E-readers

cfrizz

Does anyone have one? If so, which one, how do you like it, what features does it have etc.

I'm seriously considering getting one & am in the process of doing my research on them.

Thanks.:)

BlueFox

Good question. I am in the same boat. Paper products provide the total product. Can E-Readers?

eor

I have an old RCA LCD ebook, color screen, which is about the size of a small hardcover. I use it with content available from Project Gutenberg which I reformat to use the features of the reader (chapter links, footnotes, pictures). I can store around 300 books on a flash even if two of them are the Unabridged Webster's and "War and Peace". I've used it to catch up on quite a few classics that I'd never read. It's also cool to be able to search for one word in all of Doyle's Holmes stories in a minute.

Two main reasons I don't have one of the newer readers: 1) I can load content on my ebook without paying a monthly subscription fee 2) I like the backlight for bedtime or tent reading

The current business model is to sell the readers below cost and make money on subscriptions and content. I wish they'd just sell the readers at a profit and allow users to easily load their own content.

I still have shelves and shelves of books. Nothing replaces the experience of a new book or a battered copy of a favorite.

Demiurge

Are you talking like a Kindle? I bought one for my dad...I don't know, they're nice and all, but it's like MP3s...I'd rather have a CD case in my hand with all the packaging. Feels like you actually bought something.

John30_30

A guy I know from another list loves his Jetbook. He posted a newegg link that they were for 117.00, but that must have been some new special deal they have like woot, since they're sold out now. shell shocker.
Still, the regular price seems very reasonable (compared to Kindle)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=jetbook+ebook+reader

cfrizz

I was originally thinking Kindle. However, they are proprietary & you are limited to buying reading material from them.

I'm now looking into a Sony reader. You can download from tons of sites, even the library. A co-worker has their 199.00 model & she gets the majority of her books from www.fictionwise.com. I'm debating if I should get the lower priced model or the one that can use memory cards & has an mp3 player.

tonyb

You wouldn't need one Cath,if you had a boyfriend. Sorry,couldn't resist,you know I love ya and just kidding.

Seriously,I don't get the whole Kindle,e-reader thing. Your paying 200 bucks to...read? You work all day looking at a computer screen,then you want to look at an even smaller one?? Are the books that much cheaper than just buying the book outright from a book store?? I guess I just don't get the allure of it,aside from the convenience factor.

dorokusai

I bought the Sony version for my wife. I really like the idea and its quite nice.

MrGlobe

tonyb wrote: »

Seriously,I don't get the whole Kindle,e-reader thing. Your paying 200 bucks to...read? You work all day looking at a computer screen,then you want to look at an even smaller one?? Are the books that much cheaper than just buying the book outright from a book store?? I guess I just don't get the allure of it,aside from the convenience factor.

Books on google are free, but it sucks reading at a computer. You can use the e-books on the couch or in a chair. More than that its the mobility. You can bring 3000+ books with you anywhere and its the size of a dvd case. Furthermore, they make global e-books that can download books anywhere in the world over a 3g network. Then you add in the ability to read while listening to music and its even cooler. Additionally, if you read a lot, books get very expensive

tcrossma

I have a Kindle (the original) and I'm more than happy with it. Buying books is super easy, huge selection, and the device itself is very easy to use and easy to read.

zombie boy 2000

Demiurge wrote: »

Are you talking like a Kindle? I bought one for my dad...I don't know, they're nice and all, but it's like MP3s...I'd rather have a CD case in my hand with all the packaging. Feels like you actually bought something.

I agree 100% on both counts. However, a few avid readers in my family ("three to four books at the same time" whack jobs) swear up and down on the Kindle. Initially, none of 'em wanted to approach it with a ten-foot pole. But a few day later, they're hooked. Absolutely swear by them. All I can get out of 'em is "trust me... it's not what you think".

Maybe the Pod People finally got to my family. Either way, I'd like to at least mess around with it for a day or two.

Demiurge

zombie boy 2000 wrote: »

I agree 100% on both counts. However, a few avid readers in my family ("three to four books at the same time" whack jobs) swear up and down on the Kindle. Initially, none of 'em wanted to approach it with a ten-foot pole. But a few day later, they're hooked. Absolutely swear by them. All I can get out of 'em is "trust me... it's not what you think".

Maybe the Pod People finally got to my family. Either way, I'd like to at least mess around with it for a day or two.

I actually think devices like the Kindle are revolutionary. Sure, they're limited in their scope right now, but it really changes how we get media and how portable it all is. On the flip side I don't like it because I hate how people are trying to make things like the MP3 a standard. While I have an iPod jam packed with my favorite tunes, I'm only listening to that when I'm out hiking or riding a bike. When I'm at home I'm listening to CDs or LPs on a halfway decent system. It sounds better!

Back to the Kindle, though...the screen is way different than a computer screen, it really does read like paper. The books are much cheaper and they arrive instantly without any subscriptions, fees, or contracts. Plus, you can order them right from the Kindle itself.

The part I can't get over is having the actual book in my hand. I didn't mean to sound like I'm knocking the Kindle...it's a great device. It's just not for me at this point. Maybe I'm too materialistic?

MrGlobe

Demiurge wrote: »

Maybe I'm too materialistic?

Haha in a very literal way I guess. I can agree though, everytime I use one I miss turning the pages

zombie boy 2000

No worries on the "materialistic" front. I take great pride in my bookcase. And I've been building upon it for two decades now. Whenever I pick up and move, pretty much everything I own I can fit in my car. Half of it's books. The other half is CD's, tapes and records. I set fire to everything else....

Demiurge

I'm kind of the same way.

I guess after having said it I think materialistic as it's conventionally understood may be the wrong word. I mean....It's not like we're saying "stuff" is what makes us happy, which would be materialistic. It's just that if we're going to buy something like that it ought to be something you can hold in your hand.

I don't know. ...and I'm off topic.

MrGlobe

Have you ever moved out of an igloo? Cause that's a house fire I want to see

But I take great pride in my books as well

dorokusai

zombie boy 2000 wrote: »

No worries on the "materialistic" front. I take great pride in my bookcase. And I've been building upon it for two decades now. Whenever I pick up and move, pretty much everything I own I can fit in my car. Half of it's books. The other half is CD's, tapes and records. I set fire to everything else....

I have a wonderful solution to the teenage runaways you "may or may not" have in your basement. It's tail wagging terrific.

zombie boy 2000

I prefer to call them "transient pets". I also rather refer to "my basement" as "my attic".

dorokusai

That's a good point and I'm not sure about you but beings I feed them the same food as my actual pets, I've knocked my yearly budget down by 13.2%.

MrGlobe

Hey either of you guys lookin to sell one or two? I need 'something' to clean my house

cfrizz

I love to read & I love books. However, I ran out of room for books years ago. Also they are very expensive. Plus the ones that I reread are starting to fall apart. This will allow me to finally get back to reading at a price I can afford.

I get to read, save on clutter & when I'm sitting at the airport waiting to take off, I will just have 1 device that allows me to read & listen to music.

I have decided to get the Sony 600 Ereader. I checked it out at Borders tonight & it is a touchscreen, where you just swipe like you are turning the page & it turns the page!

I will still have something in my hand, that I can slip into my pocket or bag & have tons of reading material at my fingertips. I will be able to adjust the print size so that I can read without having to change my multi focal glasses over to my reading glasses. I will get away from the computer, and go back to my recliner!

dorokusai

Cathy - You don't need the AC power adapter since it charges off of USB. That may save you a few bucks.

I think it's awesome and bought it in red for my wife. I took it out so I could load the batteries in the lighted cover and charge the eReader. It's got a nice weight to it and is slim enough to not be cumbersome....and I forsee me using it as well You can also use it as a notepad and write with the stylus.

cfrizz

Well Mark, at some point I will get the charger, the fancy book cover for it, more memory, etc...LOL

This just might replace the time I spend here on the board. Nothing like having a new hobby!

dorokusai

I have an extra 256mb SD card you can have if you want it? It's not much but I'm not in any need of it....and it fits.

EDIT: It should hold a dozen or so books....probably more.

fatchowmein

cfrizz wrote: »

I will still have something in my hand, that I can slip into my pocket or bag & have tons of reading material at my fingertips. I will be able to adjust the print size so that I can read without having to change my multi focal glasses over to my reading glasses. I will get away from the computer, and go back to my recliner!

Congrats! I tested out Microsoft Reader on my 2005 iPaq and was surprised at how much I enjoy having the flexibility to read on a device that fits in my pocket (no Sony/Kindle/Nook in a manbag for me thank you very much) even on a small screen. Having the ability to change fonts, multiple bookmarks, instant access to a dictionary (highlight & lookup), and auto word wrap makes it much more convenient. Also, like you said, having the ability to read in bed or on the recliner away from a laptop or pc is a big plus, too.

IIRC, most books published before 1930 is no longer protected by copyright so Google Books has been a fantastic source of classical literature. Just make sure you search by "Public Domain Only."

I am reading more than ever just because I'm usually stuck somewhere waiting for some event to unfold (DMV, work, etc.). You'll discover how often you're waiting in line somewhere, cursing yourself if you forget your ereader that day.

Enjoy!

howie777

I have been reading books electronically since 2002. First on a palm and now on my iPhone. I hate printed books now, so hard to hold the book open! I also like the iphone due to its the only device I need to take with me. I get Barnes and Nobel books (also ereader is owned by B&N now) and kindle books. Both companies have free apps.

I don't even try to read a printed book anymore, but you do get stuck sometimes waiting for a book to come out electronically.

The only downside I have found is you can't read while taxing or taking off/landing due to no electronics allowed.

Howie

tonyb

Question,
Once you buy a book,on an e-reader,can you share it with others?? Can someone else down load it off your reader?

cfrizz

No Tony you can't.

tonyb

One way I keep costs way down is through sharing. One person in the neighborhood may have a book then lend it out to someone else. If I get a new one, then when I'm done, it goes to others who may feel the need to read it. This of coarse may not be practical for everyone,but it works for me because I have great neighbors who actually return books when they are done. Anyway,hope your new toy works out for ya Cathy,enjoy.

btw- Just finished Dan Brown's latest, and the wife is a big fan of Patterson.

bobman1235

tonyb wrote: »

Question,
Once you buy a book,on an e-reader,can you share it with others?? Can someone else down load it off your reader?

cfrizz wrote: »

No Tony you can't.

What aabout if your e-reader breaks? Can you get a new one and transfer purchases?

Jstas

I have a lieberry. Well, not completed yet but in the process of building. I'm gonna put all my books in there. I stare at glowing screens all day, every day of my life. It's nice to get back to the days just after the stone age and read an actual book. It's also nice to hold something in your hands that doesn't have the cold, sterile feel of metal and plastic and doesn't need batteries to use.