The 2nd thing was that the Kindle cover with the built in light is powered by the Kindle itself. There are 2 metal connectors on the case which slot into the side of the Kindle which powers the light. no batteries required!

Love It!

Ann

[Briancd]

When my wife bought her e-reader Kindle was linked to Amazon and that was the only place you could download boks from. You are tied into buying books from Amazon only.

[phild]

+1 for the iPad, it's so much more than an ebook reader.

I have an app (PDF reader) that allows easy upload and reading of PDF's, Word and even Excel documents so I have all my technical stuff including camera and flash manuals loaded; upload is simple using just the iPad, wi-fi connection and the web browser on your PC.

I have the Kindle app loaded as well as iBooks and Kobo book reader.

There are heaps of photography apps available, e.g. a DOF calculator which is very useful.

FWIW you can also use the iPad (or iPhone) using DSLR Remote to remotely set, trigger and review images using wifi and a PC.

The iPad also makes a great viewer and intermediate storage device, upload is a matter of simply plugging in your DSLR.

[arthurking83]

Even tho Annie's original question seems to have been answered a million times over, if you have a Navigator device in your car, there is a high probability that it also has an ebook reader feature(mine seems to have one).

Just for the sake of testing mine out it works ok enough in that it displays text and you scroll by flicking the screen down/up wards.
Not that I use it for such purposes, or even as a navigator either.. but that's another story, and I only just found out that there are so many eBook published in the free domain! All you need to do is search them out. They are usually in a txt format, but this isn't an issue.
I loaded three classics onto the navigator(which is really only a PDA with WM5) and they are clear and easy to read. I downloaded these particular three for my 9yo daughter who loves Alice In Wonderland, and stuff like that, and are easily loaded onto her DSi(Nintendo), so she now has options to either play(her games) or read.. or whatever else these things do.

The main point is that most devices have converged to such a ridiculous point nowadays that there's a very good chance that your refrigerator/washing machine/oven/dishwasher also serves as a eReader too! :p

Why waste money on any other device..... unless it does the dishes for you as well! :D

[Kerry]

Enjoy your purchase Annie! A colleague had her kindle at work today and it was the first time I'd seen one..have to say I loved it and am now seriously considering whether or not I should get one..I have the kindle app on my htc which I like to browse..think it would be great for travel as books nowadays are so big and heavy!

[antongorlin]

reader vs ipad

I cannot read from ipad for a long time in the same way as I cannot read from the monitor. also, it has shiny surface which I suspect may be unreadable at att on sunlight.
I can read from the reader for the whole day and still have clear head and bright eyes :) Also, I can read on sunlight.
the reader is much more lightweight and takes less space. It fits perfectly in my photographers backpack.
the battery lasts for weeks
it does not have angry birds or whatever, but I don't care - I use it for reading. Moreover, I'd like to have a rest from games and apps when I'm travelling.


the reader
I use Sony prs-650. why not kindle? I pre-load books, so I do not need interner and therefore I do not need a keyboard - it's additional space and weight.
comparison:
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/kindle-3-vs-prs-650.jpg

it looks like this:
http://freemarket.kiev.ua/images_goods/Sony/Sony-PRS-650-3.jpg

unlike other touch-screen-readers Sony made an innovation in prs 350, 650, 950 - it does not have a wacom touch layer under (or above) the glass as it makes the text less readable. it has a bunch of infrared sensors placed on the perimeter, so it does not affect your reading at all.

and these sonys have same "pearl" screen as kindle does.

if you just need to read the text books, then you may take 350 (5") or 650 (6"). 950 is 9" and is not suitable for carrying around.