Cheap e-book readers discussion

~Diamond~

I'm looking to buy an E-Reader today for my sister for Christmas but don't know which to get.

I have a Kobo which I got for my birthday and do like the easy on the eyes E-Ink screen. Don't like the lag when pages turn and the ghosting etc. I also don't like the Internet feature as it's so slow and jumpy I could barely use it, but as I use it only to read books this doesn't matter to me too much.

She doesn't know what she wants really just wants one, also to take it on holiday with her as well when she goes so E-Ink needed probably to read outside.

I don't know what to get. Kindles are locked to Amazon and cannot borrow library books (though I've yet to find any to borrow anyway) She's not very technical so wouldn't be able to use anything like Calibre.

I was looking at the Kobo Glo as it says it's faster than the Kobo Touch what I have plus it has the light with it, whereas I use a clip on one for mine.

People say Amazon's books are cheaper and the store is bigger and easier to use to buy books etc, but obviously restricted as mentioned. Also if we both had a Kobo I think that you'd be able to share books between devices wouldn't you?

I don't know which to get there are that many to choose from, don't know which are quick and responsive with good choice of books, easy to use, with WiFi etc. Don't you just love Christmas shopping.

James_Lahey

After yet again running out of bookshelf space (and this time also out of walls to affix more and a lack of decent timber to make new ones with.) I'm now looking for a cheap e-reader to try, ideally I'd like this -

http://us.txtr.com/beagle/

But they are still not available (have been on the mailing list for a while.) I would like -
easy on the eye, readable in glare etc.
cheap (I see cheapest ones in article linked on first post are £50+, I could manage this but would much prefer something cheaper to try.)
a good range of books available (although happy to convert formats if necessary.)
Capacity for enough books for a holiday - plus a fair battery life (we have a USB powerpack in case of long journeys.)

A colour screen is definitely not necessary, would prefer mono especially if it effects readability. Really don't need internet browser or wifi - quite happy to bluetooth my books from PC.

I have been patently waiting for the beagle which looks perfect for me (have rechargable AAA batteries, bluetooth dongle on PC + DD has smartphone to pair with it.) But the ever increasing unhoused book mountain is becoming a problem.

[STRIKE]Anything new or on-sale in the last month that'd suit me please?[/STRIKE]

edit - after a good look around and reading various reviews I've gone for the kobo 5" mini reader for a little under £50. It's a bit cheaper than a kindle plus seems a little more flexible, although books from Amazon will need tweaking to get DRM free format. A big plus if that it'll go in my pocket without pulling trousers down!

Having never used an ebook before I'm looking forward to trying it - will report back with my findings

luvvlyjubbly

i've ordered one of these it is graded but has good reviews, cheap
http://www.cashgenerator.co.uk/handhelds/bookeen-cybook-opus-ebook-reader-h2183?utm_source=google&utm_medium=merchant&utm_campaign=shopping

James_Lahey

Update on my kobo mini purchase -

The bottom line is I LOVE IT!
Although I've never used any other ebook for comparison, and that online reviews show that kindle has a better black/white resolution the kobo is very clear to read even in bright sunlight.

I've worked my way through a few books now and my kids are also enjoying the books I've downloaded for them. It's great to take in to work and fits (even in the case) comfortably into tracksuit bottom pockets.

It has a shaky web-browser as an unsupported extra - very flickery but works okay in a pinch. In addition to sudoku, chess and a sketch pad.

I've had troubles getting the latest Calibre to install on my PC and the older version doesn't seem to work so great - I've been using this site to convert any .MOBI files to ePub format online with no problems whatsoever -

http://ebook.online-convert.com/convert-to-epub

The touch screen is perfectly adequate for reading books although I've stolen one of DDs styluses which is much better for typing or playing suduko (my fat fingers often mash the wrong place!)

My only slight gripe is that when flipping pages you can easily miss a page - partly because of lag and partly accidental double tap. This wouldn't be such a problem if the page number at the bottom corresponded exactly to the page you are on - but because there are less words on the e-readers screen sometimes it's hard to tell as "page 110" for example can be spread across two screens.

terra_ferma

An option to consider is using a small tablet (or large phone) rather than an e-reader, in that way you'll be able to read any book you like, in any version. It may be more expensive, but the tablet will give more flexibility.

I download all my books via calibre, and if necessary convert to epub, and I read them all using my favourite ebook reader on my tablet.
I would definitely advise to consider this option, if you want total freedom downloading from any site you like.
Calibre also has a fantastic search facility so that you can compare prices on different platforms and choose the cheapest, rather than being tied to just one store.

hth:)

James_Lahey

terra_ferma wrote: »

An option to consider is using a small tablet (or large phone) rather than an e-reader, in that way you'll be able to read any book you like, in any version. It may be more expensive, but the tablet will give more flexibility.

I download all my books via calibre, and if necessary convert to epub, and I read them all using my favourite ebook reader on my tablet.
I would definitely advise to consider this option, if you want total freedom downloading from any site you like.
Calibre also has a fantastic search facility so that you can compare prices on different platforms and choose the cheapest, rather than being tied to just one store.

hth:)

We own a tablet, smartphone and PC all with the kindle app installed. For me it's not comparable to reading a book as the glare from the lit screen is unpleasant.

I read a lot and have found the e-ink screen to be just like reading a paper book (I did try the kindle app before and that just gave me a headache!)

Just as an e-reader is no substitute for a tablet - the same goes the other way (in my experience - if it works for you then great.)

terra_ferma

James_Lahey wrote: »

We own a tablet, smartphone and PC all with the kindle app installed. For me it's not comparable to reading a book as the glare from the lit screen is unpleasant.

I read a lot and have found the e-ink screen to be just like reading a paper book (I did try the kindle app before and that just gave me a headache!)

Just as an e-reader is no substitute for a tablet - the same goes the other way (in my experience - if it works for you then great.)

it works for me, but I mainly read indoors or on public transport, and as I don't have an e-reader I can't really compare, but I'm happy using my tablet for an hour or so a day.
I will take a good look next time I see one in a store or at a friend's, but I think it's important that people are aware that they don't need to be tied in to one platform, I hear the Kindle is particularly restrictive. It's just a way to limit choice and opportunities to get good bargains.
Perhaps Calibre is enough to make up for the restrictions.

terra_ferma

I've been doing some research, after reading the comments from other posters, as I was wondering if it may be worth getting an e-reader at some point, and I found this website very useful (although american, but the general advice applies to UK devices as well).
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20009738-1/kindle-vs-nook-vs-ipad-which-e-book-reader-should-you-buy/

this seems to sum up the pros of the different screens:

So, which screen is better for reading: e-ink or LCD? We can't answer that question for you. If you don't have a problem staring at your laptop or LCD monitor screen for hours on end -- or if you enjoy reading in low light without an external light source -- you'll probably like an LCD screen. Likewise, if you enjoy reading Web sites, magazines, and newspapers, and if you want support for interactive children's books, you'll want to go with color. However, if you prefer the look of newsprint or if you enjoy reading outside, an e-ink display is your friend. And if you like reading in bed, the self-illumination Kindle Paperwhite or Nook GlowLight may well be your ideal solution.

James_Lahey

I freely admit to being able to read forums and other online text for hours without problems, so maybe it is some kind of mental block when it comes to reading books on a conventional screen (for equivalent amounts of time.)

On Wednesday I didn't have work and crawled back into bed after dispatching the kidlets to school. After turning on my kobo I was drawn into my Simon Kernick novel and am ashamed to admit that I was there until the early afternoon finishing the book. I've never tried but feel that reading so intensely on a led type screen would have left me boggle-eyed!

As a side note my 11 yo daughter has a smartphone which she loves and is rarely parted from. When I brought my e-reader she laughed at me, pointing out her kindle app and gloating that she had all the same features. Foolishly I installed a few Jacqueline Wilson books to show her the difference in experience - now we fight over it at bedtime :mad:

I wouldn't recommend the kindle, as you've mentioned you are rather tied to the .mobi DRM format. I'm glad i went for the kobo which is much more flexible - and using calibre (if it works for you) or the online conversion site I've listed above format shifting is a breeze.

born_free_3

Not sure I'd this is right forum but the kindle fire is £99 at carphonewarehouse. Makes it cheaper than lowest priced paperwhite. Not sure how long the promotion is running. And if you purchase it with foursquare/Amex offer (spend £25 get £10 credit), it works out as £89.