Kindle, Nook, eReaders

stacey · July 2010

Ok so I am finally going to get myself an eReader and so far the only difference I can tell between those that are out there is the price.

Can anyone give me any advice on which brand is better or what I should be looking for in terms of GB, etc.

urbancowgirl · July 2010

My opinion is that unless you're an editor or some other position that requires you to cart around heavy manuscripts, then pass on the Sony E-Reader. The only pro that it has going for it is the ability to transfer word documents onto it. It also crashes all the time and takes forever to charge.

If I had it to do over again, I would absolutely get a Kindle. The wifi/3g access that I didn't think I would need would come in so handy when I'm sitting in the airport realizing that I have nothing to read.

illig · July 2010

Personally, i love my Kindle, b/c i can start reading the book on my Android phone during my commute, pick up my Kindle at home and be on the same page automatically... back and forth, no worrying about bookmarks, etc.

But i do know that i've basically locked myself into a single source of books.... other eBook readers such as the Sony one, or the Barnes & Noble Nook can read the standard ePub format... the Kindle can only read the Amazon proprietary format, so you're stuck with Amazon for good once you start building your ebook library

urbancowgirl · July 2010

Oh no! I didn't know that. That's a definite problem. I love to 'check out' ebooks from the NYPL. Boooooooo.

stacey · July 2010

Thanks - I was wondering that about the Kindle. I have been comparing them and it looks like Borders Kobe eReader has the same as Kindle (including the wireless syncing with my Droid) and it come pre-loaded with 100 classics for free. I will not be doing any manuscripts or even work on this - I would just like it for my periodicals and books.

UrbanCowgirl - how does checking out ebooks work at the NYPL? I did not know you could even do that.

urbancowgirl · July 2010

I didn't either! I just happened upon it and from that point forward my husband's work ereader became my own.

You have to have a library card to 'check' them out. The link is http://ebooks.nypl.org/40AB9DCB-9732-4F1A-91B6-D13D11518FFA/10/257/en/Default.htm.

I'm now reconsidering my advice on the Sony. The one I use is the PRS-505 so it's kind of old. They may have fixed the crashing problem since then, and it's been easier to charge since I paid extra to buy the wall adapter. My husband and I both work in media publishing, and I would be a bit worried about springing for the Borders ereader based on their ongoing financial woes.

voodoonyc · July 2010

I've had a Nook since it was first released and I love it. There were some initial software issues, but B&N has been excellent about issuing software updates and everything is smooth going at this point. I also borrow books from the NYPL and that works great on the Nook as well.

anthonycm · July 2010

You might want to look into an iPad. Hear me out before everyone starts complaining about price.

Yes, it's more expensive than the other readers out there. However, depending on how many books you purchase, it could benefit you to go with the iPad.

On the iPad you can use Apple's iBooks, the Kindle app, the Nook app, or the Kobo ap (and I know there's a few more). That way, you can shop around for the best price for the book you want to read. For example, iBooks doesn't have Random House at this time, and I really wanted the new Martin Amis novel. I checked out the price on the Kindle app, which at the time was around $12. I then found it on the Nook app for $9. I believe the Kindle price is now $9, but that's not the point.

The iPad also has the Zinio app, which is a magazine reader. The other e-readers might have B&W and/or text only versions, but Zinio gives you the complete 4C magazine.

There certainly are advantages to a dedicated e-reader, though. Price of the gadget, of course. Plus, many people find the e-ink easier on the eyes, but I've had no problem with the iPad screen. Reading in bright sunlight is definitely easier on an e-reader than the iPad. Still, if most of your reading is inside, the iPad has the advantage of not needing a light to read it in the dark.

Again, yes, it's pricier (and a good bit heavier), but the iPad has enough going for it that you might want to consider it.

stacey · July 2010

The Kobo allows me to purchase books from Amazon, Borders and BN. Is that true of the Nook and Kindle? If so I think for me it will just come down to price since they all seem to be about the same.

Oh Anthony I wish I could afford the iPad - I soooo want it. Its also the only one you can view magazines, comics, etc. in color. I am crossing my fingers that Santa gets it for me for Christmas. Do you know if you can transfer puchased books from an e-Reader to the iPad?

anthonycm · July 2010

Pretty sure your Amazon/Kindle account syncs across all readers with the Kindle app. Likely the same with a Nook.

Oh, and one big advantage a dedicated e-reader has over an iPad (and I do love the iPad) is battery life. The 10 hours or so on the iPad is awesome, but that's dwarfed by the hours you get on a full charge of the Kindle (I'm sure the Nook, Kobo, and Sony products also have tremendous battery life, but I only have first hand knowledge of the Kindle and iPad).

independent mind · July 2010

can anyone tell me how easy it is to type on the ipad? And can you use microsoft word on ipad?

Also, should a person be worried about always touching a screen and like health issues?

anthonycm · July 2010

Health issues? No idea what your talking about.

As for typing, short reponses such as this are fine. However, in my experience, it sucks for anything more substantial.

whynot_31 · July 2010

can you attach a keyboard to its USB port?

anthonycm · July 2010

I know you can purchase an iPad keyboard that docks, but it's not USB.

canyontothesky · July 2010

I think the Kobo looks great, but it does not have any wi-fi or 3G, which is a dealbreaker for me. I want to be able to get a book right away, not when I get home. I was originally going to get a Kindle, but reading about the ePUB format, I think it's a must to have, so I'm going to get a Nook. Sadly. I tried it out at B&N and I wasn't happy with it at all, I really prefer the Kindle's design and buttons. But I don't think the Kindle is going to last long without that format.

mha · July 2010

I love my Kindle. I realized however, that despite my best intentions I am still going to buy books. I use my Kindle to read public domain stuff and to keep up on a few blogs. The battery life is awesome, and in a pinch one can surf the web. A few months ago I had no wireless service and I had to find out what time was the next train out of Washington D.C. I was able to use my Kindle to access the Amtrak website and find out the time of my train. Also, though I have yet to use it, apparently there is a way of getting Google email using the Kindle. I am so impressed with it.

It has improved the quality of my life immeasurably.

apophis36 · July 2010

Just an FYI, a refurb'ed Kindle is down to $109...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00154JDAI/ref=dp_olp_refurbished?tag=slickdeals&ie=UTF8&qid=1278957327&sr=8-1&condition=refurbished&prv=forums&cur=forums&ses=

xlizellx · July 2010

I just got a nook. I like that it can read book from B&N and from other sources (Amazon, etc.) while a Kindle locks you into only Amazon books. I got it with only wireless (my mom's has 3G) and it was only $149. It also (unlike Kindle) has external memory, so I can put into SD cards to add more memory

dda · July 2010

i have a kindle and love it! i too did a lot of research and felt that the kindle just worked for me. keep in mind there are plenty of free books on the kindle as well - mostly classics and public domain stuff, but other goodies too. so far, no complaints...

Kindle, Nook, eReaders

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