But, because I really haven't looked into the readers yet, I don't know which to hint at.
This is where you come in - I know some of you own e-readers, and others have done lots of research into it. Everything looks great! They're all so pretty and shiny and new!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different versions? Which ones do you LOVE?
What should I want? HELP!
116 comments:
I don't have a clue since I don't own one but I'm definitely interested in seeing what responses you get. You do have a great family for thinking of an e-reader for you. Best of luck on finding the right one.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Sorry I can't help as I have never seen one, you indeed have a wonderful family.
Yvonne.
Mason - I know - my family is the best!
I'm going to do some online research too - but I think the experiences of people I know will matter a lot!
Of course, price WILL be a consideration too :)
Yvonne - they are great!
I've seen one ereader in person, but I really don't know much :)
I have the nook, I'll be honest, I haven't finished a book on it yet. I normally get about 20 pages in and stop reading. I can't tell if its the format or the story or just that life gets in the way when I'm reading.
I love how instant it is, you want a boo, poof it's there. No waiting. But you are limited to the selection of the book on BN.com.
Not every book is in Nook format. There's HUGE gaps in the YA market. Most Ebooks are non fiction and adult.
iPad is nice, I've played around with that. I like how the pages are all in color and the pages are easier to turn, like a real book. Also if you have an Iphone you can read the book on both devices and it magically saves your place. I don't know how, besides magic. But it's more expensive than a car payment.
Borders is coming out with it's ereader, no frills, no wifi just download and plug in. But its very cheap.
I haven't used the kindle yet.
There you go. Lots of info on the ereaders.
Hope it helps
I don't own one myself, but I've been researching them and staying up to date with what new ones are coming out.
There would be different factors, like do you want something that is just for reading or do you multifunction? Can you read comfortably on backlit screens or would an e-ink be more comfortable?
Right now, I have my wishlist narrowed to a Kindle or a Nook because I don't want one that is backlit. I want to read wherever I am, and backlit devices like an iPad or the coming iPad clones, are like reading on a computer screen. I can do that already on my netbook. I also want one with 3g or at the very least, Wi-fi, so I can get a book without connecting it to my computer.
Kobo e-reader is a nice device that is just for reading books and it's inexpensive at $149, but it needs a computer to connect to (it might connect via a Bluetooth cellphone too, but not positive about that, and sounds kind of complicated) A basic Nook does all that for the same price, plus is Wi-fi enabled. The higher end Nook, at $199, has 3G.
But hold on, there's a cool technology coming out called Mirasol, that is color and not backlit. I don't know what device will use it or when, but I'm anxious to find out. lol.
I have more info on my blog, you could just click on ereader in my tags to find all the posts.
Erinn - wow - I've only ever seen ONE e-reader and you've got so much experience!! Awesome.
Price will definitely be a factor - so that will eliminate a few right there.
Thanks for all the insider tips! :)
Thanks Mary! I knew you were one of the people looking into it. I've been ignoring them because I thought it would be a few years before I got one. But there are so many of you blog buddies who have ebooks, I'd like to get one now!
I check out your blog entries on it - thanks so much!
I chose a Kindle for these reasons:
1) I already ordered my books from Amazon, so being exclusive with Amazon was no big deal for me.
2) The e-ink is really easy on the eyes, and the page really does look like the page of a book.
3) The interface is very simple. The face of the device is smooth, unlike Sony's e-reader, and there are next page/previous page buttons on both sides of the device, so you can hold it with either hand.
I've been extremely happy with my Kindle. There are bunches of free e-books as promotions, so I get to read stuff that I normally probably wouldn't.
And Amazon has just lowered the Kindle's price, so it's pretty affordable now.
I haven't done my research either, but I'm leaning towards an Ipad and using it as an e-reader. I'll be reading your comments with interest! :)
Sorry, I can't help you. I'm being a stubborn traditionalist when it comes to books.
Hi Jemi,
Thanks for posting your query to readers. I don't have an e-reader, so I've been curious as to which is the best. The responses are helpful.
Oh, and happy birthday. Your family sounds great!
Donna
http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com
Summer - wow - thanks! I know the Kindle is available here in Canada too - that's the one my daughter thinks I'd like best.
Thanks for all those details - that really helps!! :)
DL - isn't it great that we can get so much info so quickly from so many great people! I love the bloggy-verse!! :)
Theresa - I don't think anything will ever completely replace books, but there are some books coming out now that are only available on e-readers. And some of them are by my bloggy friends - and I want to read them! :)
Donna - thanks!
It's so great that the people in the bloggy-verse are so helpful and generous with their time! I love it :)
hehe i love the photo. but i'm gona have to say the only e-reader i want is an iPad!
then again.. i'm an Apple junkie, soooo
You're right Jemi~ you have an awesome family!
I love mt Kindle! You won't be disappointed in the least at hinting for one. I carry mine everywhere:)
Tahereh - I loved the photo too :)
I'm thinking the iPad is out of my price range - but it looks so great!
Tamika - thanks! My daughter thinks the Kindle is the front runner for me, but honestly, I just haven't checked it out much yet! :)
I read on an iPod Touch. I prefer it because it's small (the size of an iPhone) and therefore I can carry it everywhere. It also has apps for nearly all of the kinds of ebook suppliers out there (including Kindle). Ironically, until just this past month or so, it couldn't access Apple's own iBooks store.
Of the dedicated ebook readers Kindle really does seem best. One advantage it has over Nook is that Amazon has its act together on the ebook store. As an author, I find that BN has a heck of a time getting listings right, and mistakes take months for them to sort out.
Daring - I don't know if my eyes could handle reading on the iPod Touch for long. It's really small and I have some issues with my vision.
That is bizarre that it couldn't access iBooks - you'd think that would be the first thing the company would ensure!
Thanks for the input on Amazon & B&N too - very helpful!
Thanks so much for dropping by and the input!
Hey Jemi!
As we already found out on Twitter, we are in the same boat. So I will be reading your comments with much interest.
The fabulous Tiana Smith just left an AWESOME comment on her research between the nook and Kindle on my blog. You should definitely check it out! :)
Karen - I laughed when I saw your tweet - Kismet indeed!
Tiana's awesome - I will definitely check out her opinion - thanks :)
...in the market myself, and been doing some research. Kindle is the most cost efficient due to their lower priced downloads. Some books are actually free or next to nothing to purchase. Apple and Sony's versions are more expensive, but I believe the IPad is smaller to handle for comfort purposes. If I'd be purchasing one today, I'd probably lean toward the Kindle. Its been fun watching the top brands battle it out for E-Reader supremacy:)
Elliot - cost is always an issue, so that's good to know!
I've kind of ignored the whole thing thinking I'd be a few years before getting one. Now I wish I'd paid better attention to the battle! :)
I don't own on so I can't help but I do think it could be nice just for carrying purposes, stick it in a bag and you can access any book you desire.
Then again I'll always love my books, the pages to turn and everything. The feeling, smells and all.
I also don't want to run the risk of the battery dying, or not having it charged, breaking, paperbacks or hardcovers don't break to where you can't read the words. Yes pages will be torn, but nothing will electronically diminish. Something to think about at least.
Mine's an old (and cheap) eBookwise, which I still like. The biggest issue is formatting. I'd say get a reader that lets you buy books from as many places as possible. We got to look at the new Border's reader at RomCon, and while it seems to be a great deal, I still can't get over the 'flash' between pages, although those who use various readers say "you get used to it."
However, my biggest use for my e-reader is reading in bed, and I LOVE mine because I don't need to have a light on. In fact, when traveling, that back light is a fantabulous asset in dark, strange hotel rooms. Or on planes where the reading light is never where you want it. Or everyone else is watching the movie and they ask that you lower the window shades.
Ha! You guys were talking about me and I wasn't even here yet :) Jemi, I decided to post the same comment over here, in case people were interested. Warning, it's a little long:
I’ve just finished up all my research and I’ve decided to go with a Nook. After all my research (and it was a lot) here are my reasons, hopefully they help:
The newest Kindle is big - and the Nook fits better in my purse.
Let’s face it, the Nook looks cooler. I know that’s not a real reason, but the Kindle just looks like something out of the 80’s, very clunky with bubble buttons.
The Nook has expandable storage - which is huge for me. With the Kindle, you can only use so much.
The one positive for the Kindle - it is slightly faster for downloading books and such, but I figure I’ll be using it more to read, so this one is a wash for me considering all the other positives of the Nook. Seeing as you can download from your computer for both, it wasn’t a big deal.
The Nook is touch screen, vs. the Kindle has buttons that can break.
You can share books with the Nook, you can’t with the Kindle.
With the Nook, it accepts all e-pub formats, with the Kindle, you have to purchase the books from Amazon.
With the Nook, you can borrow e-books from the library without purchasing them (if your library has e-books to rent).
The Nook has a better support system if you need help. You can go into an actual store, where they have classes to help you. With the Kindle, you’re left scouring the forums for help.
Another positive for the Kindle - It has a folder system. But I think one is coming soon for the Nook.
The Kindle also has the text-to-speech feature, which will read you a book. I don’t know how good it is, but that’d be cool if it comes to the Nook soon.
With the Nook, you can listen to music at the same time as read.
With the Nook, you can replace the battery yourself. With the Kindle, you have to send it in, and the battery is more expensive.
Nook has a color screen.
You can play Sudoku and Chess on the Nook.
Before purchasing a book, the Nook gives you longer free samples.
The Nook is slightly heavier, but I found that to be a good thing because it felt like a book to me.
If you plan to surf the web a lot, the Kindle has easier navigation.
The Nook will automatically save all the books you buy to your Barnes and Noble account, so if you lose your Nook, you still have all the books that you can download onto your new one.
The Kindle can read Word documents, which is pretty cool for manuscripts.
If you’re interested in an e-reader, then I wouldn’t get an iPad, which is backlit. Unless you read a lot in the dark. But the Kindle and Nook can read in direct sunlight. If you want to read in the dark, you’d need a light, which they sell.
On Karen's post, I forgot to mention, with the Nook, you can go into the store and download their free book every week. Usually it isn't a best seller, but hey, it's free :)
Hopefully that helps. Sorry for the super long post! LOL. I guess I’m just excited about my new Nook that I’ll be getting soon I’m guessing with a lot of these features, pretty soon they will be available on both through software updates. So, it’s more about the feel and such that you like.
Tiana
Wow...I haven't made the leap yet. And everyone seems to have a different opinion...but I lean toward the Kindle.
I don't know why. Sorry I'm not more help!
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
Jen - I agree - I'll always love books.
The biggest reason I'd like to get an ereader is that I have some bloggy friends who've published their books in e-formats only. I don't know if anything will ever replace physical books for me. But it'll be fun to try!
Terry - good points! There's so much to think about.
Between this and agent research I do believe my brain is going to explode! :)
Tiana - yup we were talking about you! It was all good though! :)
Thanks for the extensive comment - you really have a lot of details I might not have thought about. I appreciate your time!
Thanks Michele - that's kind of where I am. It's hard to know. And usually I research things for a long time before I make a decision. Thankfully I have a lot of smart bloggy friends :)
ooh, lucky you! Please update us on what you got and how you like it!
Terry Lynn - Lucky me indeed! I most definitely will let you know! :)
I don't have one, so I'm no help! I've put off getting one forever. And by the time I do, they're is sure to be something new, like books that talk to you just by popping in a CD.
Wait. Huh. What? Those exist already?
Carol - that's exactly why I didn't look into them before - I figured by the time I got one, they'd have all completely changed. Now I wish I'd paid more attention!
And the CD thing - that's not just sci-fi??? :)
My husband has the iPad and absolutely loves it. He hears of a book he thinks he'll like, he downloads it and it's waiting on his shelf. So far, he's downloaded from the iStore and B&N. He can change the backlighting depending on where he's reading and can increase the font. It brings him back to whatever page he was last reading. Plus, he can do other things on the iPad. It's almost like a mini laptop, only lighter, skinnier (so it slides easily into his briefcase) and easier to hold in one hand and read.
Straight From Hel
I love my SONY but now that Kindle 2 has dropped in price so much, I would get that. I don't have wireless download (not that it's that big a deal but it's nice). Also the newer Kindle is much nicer and thinner than the old Kindle.
Helen - wow that sounds pretty versatile. I didn't know you could change the backlighting too!
Sounds wonderful - but I think it's probably out of the price range. I'll definitely check it out though. Thanks! :)
Jennifer - yes the Kindle 2 does look improved! Wireless is certainly a nice feature - but it's not the end of the world to not have it either. Hmmm.
Thanks!
Now that the Kindles have come doen in price, I think they're the best buy. I paid full price for mine and I also have an Ebook reader. I much prefer the Kindle.
I, too, am interested in seeing the responses. I've been thinking about getting myself one — unless you want to lend me your family? ;) — and I can't make up my mind which would be best.
Jean - yes the Kindle definitely seems to be the front runner at the moment. So many people seems to like it! Thanks :)
VR - sorry, the family's not for lease at the moment! :) Maybe once they've saved up again!
It's a tough decision. There are advantages to all of the models it seems.
iPad!!! Get an iPad! Not only can you read books, but you can watch movies, listen to music, surf the web, play games, work on your WIP, check the weather, etc. Yes it's more expensive (and I'm sure they will drop before Christmas) but why pay $$ when for $$$ you get everything!!
Yes, obviously I love my iPad.
Alex - So, how's that iPad working out for you? Do you think you'll ever use it? :)
I really haven't checked into prices yet. Maybe I'd be better off saving up and doing it as a Christmas thing. I'll have to look into it!
Thanks! :)
While I would move to iPad before Kindle, I just want to clear up a couple of myths about the Kindle:
You can buy books from stores other than Amazon. I think it's a two step process to get the file into the Kindle though (that is you have to buy it, and then "send" it to the Kindle).
While Amazon has an excessively short sample size, you can get larger samples from vendors like Smashwords.
And finally, you can indeed share books. You can have the equivalent of a calling circle, and share all the books within the group - no limits on time or number of books. (In contrast, Nook allows limited time sharing of individual books with anybody.)
My suggestion is, if you can, try the various methods out. You may be surprised at what you like.
Thanks Camille - it's such a tough decision. My big problem is I live in small city Canada & we don't have many/any in town. I'd be ordering online most likely. So, unfortunately trying them out isn't an option.
I didn't know about the sharing idea - that's a nice feature. Thanks I'll add this into my brain and let it all filter around :)
I'm going to vote with Summer way up there at the top. ;)
I love my Kindle! I do all of my shopping on Amazon anyway.
I would never own an iPad because they are too big. I like holding something that is the size of a paperback, not a laptop.
Laura - another Kindle fan! Amazon has a good Canadian site for me to use too.
I haven't checked the dimensions yet - good thought! - I'll have to do that too.
Thanks!
I'm no help. I'm e-readerless. Drop the hint to your family for me too. ;) Looks like you've got tons of great suggestions here.
Lisa - I'll drop the hint for you :)
I do have a ton of great suggestions and comments. Bloggy friends ROCK!
I have no idea, but before I bought any one of them, I would first download software to my computer and try reading a book or two on a laptop. Just to see.
Stewart - that's a great idea! I didn't know you could do that, but it certainly makes sense! Thanks for the idea :)
What a nice family! Wish I had some advice to give you. I've eyed over the Kindle, but the Ipad looks good as well. Please let us know what you receive. :)
Kathi - I know! Aren't they great? :)
I will - it's still a little bit down the road.
They're all so pretty & shiny!
No clue dear, sorry? I shall learn with your question, as good students do, heh. ;P
Mari - Love it! :)
I do learn a lot from my bloggy friends - you all are the best!
I have no recs, I just came to listen to what everyone else had to say! thanks for posting about this!
Lydia - you're so welcome! It's always interesting to see what experiences and opinions everyone has :)
What Lydia said!! Ha ha ha. :-)
I looked into using a kindle but I live in Australia and many of the books/magazines/newspapers are just not available for my country :(
Shannon - lol :)
This is such a great example of the writing community - always helping and having fun!
Lynda - I never really thought of that. I'm in Canada - I'd better look into that too! Thanks! :)
I have no idea! LOL. But have fun with whichever one you get. :)
Thanks Kimberly - I intend to have a lot of fun with it :)
E-readers are getting to be like cell phones, so many choices and pros and cons for each. Hope you get one and then you can tell us all about it.
Susan - that's exactly it. Too many options for my little brain to absorb!
I'll let everyone know which one I get! :)
I love my Kindle. But since I have nothing to compare it to, I'm a bit biased.
Good luck and have fun at hinting. I hope the fam gets it right.
I'm afraid I'm no help, as I don't own one and haven't researched them. My sister was in town last week and she asked everyone she could find if they thought she should get a Kindle or an iPad. Today she announced that she ended up buying the iPad.
Thanks Cat - mostly everyone who owns a Kindle loves it - that's a very good sign :)
I hope they take hints well... :)
Susan - I don't know anyone who owns any of these - small town Canada is NOT the hot-bed of technology :)
I think the iPad is a lot more money, but it's been a crazy day & I haven't looked it up yet!
Oh no, I can't help you there! I don't have one, and I'm still running in the opposite direction ;)
I'm not even sure I'm going to get one now that I know I can download the Kindle app on my laptop. I'd take the laptop on a trip even if I had an ereader, so might as well use the laptop. If I'm home, I prefer books made of paper...just old-fashioned, I guess.
No clue. My darling crit partner swears by her Sony where as everyone else I know seems to have either the iPad or the Kindle with each respective owner loving it. Yeah for awesome family! :D
I don't have a e-reader, but how wonderful your family is to get you one. Have fun choosing :o)
Yeah, I don't own one, but I wanted to say I loved that cartoon. Adorable. :) And aren't families who really try to get you what you want the best? I love families. :D
I have a Kindle and like it alright. I'm not in love with it--but I don't think I'd be in love with any ereader (I love the feel of books way too much!).
However, the Kindle is light, easy to read (not hard on the eyes like a computer can be), lets you upload .pdf files to it (so you can even convert your writing or someone else's & read it on your Kindle), and links to Amazon (of course), which is where I buy most all my books.
What I don't like is, when you go to the next page, it flickers (it might be this way with all ereaders, I don't know)--this totally messes up my focus and the flow of the reading.
Otherwise, it's great! Hope your family gets you a pretty one!
WN - lol :)
I'd like to read some books friends have written that are only available as ebooks - and my eyes can't do the computer screen more than I already do.
Pat - I love real books as well. But my eyes do have a hard time with computer screens. :)
Kimberly - yup - the family is great! :)
It's interesting that everyone seems to love theirs. I guess they're all pretty well made - good to hear. :)
Thanks Niki - it is fun! I love new toys :)
Bethany - so true - my family is awesome. :)
I thought the cartoon was cute too!
Thanks Mary!
My eyes are a big concern - I've always had issues with them, and they're certainly not getting better as I get older!
I like the option up uploading a pdf file - I didn't know that either.
Thanks a bunch!
What a cool fam, Jemi! I'd have to say the iPad just because the way things are going, it might make all the others obsolete. If that one is too pricey, then the newest Kindle because it's so easy to uplink to Amazon.
I don't have either but my husband has used both for work. Good luck hinting! :o)
Jackee - My family is the best :)
The iPad is out of reach money wise - I just looked it up this morning. Wow. Yeah, can't afford that.
The Kindle is my front runner at the moment. Being in Canada there are some issues with some of the other ereaders it seems.
Thanks for the input!
I have a Sony eReader. I love it because you can read PDFs as well as ePUB docs - so you can uploads your MS and read it just like a book!
On the downside, you can't buy ebooks at discount prices from Amazon, for example.
Talli - I do like the option of being able to read my ms as well as my crit buddies' mss. But in Canada Amazon is the easiest to download from.
Thanks for the input :)
I love my Itouch. It’s pocket sized and slips into my bag. I can take it anywhere. It has a kindle reader and I read non-stop. Plus the Itouch has a few other bonus features.
Holly - I do have an iTouch, but my eyes can't cope with it for any length of time. I love it for the music & the scheduler.
I've always had trouble with my eyes, and things aren't getting better. So sadly, I need something bigger. thanks for the input.
I'm anti-Kindle. Amazon can just zap a book right off your Kindle if they want. That's scary!
I've always thought it was silly to pay a couple hundred dollars for a device that only offers books. I'd probably get an iPad.
Diane - I'd forgotten that - it was one of Orwell's I think, wasn't it?
I'd love to get an iPad, but the price is more than double here in Canada - just can't afford it.
It's tough! Thanks for the input! :)
I LOVE my Nook but since I've only owned it a week I haven't figured too much out yet!
Beth - another Nook fan! My biggest trouble with the Nook is that it's a B&N product and we don't have B&N in Canada. Have fun with yours!! :)
I want the iPa just bcause of the size. But I did check out the Sony Reader and really liked what I saw. Haven't looked at the Nook or Kindle yet.
Stephen Tremp
I chose Kindle and love it because the screen is easy on the eye, I can read for hours without getting tired eyes (which is why I don't want an iPad even though hubby does) and the screen size was larger than others I investigated. Some seemed just too small.
I like that I can adjust the font size and that I can get it to read to me (even if it sounds a little strange - it does a pretty good job of reading text).
I was torn between the two sizes for Kindle but went with the smaller one, it seems to work well and is very handy to slip into your bag. I've no regrets :-)
Stephen - if money weren't an issue, I'd be snapping that iPad up in a heartbeat! But, sadly, money is always an issue... :)
Thanks for your help!
Charmain - awesome! The Kindle is definitely my front runner at the moment. My eyes do NOT work well so anything that's easy on the eyes is definitely in the lead :)
Thanks so much for your input!
I've never wanted to buy an e-reader... yet. It can't be as good as the real thing, can it? Do let us know which one you get and how you get on with it and have a lovely birthday.
You saw my post about my beloved Kindle. ;)
Jemi,
I have a kindle and I absolutely love it. I have had it for a year now and what I like most is that it holds up to 1500 books.
It also has a dictionary built in for those words that you want to look up immediately while reading and you can even send important documents to your kindle like your WIP. I highly recommend getting an electronic reader.
Good luck!
I am un-Kindled, but I have friends who are having a love affair with it.
And I just got around to completing the Versatile Blogger Award. Yup, just now -- it must be summer.
When's your bd? Soon?
Thanks so much Rosalind.
My main reason for wanting an ereader is those books that are only available in that format! I've got a few friends who have published things that way and I'd love to support them :)
Medeia - I certainly did! And that's one of the reasons the Kindle is my current front runner! :)
Chary - awesome! That's the kind of thing I love to hear :)
1500 is such a big number - sends a lovely chill up my spine! Thanks so much for your input!
Anne - A love affair with an ereader sounds kinda fun! :)
The big day's not for a few weeks yet - I usually try to ignore them these days! :)
I don't have an e-reader and unfortunately cannot offer any advice, but Karen Strong asked about it recently, and Tiana Smith left a very detailed comparison between a Kindle and a Nook here in the comments.
I hope you'll find one you like! :)
Thanks Sandy! Tiana popped by here as well. She sure did have helpful advice :)
I hope so too!
Lord lady! How do you get all these comments?? I don't have an ereader but I hear Kindle is great. Personally? I'd go for the IPAD because then you can do other things too... But I'm MAC obsessed so don't take my word for it.
Lisa Gail - lol :) I have no idea - just lots of great friends :)
I'd love an iPad, but they're more than double the price of the others, so it's probably out of reach... they are awfully nice though!
price irrelevant: ipad
otherwise, play around with the free one from amazon [kindle reader for pc] and see if you even like em
E-reader's too new and shiny in Australia for me to know which are good or otherwise. The one's I've used in the shops have all been pretty good but I guess it is a matter of figuring out which one works for you.
Best of luck.
Laughing Wolf - unfortunately the price is important!
I think the Kindle is the front runner right now :) Thanks for the input.
Thanks Cassandra - that's the issue here in Canada too. In my city there aren't even any in the stores - they all have to be ordered online! So it's more of a gamble. :)
Post a Comment