Using a tablet as an e-reader

techno12

I have a Nexus 7 and a Sony PRS350 Reader (5" e-ink).

The Nexus has a great screen, but I wouldn't even consider using it as a reader, as my Sony does the job brilliantly. It's not a closed system like a Kindle, so supports ePub etc, and I just find the e-ink screen more comfortable and natural.

Also, the battery life is immense, and I've dropped it umpteen times and it's built like a tank. I keep a close hold on my Nexus, even though it's in a leather case, as I don't think it would survive such punishment

mattatclc

I purchased Steve Jobs Autobiography on Google books to read on my Nexus 7 but somewhat regretted not getting it on my iphone through iTunes instead as I carry that phone everywhere. Of course I now realise you CAN read it on any Apple device through the google app.

Just download the 'google books' app on you Apple device and log in with your google account details. My book was waiting there for me to be downloaded. When I opened the book on my iphone for the first time it opened to the exact page that I was on on my Nexus 7 - brilliant!

Victorthe2nd

All excellent comments and proves that you need to buy something that meets your personal needs. If you just want a pure e-reader, Nook, Kindle, Sony or Kobo undoubtedly all do a great job and have differing benefits in terms of how you want to access books etc. If you want a device that offers "real" internet access for all the stuff you would expect to do on a laptop or PC AND acts as an e-reader, then a tablet works and the Nexus 7 - for me - is perfect. I struggled with the whole issue around "do I need laptop / tablet / e-reader" for a long time and these is no "one size fits all" solution. For my personal needs, a combination of a laptop for work (I run a small part-time business), serious emailing (e.g work plus all the day-to-day stuff I'm involved in with various activities and groups I spend my social life with), PLUS the tablet (quick emails,web-surfing, satnav plus, of course, reading) works very well. You may argue I can do all that on a laptop - which is true - but the tablet offers fabulous portability and doesn't need all the boot up / shut down process a laptop goes through. Lack of 3G doesn't bother me - I'm not so sad that I feel the need to be connected to the Web all the time - and the wifi means I can connect pretty much anywhere anyway, usually at no cost. Starbucks and a good book plus web access is a good combination....I personally don't find the back-lit screen a problem but can understand other views. Ultimately, it boils down to personal choice and that can only be settled by taking time to really start to understand what your needs are- and we'll all be different!! A good discussion though and plenty of sensible comments. Hope they help someone to make the right decisions.

Dave_C_2

DCFC79 wrote: »

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

I find the Kindle much better for my ageing eyes, as font, spacing and size are all changeable. Some regular books (especially paperbacks) are unreadable because of the tiny font size.
I assume that tablets also have this advantage over normal books.

Also I'm an avid SF reader and the trend now is for huge, thick, books that uncomfortable to hold. Again not a problem with an e-reader.

Dave

Mr_Toad

I have a Kindle and love it. I don't understand all the posts that go on about the Kindle being locked, they aren't.

I'm sure Amazon would like to give that impression so that you only buy content from them but it isn't true.

Mine has currently has .lit, epub, mobi, PDF, TXT and CHM documents on it.

CHM are compiled HTML files and are used for software manuals.

I use Calibre to both manage and load my books and documents to my Kindle. It's free and there are versions for Windows, Mac and Linux.

It isn't just for the Kindle either, it works with all the major ebook readers. I suppose the easiest way to describe it is iTunes for ebooks.

http://calibre-ebook.com/

Vampgirl

DCFC79 wrote: »

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

Sorry for the delay..not been on here for a while. To answer your question..not not at all. Not even a little bit. Which is why I love e-ink so much for reading :j Whereas I do quite often struggle with eye strain when using PC/laptop/tablet for long periods of time.