Suggestions for ereader

Annie1960

I'm planning to get an ereader. What are your suggestions for a make and model?

What features should I look for? Which features are the most useful, and which ones do you have that you never use?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

neilmcl

For the best ereaders you have basically a choice of two, Amazon Kindle and Kobo. Which one to go for kind of comes down to whether you're planning on borrowing ebooks from public libraries. The Kobo readers have, what's know as, Overdrive baked into the system which allows anyone with a public library membership the ability to easily borrow and download ebooks to the reader. The support for doing this on the Kindle is limited. Amazon does have more choice when it comes to buying books though so if ownership is your thing then maybe a Kindle is the way to go.

Here's an article showing the difference between the two and gives recommendations for different models.

https://www.techradar.com/uk/best/best-ereader#section-kindle-vs-kobo

debitcardmayhem

I have a kindle paperwhite 2017? the best bit is the light so I can read in bed, I don't use much of the "features" but I recommend whichever brand you get look at calibre

knightstyle

See earlier thread for info.  https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/78039799#Comment_78039799

Annie1960

Thanks. I've read the link to the previous post, and hadn't realised this whole thing was so complicated. I'm more confused now!

I contacted my library to ask them, and I've cut and pasted their reply below. They use an app called 'BorrowBox'.

The BorrowBox app is compatible with iOS and Android devices, as well as the Kindle Fire devices, additionally e-Readers which are compatible with Adobe Digital Editions are compatible with our eBooks.

I have no idea what any of this means! I tried many years ago using a Nook, but Barnes and Noble stopped supporting them, so I don't think it's possible to download anything now.

Can anyone explain the above to me, is there a link to an Idiot's Guide anywhere?

neilmcl

It's fairly straightforward, Borrowbox, which is similar to the Overdrive I mentioned earlier, uses Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) to allow you to access and download content for eReaders. This will be compatible for all Kobo eReaders or tablets which is why they mention Kindle Fire devices but isn't compatible for Kindle eReaders.

Do you have a link for your library so I can double check?

elsien

I still use my nook simple touch. You can download books to Adobe then just transfer across from a laptop. The WiFi downloads don’t work directly any more. 

My library does BorrowBox , and again this works fine on the nook if you still have yours. You can also use older versions of Calibre to put Amazon books onto it.
Although academic if you no longer have your Nook! 

BorrowBox will only work in the kindle fire tablet, not on the paper white or kindle e-readers. I emailed to ask them. Which is why I’d personally go for the kobo because I specifically want an e-reader not a tablet. Whereas my mother is perfectly happy to read books on her kindle.
Some of it is just down to personal preference. 

Moss5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3biQe5RHdg
Loads more help on you Tube.

This one is suggested by your library: -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KD7SG8V/ref=gw_uk_desk_h1_tabl_mav_th1_kif5_t?pf_rd_r=E2KMHVAAPX12C5F3P7NA&pf_rd_p=5eee36ca-94d0-4d22-b64d-9128294843c5&th=1

I have one and prefer it to my Kindle paperwhite because the reading page is wider.

I paid extra for the ‘without adverts’ version.

Both are suitable for reading in poor lighting conditions and font size is adjustable.

I also suggest a case is needed to present a stand-up page on a table or cushion on your lap.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-Amazon-Kindle-Fire-7-HD8-HD10-Alexa-Tablet-Folio-Stand-Leather-Cover-Case/254090860660

More expensive options are available from Amazon.

The Kindle fire is more than just a reader. I have modified mine to become an Android device using Chrome browser, but I am not suggesting that you need to do that.

The fire memory is expandable up to 512 GB.

The fire is compatible with my Bluetooth headset and has a 3.5mm socket for plug-in headsets. I mention this in case you use audio books, or YouTube.

This reader/tablet is a good substitute for my laptop, but I do prefer a keyboard.

With more experience, you may download ‘Calibre’

https://calibre-ebook.com/download

This allows you to import and convert various e-book publications and read them on other devices.

Perhaps your library will be running training courses after lockdown.

neilmcl

Moss5 said:

The Kindle fire is more than just a reader. 

To be fair it isn't a reader at all, it's a tablet, which I'm guessing isn't what the OP is after.

Carrot007

neilmcl said:

For the best ereaders you have basically a choice of two, Amazon Kindle and Kobo.

Fopr the best ereaders I would recomend something else.

However if it is cheap with bad eco systems and costly in the future rather than upfront then carry on.

elsien

Carrot007 said:

neilmcl said:

For the best ereaders you have basically a choice of two, Amazon Kindle and Kobo.

Fopr the best ereaders I would recomend something else.

However if it is cheap with bad eco systems and costly in the future rather than upfront then carry on.

Please do. There’s little point in saying you’d recommend something else, then not actually doing so.