Celia Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I need help here! I'm really, not at all, even one little bit a technologically savvy person. But I read a lot, and I'm thinking one of these things might be handy. I've heard you can take notes with them, highlight stuff, and other such nifty things, load heaps and heaps of books on them, and they can even fit into your purse. Wowzers. Any suggestions on which kind to get? And what's the learning curve for someone who doesn’t like to spend a lot of time fussing with computers? How’s the selection of books you can get for them? Are most books coming out now available as e-books? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiseOwlKnits Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I got a Kindle for Christmas and I love it! Amazon.com has a huge selection of free books (both classics and current pubs) and you can get books from Gutenberg Press as well. It took me no time at all to get the hang of it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyniffrec Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 (edited) I have a Kindle as well and am quite happy with it. You can put .pdf files on them so I just take many books and drop them into my Kindle on my computer. I have several of the books from mainlesson.com on my Kindle. I think someone said that the nookbooks tend to be a little more expensive. Someone else here said that the Sony reader is great and I've read elsewhere that it is the best one. Edited December 31, 2010 by Jyniffrec Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kokotg Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 My Nook just came in the mail today, and so far so good. The main reason I got it was that they're selling refurbished ones on Overstock.com, so it was a good bit cheaper than the Kindle (new). I was leaning that way anyway, though. I like the touch screen, since I'm used to my iphone. And I like that you can get library books on the Nook. My library actually doesn't have e-books, yet, but the county south of mine does, so I might get a non-resident card there. Also just the principle of the thing; who is Amazon to tell me I can't read library books on my e-reader!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyniffrec Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 My Nook just came in the mail today, and so far so Also just the principle of the thing; who is Amazon to tell me I can't read library books on my e-reader!? :iagree: You have a point there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplain Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I researched Nook, Kobo, Kindle, and Sony. I chose Sony and I love it! :D I can load it with library books. I can buy from several different ebook stores. The current generation of Sonys has the same newer screen technology that the Kindles have. I've posted about my decision to buy Sony before, and there are a few other Sony Reader families on the forum, so you might search the archives here to get more thoughts on Sonys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 None:D I would get an ipad type device for more functionality. Several brands are supposed to be coming out in the Spring:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I have a Nook. It's easy to use once you know what you're doing, but it didn't come with any real information on how to use it (specifically, getting actual books loaded onto the thing). Happily, I have Mr. Ellie. :D OTOH, you can call a B&N and the nice Nook-geeks will help you out. I've downloaded some free books from Gutenberg. I'm also looking forward to going in to B&N, having a nice cup of fancy-schmancy coffee, and reading books for free. There's a new Robin McKinley book I might want to buy but I want to read some of it first (there's a sample on-line, but I want more), and the new Tom Clancy books (with Jack Ryan, Jr.). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickelfritz Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I have a Sony and love it. Our library only works with Nook and the E-reader. We are considering getting a Nook soon, to keep loaded with childrens books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin M Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I love my nook. What sold me on nook versus kindle was AT&T. Kindle uses sprint. They've never been my favorite company. It's easy to use, the books are relatively inexpensive, though they do run the gamut. $0.99 for novellas to $12.99 for new releases. Most of the books I've bought have been in the $5 to $7 range. You can side load library books, free books off gutenberg and other free book sites. And it has the touch screen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celia Posted December 31, 2010 Author Share Posted December 31, 2010 Thanks for the info! Very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mekanamom Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 None:D I would get an ipad type device for more functionality. Yes. ;) It's possible to download iBooks, Kindle, Nook, and Kobo apps on the iPad (possibly more, that's just where I stopped!)... That way we can get access to all of the current major ebookstores from one device for comparison shopping. :) I don't know a thing about other tablets, but have read that quite a few will be announced at CES this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 DH had a older Sony e-Reader, replaced it with a new 3g Kindle, became peeved at Amazon (they've been dropping "objectionable" yet perfectly legal works, something he cannot abide; this is not about the "pedophile" book), upgraded his Sony eReader ($75 trade in for old e-readers), and is now selling the Kindle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I would check them all out in person before purchasing. I have a kindle and from what I have read/heard they are all basically the same. I have heard complaints though that some are hard to read on for a long period of time (back light or something to do with that). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I agree to handle each e-reader before you decide. The Kobo wasn't even on my radar until I handled one. It felt the best in my hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplain Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 (edited) Yes. ;) It's possible to download iBooks, Kindle, Nook, and Kobo apps on the iPad (possibly more, that's just where I stopped!)... That way we can get access to all of the current major ebookstores from one device for comparison shopping. :) I have an iPad and a Sony Reader. I can't read for long periods of time on the iPad's LCD, because it tires my eyes the same way my computer screens do. Fortunately, I experience zero eye strain with my Sony's e-ink screen. With a Sony I can't (easily) read Kindle or B&N ebooks, but there are several other ebookstores available to me, including Sony's and Kobo. (I could read Kindle books if I wanted to, but I'd have to go through conversion steps that Amazon wouldn't approve of. However, many who've researched this topic claim it isn't illegal as long as the ebook was purchased legally.) Edited December 31, 2010 by jplain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mekanamom Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 (edited) I have an iPad and a Sony Reader. I can't read for long periods of time on the iPad's LCD, because it tires my eyes the same way my computer screens do. Fortunately, I experience zero eye strain with my Sony's e-ink screen. Yep, the e-ink screen is definitely an advantage! It's much, much better in sunlight than an LCD screen as well as well as easier on the eyes in general. That is something I do miss. :iagree: Thankfully I do ok with the backlit screen, but it can be a problem for lots of people. Edited to add: Oh! I didn't know the Sony reader could access more than one e-bookstore! Definitely good to know! Edited December 31, 2010 by Mekanamom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zuzu822 Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I don't think this is very well known, but it's possible to sideload books from the Sony store on the Nook using Adobe Digital Editions (which you also use with library books.) :) http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/NOOKbook-Discussion/Sony-e-book-gift-cards-discounted-at-Target-this-week/m-p/512176#M4916 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyniffrec Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 (I could read Kindle books if I wanted to, but I'd have to go through conversion steps that Amazon wouldn't approve of. However, many who've researched this topic claim it isn't illegal as long as the ebook was purchased legally.) And it also partly the defeats the purpose of an e-reader. I would have a hard time having to sit and download, convert and adjust the books I read for pleasure. I am willing to do it for schoolbooks that are in the wrong format, though. One more good thing about Kindle is that you can put .pdf files on them. In fact, I create .pdf files in order to be able to put our school schedule (Sonlight style) on my Kindle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kokotg Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 And it also partly the defeats the purpose of an e-reader. I would have a hard time having to sit and download, convert and adjust the books I read for pleasure. I am willing to do it for schoolbooks that are in the wrong format, though. One more good thing about Kindle is that you can put .pdf files on them. In fact, I create .pdf files in order to be able to put our school schedule (Sonlight style) on my Kindle. Just FYI, you can put PDFs on the Nook, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ourjourneys Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 We have an android tablet 10" and LOVE it! It functions as a computer, wifi, book reader, holds educational games (transfered by usb or downloaded from the internet), plays movies, etc. I am not sure that I would pay for an e-reader only when you can spend a little more and have a complete system in your purse :) Technology is changing so fast! Yes. ;) It's possible to download iBooks, Kindle, Nook, and Kobo apps on the iPad (possibly more, that's just where I stopped!)... That way we can get access to all of the current major ebookstores from one device for comparison shopping. :) I don't know a thing about other tablets, but have read that quite a few will be announced at CES this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplain Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 And it also partly the defeats the purpose of an e-reader. I would have a hard time having to sit and download, convert and adjust the books I read for pleasure. I am willing to do it for schoolbooks that are in the wrong format, though. Right. And that's why I usually wouldn't bother. I'd just buy from another ebookstore that IS compatible with my brand of reader. I haven't yet bought any ebooks, but I've comparison shopped, and found that some of the books I might be interested in are actually cheaper on the Sony ebookstore or at Kobo than they are at Amazon/Kindle, especially when Kobo promotions are factored in. One more good thing about Kindle is that you can put .pdf files on them. In fact, I create .pdf files in order to be able to put our school schedule (Sonlight style) on my Kindle. While it is true that the Kindle finally has native PDF support, those who have both still say that Sonys do a better job with PDFs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyniffrec Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 I haven't yet bought any ebooks, but I've comparison shopped, and found that some of the books I might be interested in are actually cheaper on the Sony ebookstore or at Kobo than they are at Amazon/Kindle, especially when Kobo promotions are factored in. This was a major factor in my decision to buy an e-reader. My uncle happened to have a Kindle that he was selling at "a family price" so I jumped on it. We have an android tablet 10" and LOVE it! It functions as a computer, wifi, book reader, holds educational games (transfered by usb or downloaded from the internet), plays movies, etc. I am not sure that I would pay for an e-reader only when you can spend a little more and have a complete system in your purse :) Technology is changing so fast! What brand did you get? Have you tried kids' books on it? While it is true that the Kindle finally has native PDF support, those who have both still say that Sonys do a better job with PDFs. That doesn't really surprise me. I have to adjust the screen in order to read them properly on the Kindle. Just FYI, you can put PDFs on the Nook, too. That's good to know. I have considered buying a Nook as well (for children's books). Although now that I have a bug in my ear about the Android tablets I am going to have to have a look at them before I make a decision about getting a Nook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest geurink Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 You can buy a color Nook on Craigslist and follow instructions online that will turn it into an Android tablet on which you can download from Amazon, B&N, Google books, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 Yep, the e-ink screen is definitely an advantage! It's much, much better in sunlight than an LCD screen as well as well as easier on the eyes in general. That is something I do miss. :iagree: Thankfully I do ok with the backlit screen, but it can be a problem for lots of people. Edited to add: Oh! I didn't know the Sony reader could access more than one e-bookstore! Definitely good to know! I'm actually thinking about selling my Kindle because I have such a problem with the E-ink. I've noticed a serious dimming in my vision since I turned 40 and I find a backlit screen easier to see and less tiring. In fact, I find myself turning to my phone to read books on my Kindle app rather than reading them on the Kindle itself. Particularly at night. Oh! And Borders is going through a bankruptcy/reorg...you may want to check and see if your local Borders is one of the stores they're closing. I saw Kobo and Sony ereaders in stock yesterday for 20% off. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mymonkeybug Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 Call me old fashioned.... ....stick with a book. Technology isn't all it's cracked up to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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