Using a tablet as an e-reader

Victorthe2nd

Hi all, I know there is lots of discussion re e-readers and whether or not a tablet is better or worse than a dedicated e-reader. I've just bought a Google Nexus 7 tablet and, because I got some good advice from this forum, thought I'd sort of return the favour and give my own feedback on this tablet.

Ideally, I wanted an e-reader. But, I didn't want a Kindle as it pretty muck locks you into Amazon and is unable to access library books from UK libraries. This is apparently all to do with licensing agreements and, according to my local Council, discussions are in progress but unlikely to reach agreement anytime soon. I personally use Amazon quite a lot to buy stuff, but don't want to be locked into it to get books so the Kindle (inc Kindle Fire) became a none-starter. The "best" pure e-reader options seem to be Kobo Touch or the Nook - both of which use ePub format and CAN accept library books (but (other than Kindle Fire) only via a "PC and then to device" i.e not directly to the device as you need to run a relevant app and these devices are not running Android) and there are plenty of reviews on both those all over the internet. But, they are still dedicated e-readers with limited internet access and, to be honest, not much less expensive than a small tablet. A tablet offers e-reading (I'll come back to that) and full web access, usually via wifi and not (presently) on 3G. My Nexus 7 is, frankly, a lovely device to use. It's fast, smooth to use, and easy to hold. One tap turns a page - no need to swipe, so this can be held in one hand or simply rests on my knee when in my nice comfy armchair! If I read in bed, it sort of rests on my tummy but that's another story....The 16gb memory capacity is well more than I need - I don't intend to store books , games or films on it - but I can imagine that a keen gamer or film buff could soon use storage. But, even then, why not just keep the films etc on your PC and put them on your tablet when you want to / if you're going away etc? I use it for "casual" web access, dealing with short emails etc - it is not easy to use for "serious" work as you would a laptop or desktop PC so it is, for me, very much an intermediate device. The Nexus offers Google Maps which, I think, works off GPS so is handy to carry if you're travelling etc. I've also bought a cheap imitation leather folder (£6.99 from eBay) - this makes the tablet look like a book / leather folio and lets me "stand" the tablet on a table (if I want to watch BBC iPlayer, a film etc) . The folder cleverly puts the tablet to sleep when it is shut, and there is an elastic strap to keep it shut - now looks like a filofax (remember those??). When the folder is opened, the tablet wakes up! The folder also acts as a screen protector - the folder came with a stick-on thing but that was impossible to put on without annoying air bubbles. So, I can do all the basic internet stuff and also use it as an e-reader, using software to order and download books from the library directly to the tablet - no need to download to a PC first. I also have a Kindle app - just in case!! - so now seem to have the best of both worlds.

Huge range of apps (chargeable and free) are available - in the case of the Nexus 7, I get them via Google Play as they are virus free. They include one that allows a passcode to be entered when the tablet wakes up or is turned on and another one thet lets you password protect selected apps - including Gmail - so this is as secure as you'd reasonably want it to be.

Once I sort out my wifi at home (grrr, Virgin), we hope to use it as a way of keeping in touch with the kids via GoogleTalk - a sort of Skype. It means not only free VOIP, but also video links as long as the other end has GoogleTalk as well. Free apps are available....

As an ereader, it works for me. Font size options, font style options, screen brightness, margins, dictionary, bookmarks are all in there. High quality screen means pictures are excellent quality. But.....It is definitely best when reading indoors - the screen brightness can be adjusted, but it is still quite reflective so if you plan to read outdoors extensively, then this may not be for you. My view, for what its worth, is that outdoor reading in the UK is limited to perhaps 2 or 3 days per year (if we;'re lucky!) plus any time you go abroad for some sun. So, for me, the argument about not being able to read outdoors is pretty irrelevant. When I go on holiday, I'll buy some cheap paperbacks and leave them at the hotel for other people. Even if I had "just" an ereader (which admittedly is far better for outdoor reading), I'm not sure I'd take it to the beach....not only is it at risk (not everyone on a beach is honest!) if you want to go for a swim but also sand, sea and sensitive devices don't really mix very well.

Another downside is battery power. It is nothing like as good as Kindle or other dedicated e-reader and, if you use the tablet a lot, you'll need to recharge it pretty much every day. I don't see that as an issue - just sticking a plug in at night isn't hard to do - but some people may and certainly most reviews make a big thing of it.

For what I paid (£169.99 at HMV for a 16gb model), I think it is fabulous. New ones now out include a 32gb model and I think there is one out with a faster processor, but let's face it, you are never going to be up to date with technology. Unless you are a serious gamer and / or want to watch the tablet for films all day my personal view is "so what".

Is it as good as the mini-iPad? I have no idea but it works for me and it's a lot less expensive!! If you're an Apple buff, fair enough. If you're not, why bother?

Hope this helps someone!!

ebaybaby

Fab review, thanks. Im just waiting for mine to be delivered!

aggypanthus

Thanks, I am looking for something like this.

silvasava

Came on this thread 'cos I'm considering a Kindle. Thanks for the review as you commented on issues I was not aware of so won't bother with the Kindle now as the Nexus seems to do everything I would need & more.
Just off to see what deals can be done...........;)

Dave_C_2

Using "Kindle" and "iPad" as generic terms, we've recently been on my holidays in Turkey, where there were a lot of iPods and Kindles being useed. We only saw one laptop and no netbooks. Me and wife took our Kindles.
Bearing in mind that the Kindle is just a book reader, there are two very clear advantages to using a Kindle

• You can see it to read in brilliant sunlight by the pool. It was funny watching the antics of iPad users trying to read, carefully positioning towels on the umbrella to shade the iPad but not the body ... and so on. Us Kindle users just read our books. without any fuss.

• A charge at home lasted a fortnight on holiday. Fortunately for the iPad owners the hotel room safe had a power point inside for charging.

Dave

neilwoods

Buying any tablet purely as an e-reader is a waste.

On most of the e-reader currently on the market, you can change the font, size, etc. As for internet connectivity, the wifi version will have exactly the same connection as wifi tablet. Plus a few of the e-readers have 3g connection.

Also the new kindle paperwhite has a lit screen, so no more need for an extra light. Also there is a new e-reader on uk market, nook from barnes and noble.

So if just required for books, then e-reader is what you require. As there is no tablet currently on the market that will replace a book or e-reader that you read in all situations

redfragglebiker

Just to throw my POV on this one... I currently have one of the NExus 7 tabs and I find to be excellent as an e-reader. Don't get me wrong it wasn't bought purely as one but it IS really good in bright direct sunlight, it has the capability to adjust brightness within the e-reader apps but without affecting the brightness for the rest of the functions and both kindle and google books app now have a few variants of coloured background you can use to make it easier to read from.
That said I think how you get on with any device such as this will always be different for different people and as long as what you have for you suits how you use it then happy days

Dreamnine

I ditched e-ink more than 2 years ago because I didn't like it.

Since then I read solely on my iPod Touch and now a Nexus 7 - it offers a vastly superior reading experience in my opinion, with any number of reading apps - I have iBooks, Stanza, Kobo, Kindle, Cool Reader and Aldiko - and endless customisation options.

Vampgirl

I have an e-reader and a tablet - but for me they are different tools for different jobs.

I use the tablet for internet, email, games. apps. listening to music, watching videos on youtube, and watching films I have stored on there. I don't read books on the tablet: the backlit screen gives me eyestrain if I read for too long and it feels more like reading something on the internet than reading a book.

I use the e-reader for reading. I've always enjoyed sitting down with a book - the e-reader is the closest you can get to this feeling without holding a real book. I read a lot: at least two or three hours per day, and the e-ink screen suits me perfectly. The ability to read outside is very important to me: I do sit outside in the garden reading in the summer, and on holiday the Kindle goes with me to the pool and beach (no problems with sand or drips of water so far).

DCFC79

Vampgirl wrote: »

I use the e-reader for reading. I've always enjoyed sitting down with a book - the e-reader is the closest you can get to this feeling without holding a real book. I read a lot: at least two or three hours per day, and the e-ink screen suits me perfectly. The ability to read outside is very important to me: I do sit outside in the garden reading in the summer, and on holiday the Kindle goes with me to the pool and beach (no problems with sand or drips of water so far).

Can I just ask do you find your eyes get tired after so long reading on the e reader ?

RobTang

DCFC79 wrote: »

Can I just ask do you find your eyes get tired after so long reading on the e reader ?

I use my kindle a lot and I cant say my eyes have felt tired using It for a long time. I tend to read big chunks in one go as well.

Unfortunately I somehow break my Kindles all the time (my fault not the kindle)