do i need a kindle

terra_ferma

Ebook readers now come with backlight (front light actually).
They are more expensive but versatile e. Mse main site have a good guide on ebook readers
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-ebook-readers-kindles

Saint_Chris

Right i think i do want one, i've managed a bit with my tablet, but it's hard, plus daughter has brought me home a light to clip on top, she got it from poundland,

so i don't need a backlight, so which one do i want?

I want a swipe screen one.

Or should i get a kobo which is cheaper.

thanks x

terra_ferma

Saint_Chris wrote: »

Right i think i do want one, i've managed a bit with my tablet, but it's hard, plus daughter has brought me home a light to clip on top, she got it from poundland,

so i don't need a backlight, so which one do i want?

I want a swipe screen one.

Or should i get a kobo which is cheaper.

thanks x

When I did a bit of research to decide if I wanted one too, I found that the difference between kobo and kindle is minimal, in terms of performance, quality etc.

I would say that the main differences are:
- with kindle you can't borrow library books
- with kindle you can only buy books from amazon, and (I think) the choice of places you can download books, e.g. free classics, is more limited
- with kobo you have more flexibility
- the kobo store has a more limited choice of books you can buy, and they can be more expensive.
- amazon have a great choice of free or very cheap books
- amazon kindle app lets you sych your books on every device you use (e.g. if you forget your kindle you can read from your mobile phone or tablet and pick up from where you left it as well as see your notes etc)
- amazon have great dictionaries in many languages, kobo has a dictionary too, but I've never been able to use it because Kobo only lets you access the dictionary for books you buy from them, not free books or converted books, amazon don't have this limitation and it's great for people who read books in different languages.

However if you are happy to use calibre and relevant add ons, you can convert any book to any format, as well as back up your library (the book on your reader don't really belong to you and in theory they could stop you from accessing them if they want to - although doesn't really happen in practice, right now it would be a marketing suicide, but in future it may happen).
Be aware that converting books you bought from kobo or kindle is not allowed, and at some point the add ons that do this may stop working...

Personally I would not buy a kindle, but a kobo or another brand only because it's not healthy for the market, and in our interest, to give a near-monopoly to one company. They already own the majority of e-books read in the world, on kindles.

I hope this helps

JethroUK

Saint_Chris wrote: »

Hi
I've currently started to read more, i've got the kindle app on my galaxy tab 2, my computer and my phone. All are synced so any books i download go straight to all three.
I'm enjoying getting back into reading and have during the day been using the tab2, and sometimes my mobile, but i find the back light very harsh on both, even when i set them low.
I've some christmas money left and want to treat myself, so my daughter suggested i get a kindle, she loves heres.

She has got this one,

Kindle Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display it's £69 at tesco at the moment.

she said it doesn't have a back light, which at 1st she was dissapointed by, buy got a small light from poundland which does the trick. I'm not that bothered about reading in bed, so don't think a back light would bother me, plus it's more money.

So do i buy one, or am i wasting my money and just stick with my tablet.

thanks

my wife has both original kindle and Samsung tab 2 7"

she still prefer s to read with her kindle because as well as being as easy on the eyes (she reads in bed with side light on just like a regular book) it is a lot lighter (less than most paperbacks) and tablet is nearly 3 times heavier.

suppose like anything else
if you need to get through the odd snowy winters a regular car will do - but if you regularly drive thru snow you need a 4 x 4 that built for the job

C_Mababejive

I'm not sure whether they are a bit gimmicky. There is something about reading a proper book which the kindle cant replace. I buy most of my books used from abe books or ebay.

terra_ferma

C_Mababejive wrote: »

I'm not sure whether they are a bit gimmicky. There is something about reading a proper book which the kindle cant replace. I buy most of my books used from abe books or ebay.

they are not, you can carry as many books as you like with you at all times. You can also adjust the font size, this is a biggie for me, the last paper book I bought from amazon was written so small I couldn't read it (could wear my glasses, but I prefer not to if I have a choice, especially not getting them in/out on a crowded train, or when I'm in bed half asleep).

You have a great choice of free books, english and foreign language classics, lots of newer books on amazon, as well as many books for less than £1.

Another great advantage is that you can have an extensive collection without needed an equally large library in your home.

Obviously there are disadvantages, but a good programme like calibre will help obviate some of them

To make it absolutely clear, I'm not advocating that everyone should use ebooks, if people have a lot of room in their home, are not interested in the free/cheap books available, or just prefer the feel/smell of a book, I'm not going to tell them not to buy them (unless they live with me and they plan to add to our already extensive collection of read-once-never-looked-at-again books.... ).
Many people use both and are very happy. For example some books I REALLY REALLY want to read are not available as e-books, so I'm going to buy paper versions instead.

Reading is fantastic, ebooks can't replicate the feel, smell, visual experience of a proper book, but you can't have everything:)

grizzly1911

C_Mababejive wrote: »

I'm not sure whether they are a bit gimmicky. There is something about reading a proper book which the kindle cant replace. I buy most of my books used from abe books or ebay.

I have a kindle touch with a kindle case with built in light that is powered off the kindle battery (contacts in the case). Easy to use daytime or night.

It is a nice job, easy to use, can store loads of books, good battery life.

Like you I also purchase lots (or did kindle was present to encourage me not to) paper books secondhand. You save soo much.

The three things that bug me about ebooks are 1.) that you have to pay VAT on them 2.) the "free" books aren't that marvellous 3.) the price of older books, that you want to read, is near full price, ther are few discounts.

terra_ferma

grizzly1911 wrote: »

The three things that bug me about ebooks are 1.) that you have to pay VAT on them 2.) the "free" books aren't that marvellous 3.) the price of older books, that you want to read, is near full price, ther are few discounts.

Totally agree with you on all 3 points, some ebooks (even paid for) are terrible, and some more 'niche' books are expensive.
I expect that once the ebooks have won the war with paper book, we'll see free books disappear (except classics), and prices go up. An in my opinion they will tighten up on DRM, like they did for music, killing off calibre (at least some add ons) and drm-stripping tricks. I wouldn't be surprised if kindle/kobo were able to monitor what 'illegal' books people have on their device and later on act on it.
But I hope I'm wrong.

-TangleFoot-

terra_ferma wrote: »

in my opinion they will tighten up on DRM, like they did for music

Eh? :huh:

Dave_C_2

I own a Kindle touch and the big advantages over regular books are:

• It's lighter than any hardback book
• The text can be made bigger and is easy on my ageing eyes
• I take lots of books on holiday

Advantages over Tablets

• I can read it in direct sunlight, impossible with a tablet
• the battery lasts for weeks

To those worrying about not having backlights, it's exactly the same as reading a regular book at night, switch a light on!

I do agree with the downsides mentioned above, also no library books on the Kindle (yet)

Dave