Best eReader?

[rowech]

Does anyone have any thoughts on which reader is best from:

Amazon's Kindle
Barnes and Noble's Nook
Sony's Reader

I have searched through consumer reports and some other review sites and really can't find anything other than they're all nice. I'm hoping to figure out if one definitely stands above the others.

[Peregrine]

I have a Sony Reader - the original version - and have really enjoyed it. I'm not sure the Nook is out yet - though maybe it is?

[rowech]

Nook comes out early January.

[terpkristin]

I like my Kindle2 but I could see how it isn't for everyone. For me, the library has yet to let me down and the PRICES on the books are right. I know that the DRM sucks but I think Amazon's eaten enough crow that they might try to improve things as more competitors come out. I also like the idea of the synchronization between an iPod Touch with the Kindle software and the device itself, so I can use the Touch when in places I wouldn't normally have a Kindle. Note, I only read books on it. I don't read websites. I don't read newspapers. The books I read have very few images. And I don't take notes. It works for me.

I think if I were buying one now, for me the biggest thing would be catalog of books I want, price, and compatibility. If I had a lot of Fictionwise books, for example, I might strongly consider the Nook, since I think they're compatible.

/tk

[rowech]

I like my Kindle2 but I could see how it isn't for everyone. For me, the library has yet to let me down and the PRICES on the books are right. I know that the DRM sucks but I think Amazon's eaten enough crow that they might try to improve things as more competitors come out. I also like the idea of the synchronization between an iPod Touch with the Kindle software and the device itself, so I can use the Touch when in places I wouldn't normally have a Kindle. Note, I only read books on it. I don't read websites. I don't read newspapers. The books I read have very few images. And I don't take notes. It works for me.

I think if I were buying one now, for me the biggest thing would be catalog of books I want, price, and compatibility. If I had a lot of Fictionwise books, for example, I might strongly consider the Nook, since I think they're compatible.

/tk

I must admit that the Nook is interesting to me. I originally thought I'd pick up the Kindle but after reading and seeing a video, I'm not sure the Nook isn't the better buy.

[Eaglesfan27]

Anyone have any impressions on the Nook? I'm thinking about getting one in the near future as we keep adding more and more bookshelves to the house, and I think I'd rather make the transition to some electronic books in the near future.

[rowech]

Anyone have any impressions on the Nook? I'm thinking about getting one in the near future as we keep adding more and more bookshelves to the house, and I think I'd rather make the transition to some electronic books in the near future.

I ordered on at Christmas and got it in February. It had its problems when it first came out but a firmware update took care of major issues even before I received it. Then, shortly after I got mine, there was another update and the improvements were fantastic. After seeing mine for a few weeks, my wife quickly ordered one as well and she loves hers as well.

I checked this stuff out to the point of exhaustion, like I do all my decisions when it comes to spending money, and I have no doubt that the Nook is better than the CURRENT version of the Kindle. If Kindle comes out with a new model, then all bets are off. Your guess is as good as mine if/when that happens.

Looking at the IPad, I have no doubt it's quality but I just know I wouldn't want one.

If you have specific questions, let me know.

[gstelmack]

Ipad

No eInk, means no reading outdoors in the sun, means no thanks.

Loving my Kindle2.

[gstelmack]

I checked this stuff out to the point of exhaustion, like I do all my decisions when it comes to spending money, and I have no doubt that the Nook is better than the CURRENT version of the Kindle. If Kindle comes out with a new model, then all bets are off. Your guess is as good as mine if/when that happens.

What does it do better than the Kindle? Honest curious question, I may be buying an eReader for my wife soon and hers does not necessarily need to be a Kindle.

[Passacaglia]

What does it do better than the Kindle? Honest curious question, I may be buying an eReader for my wife soon and hers does not necessarily need to be a Kindle.

I was wondering the same thing. I did a lot of research and got a Kindle for lurker back in January. Now my mom is thinking of getting one, and I figure she should get the Nook so she can get library books, but when I did research in January, the Nook sounded really buggy.

[rowech]

What does it do better than the Kindle? Honest curious question, I may be buying an eReader for my wife soon and hers does not necessarily need to be a Kindle.

1. Touch screen. It may not seem like much but it makes navigation much better. It takes a bit of getting used to if you have an IPod touch as it has a slightly different feel but the navigation is much better. It also offers you the ability to turn pages with a "finger swipe" instead of pushing the buttons. Really cool feature in my opinon.

2. Replaceable battery. Means, you order the battery and you replace it. Kindle's goes and you have to send the whole unit for them to open it up, replace it, etc. Obviously, a much easier and cheaper option.

3. Color! Again, it might not seem like much but it's a huge difference. It really makes the Nook pop and presentes it more sleekly. (if that's a word)

4. I'm not totally sure I understand what the difference is between 3G and wi-fi is but Nook is 3G and Kindle isn't.

5. Memory card slot just in case. They both have plenty of room in my opinon (2 gigs) but the Kindle would top out.

6. Other ereader formats are compatible. Kindle is Kindle only. (this might have changed...not sure...I know Kindle felt they needed to respond)

7. Nook has a lending feature for many books. It's kinda weak as you only get to borrow a book for two weeks and you only get to lend it out once so you have to be prepared if you're going to use it.

8. Has the ability to play mp3 files and you can put on your own pictures to create personalized screensavers/etc.


Now, in the issue of fairness...things where Nook falls short...

1. The battery life isn't as long as the Kindle, mostly because of the color screen. However, if you adjust how bright things are, you can make it about the same. Still a little short (an hour or so). People might say then why have the color screen if you lower it. The thing is, the color screen allows it to be less bright and it'll still pop. The battery is also greatly affected whether you have the wireless feature on. If it's on, it'll suck the battery a lot faster than it should. That said, it has an airplane mode that puts it off in about 10 seconds. When you're reading, you don't need the wireless on...just a big deal when you might be searching for books although I do all mine through my pc and then just download to Nook.

2. Text-to-speech is not on the Nook. I have to think they could add this feature in an update at some point but it's a drawback if that's something that you want.

3. Amazon has more books. Barnes and Noble will try and tell you they have all these free books and/or cheap books. Both devices have all the major books right now. It's more about a paperback that maybe came out in 1995 that Amazon might have and BandN doesn't. Barnes and Noble is definitely working on this and because of the option to use other formats (Kindle format doesn't work) you can often find books at other sites.

[rowech]

I was wondering the same thing. I did a lot of research and got a Kindle for lurker back in January. Now my mom is thinking of getting one, and I figure she should get the Nook so she can get library books, but when I did research in January, the Nook sounded really buggy.

Definitely a feature the Nook has that the Kindle doesn't. Make no mistake, the Nook was definitely buggy when it came out and well into mid to late January. Those bugs are gone.

[rowech]

I think Kindle got a leg up and has Amazon's name behind it. I think they'll continue to be #1 selling ereader. That said, I would definitely buy the Nook again compared to the Kindle. There were some early headaches but my wife and I have been more than happy.

[Passacaglia]

The Kindle 2 actually is 3G, and has a basic web browser, while the nook only uses its connection for its store. It can also view PDFs (natively or with software that can convert it to Kindle format), and play MP3s.

[terpkristin]

One feature of the Kindle that I think isn't touted enough is its synchronization with the cloud. Therefore if you have a Kindle and have the software on your computer and/or iPhone and/or Blackberry and soon Android device, you can read on any of those devices and if you have an internet connection, it'll send your location to the cloud so that when you read next, no matter which device you read on, you'll be at the right page. This is great for me, since I get a ton of reading before bed, and then a page here/a page there while at work or in lines at the grocery store or a doctor's office. This means I can read my actual Kindle at home, then pick up my iPod Touch and pick up where I left off the next day at work.

/tk

[PurdueBrad]

I was very skeptical of any of the e-readers but I ended up getting the Kindle 2 and it is absolutely amazing. As others have said, it is 3G, has the browser, etc. But the best feature I've found is that I can use the software on my cellphone and my computer. Now, rather than carry my Kindle everywhere (like work, where I don't want to leave it sitting around) I can read on the computer and on trips I can read it on my Blackberry. The free 3G internet is amazing too.

[Eaglesfan27]

The Kindle 2 actually is 3G, and has a basic web browser, while the nook only uses its connection for its store. It can also view PDFs (natively or with software that can convert it to Kindle format), and play MP3s.

Does the basic web browser support flash?

[rowech]

The Kindle 2 actually is 3G, and has a basic web browser, while the nook only uses its connection for its store. It can also view PDFs (natively or with software that can convert it to Kindle format), and play MP3s.

Looks as if most of this came out after I purchased my Nook. No doubt Kindle had to respond to what the Nook was bringing to the table and they did it the way they needed to. Definitely eliminates a lot of the advantages the Nook was able to throw out there.

[Passacaglia]

Does the basic web browser support flash?

I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't. I mean, it's not in color and you're not paying a monthly fee for it -- so you kinda get what you pay for.

[TroyF]

Does the basic web browser support flash?



Nope, but I only use the browser for checking scores, looking at cnn and espn mobile and a few blogs. The browser is very basic, but it does the job.

I have the kindle version one and simply love the thing. I have well over sixty books on it. I take it on every trip, read it on every flight and simply love the thing. I've never researched the others as I had the kindle before most of them came out, but I'm sold on it. I'll use this til it breaks and then order another one the following day.

[wade moore]

Anyone know if the Nook or Sony eReader can handle .pdfs?

[gstelmack]

The Kindle 2 actually is 3G, and has a basic web browser, while the nook only uses its connection for its store. It can also view PDFs (natively or with software that can convert it to Kindle format), and play MP3s.

The new Kindle also supports .mobi, so for example I was able to copy the entire Baen free library to it.

[ISiddiqui]

I was very skeptical of any of the e-readers but I ended up getting the Kindle 2 and it is absolutely amazing. As others have said, it is 3G, has the browser, etc. But the best feature I've found is that I can use the software on my cellphone and my computer. Now, rather than carry my Kindle everywhere (like work, where I don't want to leave it sitting around) I can read on the computer and on trips I can read it on my Blackberry. The free 3G internet is amazing too.

I think actually witnessing the e-ink screen makes people into believers. You really don't understand unless you see it. Looks almost exactly like paper, with an unlimited viewing angle and lack of LCD eyestrain. It's one of those things that has to be seen to be believed.

[wade moore]

My issue with these continues to be whether it's "worth it" for my reading habits. I'm warming up to them some, but still sometimes when I only read one book at a time I question what I get for $250.

[gstelmack]

My issue with these continues to be whether it's "worth it" for my reading habits. I'm warming up to them some, but still sometimes when I only read one book at a time I question what I get for $250.

Room in your house :D

[Eaglesfan27]

My issue with these continues to be whether it's "worth it" for my reading habits. I'm warming up to them some, but still sometimes when I only read one book at a time I question what I get for $250.


That was always my issue as well. However, we recently just bought another set of bookshelves that cost about 50 dollars and we already have a room that is just filled with bookshelves along all of the walls (as well as some inset bookshelves in our den.)

The other advantages I see besides saving space: Save paper, don't have to carry bulky books in my briefcase any more (sometimes they don't fit well), saving my page more easily, having access to text books at schools that I go to 2 days a week without having to lug those books everywhere, e-Books are cheaper than other books, and searchable functions.

I'm warming to the idea and will probably get one within the next month.

[wade moore]

Room in your house :D


I will paraphrase a quote I saw here or somewhere else, don't remember where...

"The Kindle would be perfect if it just had a projector to shine on the wall with all of the books I've read so that my friends will know how smart I am"

[wade moore]

Dola: But in all seriousness, I use the local used book store pretty heavily, so if space was the concern that's easily remedied.

[PurdueBrad]

I will paraphrase a quote I saw here or somewhere else, don't remember where...

"The Kindle would be perfect if it just had a projector to shine on the wall with all of the books I've read so that my friends will know how smart I am"

HA, love that quotation, hadn't heard that before.


As for the the cost for me. I actually tracked the first year to be sure I made a "good" purchase (I also used $170 in credit card rewards but I'm not counting that here).

Kindle 2 cost: $249.00
Number of books purchased (excludes free books): 109
Average savings per book vs. retail (tried to incorporate early sales on hardbacks that I would've bought as well so I counted those at 40% off cover price had I bought them in hardback): $3.68 per book
So I've saved, in one year: $401.12
Minus the cost of the Kindle: $152.12
Now I factor in the 12 free books (regular paperbacks, to be conservative, $5.00 per book) adds another: $60.00

So I can legitimately feel like I've saved $212 PLUS the free 3G internet to sites is nice. That's in one year, I figure at this point, even with the prices of "new" e-books rising, that I'll still save a lot of money.

Plus I have 6 full bookshelves, so I didn't have to buy any more of them.

[wade moore]

Ok - here's the other factor. I read regularly, but not nearly as much as that.

I read relatively slowly and struggle to find the time sometimes. I probably read no more than... 12ish books a year...

[rowech]

I think actually witnessing the e-ink screen makes people into believers. You really don't understand unless you see it. Looks almost exactly like paper, with an unlimited viewing angle and lack of LCD eyestrain. It's one of those things that has to be seen to be believed.

I actually think it's better than reading a physical book. Both my wife and I feel we read faster on the Nook.

[DaddyTorgo]

That was always my issue as well. However, we recently just bought another set of bookshelves that cost about 50 dollars and we already have a room that is just filled with bookshelves along all of the walls (as well as some inset bookshelves in our den.)

The other advantages I see besides saving space: Save paper, don't have to carry bulky books in my briefcase any more (sometimes they don't fit well), saving my page more easily, having access to text books at schools that I go to 2 days a week without having to lug those books everywhere, e-Books are cheaper than other books, and searchable functions.

I'm warming to the idea and will probably get one within the next month.

i'm warming to the idea as well, particularly as i look at all the books i own and the space i'd save.

but then i shudder to think what i'd pay for them in ebook format...and i would want to have most of them for rereading...

[Passacaglia]

i'm warming to the idea as well, particularly as i look at all the books i own and the space i'd save.

but then i shudder to think what i'd pay for them in ebook format...and i would want to have most of them for rereading...

Most public domain books are available for free from Project Gutenberg, and you can just keep the rest of your books around.

[DaddyTorgo]

that's true - i should see what's publicly available on there.

[Icy]

I think actually witnessing the e-ink screen makes people into believers. You really don't understand unless you see it. Looks almost exactly like paper, with an unlimited viewing angle and lack of LCD eyestrain. It's one of those things that has to be seen to be believed.

I have also been thinking about buying one since it was released. I love reading and to have all my books in one device would be a dream... it also helps that i'm a geek that enjoys any digital toy :)

About free 3G... is that an Amazon deal? i guess only in USA, need to research about Spain.

[Passacaglia]

The Kindle 2 (but not 1) is supposed to work globally, but I do remember reading something about fees for purchasing books internationally.

[Eaglesfan27]

I ordered on at Christmas and got it in February. It had its problems when it first came out but a firmware update took care of major issues even before I received it. Then, shortly after I got mine, there was another update and the improvements were fantastic. After seeing mine for a few weeks, my wife quickly ordered one as well and she loves hers as well.

I checked this stuff out to the point of exhaustion, like I do all my decisions when it comes to spending money, and I have no doubt that the Nook is better than the CURRENT version of the Kindle. If Kindle comes out with a new model, then all bets are off. Your guess is as good as mine if/when that happens.

Looking at the IPad, I have no doubt it's quality but I just know I wouldn't want one.

If you have specific questions, let me know.

I tried seeing if I could see this on the Nook site, but I don't see an available list of books. I'm wondering if Phillip Farmer's Dungeon series is on there or not? I loved that series as a kid and have been meaning to re-read it for years but have long since lost those books.

[rowech]

I tried seeing if I could see this on the Nook site, but I don't see an available list of books. I'm wondering if Phillip Farmer's Dungeon series is on there or not? I loved that series as a kid and have been meaning to re-read it for years but have long since lost those books.

Looks like there are six books by him but I couldn't tell you which ones are/aren't in the series you're asking about.

BarnesÂ*&Â*Noble.com - eBooks Search: Philip Jose Farmer (http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?ATH=Philip+Jose+Farmer&STORE=EBOOK)

[path12]

This thread is making me consider one of these for the first time. I did see a Nook at B&N last week, but the display copy at least was not compelling and was pretty slow.

I am somewhat obsessed with the idea of selling as much of my stuff as possible right now and slowly rebuilding, and the potential to not have a ton of books around is very appealing.

It took me a while to realize that this can do for my book collection what the iPod did for my music collection. I'm slow sometimes.

[Eaglesfan27]

One other Nook question. Can you use B&N giftcards to buy E-books on it without too much hassle?

[rowech]

One other Nook question. Can you use B&N giftcards to buy E-books on it without too much hassle?

Yes.

[rowech]

New Nook Update yesterday...

NOOK V1.3 improves performance while adding great new features. Key updates include:
Read in Store: While in any Barnes & Noble store you can read complete eBooks.
Games: Play Chess against NOOK with one of three levels of difficulty. Or get puzzled with Sudoku, choosing from four levels of play.
Wi-Fi: Connect to more Wi-Fi® hotspots and log in with ease. Plus, we've added Wi-Fi® to NOOK's home menu for super-fast access.
Web browser (Beta): Connect to Wi-Fi® and explore the Web on NOOK's E-Ink® display. Use the color touchscreen to navigate your favorite sites and type in URLs with NOOK's virtual keyboard.
Updated home screen: From the home menu (located on the color touch screen), get easy, direct access to existing features including Wi-Fi® settings and Audio, as well as new features such as Games and the Web Browser.
Additional improvements to optimize NOOK's performance.

[rowech]

With screens and a video for the new Nook features...

New nook features, Read In Store, nook Sudoku, nook chess, nook browser - Barnes*&*Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/new-features/?cds2Pid=30919)

[Passacaglia]

I thought that "Read in Store" was already a feature of the nook?

The web browser will be a huge equalizer between the nook and the kindle, though. Does it really only use WiFi, though, and not 3G?

[rowech]

I thought that "Read in Store" was already a feature of the nook?

The web browser will be a huge equalizer between the nook and the kindle, though. Does it really only use WiFi, though, and not 3G?

Read in Store was only samples...now, in theory, you could keep going to the store and reading one of those books for free so long as it's an hour a day. (as I understand it) It's another feature they have designed to try and keep people coming to the stores...a concern Amazon doesn't have to worry about.

As I understand it, no web browser on 3g.

[Galaril]

I am also looking at either Nook or Kindle 2. One big draw for me on the Kindle 2is the ability to listen to audiobooks and viewing wikipedia. Also, is it true that no longer can you easily view word docs and pdfs on the kindle without paying.10 cents a page? That would suck for make since that was another big draw to a ereader. It also seems to be kind of tick or tack on the part of the amazon kindle folks.

[Eaglesfan27]

I ended up getting the Nook 2 weeks ago and I love it. Great reader with good responsiveness when turning pages and the games are ok.

[Marc Vaughan]

iPad is 'ok' as a reader - but tbh I wouldn't recommend it for that apart from for convenience if you own one already.

[SackAttack]

One other Nook question. Can you use B&N giftcards to buy E-books on it without too much hassle?

Well, there's either an eBook-branded gift card sold alongside the regular ones, and either one can be used for Nook purchases, or you need specifically the eBook gift card.

I haven't bought my Nook yet, so I'm not 100% sure which is the case.

[rowech]

I ended up getting the Nook 2 weeks ago and I love it. Great reader with good responsiveness when turning pages and the games are ok.

Glad to hear. I continue to say the Nook is the best of all of them right now. The next Kindle might top it but the Nook is really a pretty clear #1 for me.

[Passacaglia]

I am also looking at either Nook or Kindle 2. One big draw for me on the Kindle 2is the ability to listen to audiobooks and viewing wikipedia. Also, is it true that no longer can you easily view word docs and pdfs on the kindle without paying.10 cents a page? That would suck for make since that was another big draw to a ereader. It also seems to be kind of tick or tack on the part of the amazon kindle folks.

Yes it is. You can view PDFs just by sending it to the kindle, or you can convert them to kindle format for free (that is, it's free if you connect the kindle to the computer to do it, it's 15 cents if you do it wirelessly).

[Marc Vaughan]

Purely out of geek interest - is there a developer SDK for the Nook? (I'm already signed up waiting to play around with the Kindle one ... what can I say I'm a geek :D).

[terpkristin]

Yes it is. You can view PDFs just by sending it to the kindle, or you can convert them to kindle format for free (that is, it's free if you connect the kindle to the computer to do it, it's 15 cents if you do it wirelessly).

What he said. You can do it free by sending it to a special email address, then going to a website to grab it and transferring it over the computer with the included cable. It's simple, I actually did it for the first time the other day.

Or you can pay 15 cents for the delivery over the 3G wireless.

I love my Kindle 2.

/tk

[cougarfreak]

I have a kindle 2, and absolutely love it. It does what's it designed to do very, very well. There is an update coming at the end of the month that will allow for collections folders on the home screen that will make it even better.

[rowech]

Purely out of geek interest - is there a developer SDK for the Nook? (I'm already signed up waiting to play around with the Kindle one ... what can I say I'm a geek :D).

I don't know what an SDK is so I'm not sure.

[Scoobz0202]

I don't know what an SDK is so I'm not sure.

Pretty sure it's software that is used to create third-party programs.

[terpkristin]

I don't know what an SDK is so I'm not sure.

software development kit

/tk

[rowech]

I know the Nook was looking at doing this using Android. I'm not sure what they finally decided.

[Galaril]

Yes it is. You can view PDFs just by sending it to the kindle, or you can convert them to kindle format for free (that is, it's free if you connect the kindle to the computer to do it, it's 15 cents if you do it wirelessly).

What he said. You can do it free by sending it to a special email address, then going to a website to grab it and transferring it over the computer with the included cable. It's simple, I actually did it for the first time the other day.

Or you can pay 15 cents for the delivery over the 3G wireless.

I love my Kindle 2.

/tk

Thanks I am sold. I f get one of the new jobs I have applied for and a nice 40-50% pay increase I am going to buy one of these as a gift to myself:)

[Passacaglia]

Oh, there's also a program called calibre that I've heard does a better job of converting PDFs if the kindle's own conversion doesn't look great -- that's free too, but probably not wireless. Although, with lurker's, she doesn't go to a web site to grab the files -- it just gets emailed back to her in the converted format.

[terpkristin]

Oh, there's also a program called calibre that I've heard does a better job of converting PDFs if the kindle's own conversion doesn't look great -- that's free too, but probably not wireless. Although, with lurker's, she doesn't go to a web site to grab the files -- it just gets emailed back to her in the converted format.

That might be it (emailing). I remember it was dead simple and I'd been on amazon's website anyway so I couldn't remember if I went there and grabbed it or if it came in through email.

All in all, between the Nook and the Kindle 2, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I've never played with the Nook but I adore my K2. I bought it as a splurge to myself last year but have never regretted it. Each seems to have its advantages and disadvantages. Happy shopping!

[Ramzavail]

The new Kindle also supports .mobi, so for example I was able to copy the entire Baen free library to it.

!!! awesome, didn't realize this until now.

[moriarty]

Bloomberg reports a new slimmer Kindle in August http://nexus404.com/Blog/2010/05/29/amazon-to-debut-new-slimmer-kindle-in-august-bloomberg-says-amazon-will-announce-a-thinner-sharper-and-more-responsive-kindle-this-august/

But color kindle a "long way off": http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100525/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_amazon_kindle

[Galaril]

Bloomberg reports a new slimmer Kindle in August http://nexus404.com/Blog/2010/05/29/amazon-to-debut-new-slimmer-kindle-in-august-bloomberg-says-amazon-will-announce-a-thinner-sharper-and-more-responsive-kindle-this-august/

But color kindle a "long way off": http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100525/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_amazon_kindle

Thanks for that info. Based on it I am going to hold off the Kindle until this version comes out in August.

[sabotai]

Anyone have or have seen the Kindle DX? I was thinking of getting that mostly for programming books. I have the Sony PRS-700, which is itself fine. The light is nice but drains the battery uberfast. The touchscreen also makes it have a reflection so I need to use the light...so I need to keep it plugged in. I also don't like its relatively small selection compared to Amazon and B&N and that their software sucks. (I've had to use calibre more than once due to Sony's software crashing).

I tried one programming book on the PRS-700, but some of the text (the code) was too small to read and wouldn't change size. Or are Kindle books formatted differently so that all text is changed in size? If so, the regular one would be fine.

[rowech]

Big time price reduction on the Nook. You can now get a WIFI only version for $150 or a 3g+WIFI version for $200.

[Kodos]

Kindle is down to $189. Three weeks after I bought one for my wife...

[Eaglesfan27]

Kindle is down to $189. Three weeks after I bought one for my wife...

I feel your pain. I wish I had waited a bit longer to buy. Regardless I've enjoyed my purchase.

[sabotai]

Bah, the DX stays at $489.

Seriously, at that price, I'd just rather buy an iPad and deal with reading off an LCD.

EDIT: Actually, I just read about the iBooks app for the iPad and it sounds pretty horrible, so I guess I'll scratch that off the list too.

[cougarfreak]

Kindle is down to $189. Three weeks after I bought one for my wife...

If it hasn't been 30 days, call customer support. They'll refund the difference.

[Kodos]

Really? From reading their site, it sounded like they don't give you the lower price if you ordered recently.

[cougarfreak]

Really? From reading their site, it sounded like they don't give you the lower price if you ordered recently.

Yes, seriously call Kindle customer support. They will. You are within the 30 day window, so you could return it and rebuy. So they will just refund the difference. Their customer support is first rate.

[Kodos]

Cool. Will give it a try.

[cougarfreak]

Cool. Will give it a try.

Let me know if it works. I belong to a kindle board, and there were several people who said they had done exactly that. A few had even bought it at Target, and they were getting the difference as well, from Target.

[lighthousekeeper]

The Nook is awesome

[Scoobz0202]

I've been so close to pulling the trigger on a Kindle/nook so many times and the new Kindle price makes it even harder.

But the inner bibliophile in me weeps anytime I read about an independent bookstore closing down. gahhhhh

[rowech]

The Nook is awesome

Agreed. Unfortunately, I think Kindle got a jump start and Amazon's name has become bigger than Barnes and Noble.

[Passacaglia]

Big time price reduction on the Nook. You can now get a WIFI only version for $150 or a 3g+WIFI version for $200.

Does it have a browser yet?

[rowech]

Does it have a browser yet?

Yes.

[Passacaglia]

Nice. The wifi only version for $150 could be good, then.

[jeff061]

Agreed. Unfortunately, I think Kindle got a jump start and Amazon's name has become bigger than Barnes and Noble.

The shitfest that was the Nook on release doesn't help their cause. They may have been since fixed, but it still taints my view somewhat. Where on the other hand the Kindle seems to be less of a risk.

Probably totally inaccurate at this point, but that's my perception. In any case, I'm going to wait until next gen too see what strides they make. I think there will be a huge step forward, between competition and experience.

[rowech]

The shitfest that was the Nook on release doesn't help their cause. They may have been since fixed, but it still taints my view somewhat. Where on the other hand the Kindle seems to be less of a risk.

Probably totally inaccurate at this point, but that's my perception. In any case, I'm going to wait until next gen too see what strides they make. I think there will be a huge step forward, between competition and experience.

I understand that somewhat but the problems the Nook had were solved in four or five weeks with the first update. There hasn't been a problem since. The Nook is just as stable as any of them and has many more features.

I guess I can be classified as somewhat of a fan boy but when I put the Kindle of my friend and my Nook side-by-side and show and use both, it becomes clear the Nook is the better option.

[SackAttack]

Got my Nook a few weeks ago. It is phenomenal. That is all.

[Kodos]

Let me know if it works. I belong to a kindle board, and there were several people who said they had done exactly that. A few had even bought it at Target, and they were getting the difference as well, from Target.

It works. I just called Amazon and got $70 back, no arguments or anything. Just mentioned that I saw the price had dropped. Here's the number (had to do a little digging to find it, so thought I'd save you the effort):

Within the United States (toll free): 1-866-321-8851

[Galaril]

I understand that somewhat but the problems the Nook had were solved in four or five weeks with the first update. There hasn't been a problem since. The Nook is just as stable as any of them and has many more features.

I guess I can be classified as somewhat of a fan boy but when I put the Kindle of my friend and my Nook side-by-side and show and use both, it becomes clear the Nook is the better option.

My biggest thing is it seems there are alot more kindle books on Amazon then Barnes and Noble despite what B&N says are available.

[rowech]

My biggest thing is it seems there are alot more kindle books on Amazon then Barnes and Noble despite what B&N says are available.

It's about the same amount...Amazon definitely has a leg up but do you believe BandN won't get those books? Any book being published right now is on both and always will be. BandN's job is all about going back to stuff from the last 10 years to catch up...it'll easily happen.

[jeff061]

Waiting for someone to bundle electric and physical copies together, without paying more. Is that in place?

Don't think I'd be ok with nothing but an electronic copy. In any case I am waiting until the next gen devices come out. With all this competition and experience they should killer.

[rowech]

Waiting for someone to bundle electric and physical copies together, without paying more. Is that in place?

Don't think I'd be ok with nothing but an electronic copy. In any case I am waiting until the next gen devices come out. With all this competition and experience they should killer.

Not that I'm aware and I don't see the point in doing that.

[Scoobz0202]

Meh. Outside of the shutting down of bookstores the only thing holding me back is the fact that I love having the physical copy of the book. I kind of agree with Jeff here.

I know I am in the minority, though. Ultimately, I'd like to have a library in my house some day. Also, I tend to loan out a lot of books to co-workers and family. I love sharing a good book.

But yea, I don't see what Jeff said ever happening. It just doesn't seem logical.

[wade moore]

I know I am in the minority, though. Ultimately, I'd like to have a library in my house some day. Also, I tend to loan out a lot of books to co-workers and family. I love sharing a good book.

FWIW - if you and your co-workers/family both have a Nook you can do this.

(don't ask me for a ton of specifics, I don't have one, I've just read about it)

[jeff061]

Not that I'm aware and I don't see the point in doing that.

Between DRM and storing all my information in the cloud? Christ, I'm a technology guy and I'm not about to trust that. That and I know that feature would sway me to one device, while not costing them a lot of money. They could even charge another buck or 2.

[rowech]

FWIW - if you and your co-workers/family both have a Nook you can do this.

(don't ask me for a ton of specifics, I don't have one, I've just read about it)

It's not for every book though and there is a time limit to the duration of the lend.

[rowech]

Is there any legit, neutral comparison of the devices post Nook improvements?

It's from Barnes and Noble's site but it's very fair...

NOOK and NOOK Wi-Fi vs. Kindle eReader comparison - Barnes*&*Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/compare/index.asp)

[rowech]

I guess I'm looking to see if there is any independent source that would confirm that the Nook solved the issues with touchscreen lag etc.

Go to a Barnes and Noble store and try for yourself. They have floor models.

[Galaril]

I see amazon now is showing the new Kindle DX that is suppose to be slimmer and faster on preorder for $379. I guess at that price and best on what folks here have been saying but the Nook I am going to start to check one of them out. I don't see where they are coming up with that price for what I can tell slightly better model. I mean the Kindle model now out is 189 not sure I see myself jumping into a kindle for that price.($379)
Amazon.com: Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 9.7" Display, Graphite, 3G Works… (http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Reading-Graphite-Globally-Generation/dp/B002GYWHSQ/ref=amb_link_353432582_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=03RRF92R2P39X9X4D00V&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1268705342&pf_rd_i=507846)

edit: I see this was for the new DX model not the standard size kindle which was also rumored to be coming out with a new model in August.

[Galaril]

I guess I'm looking to see if there is any independent source that would confirm that the Nook solved the issues with touchscreen lag etc.

This review from CNET which was just 10 days back makes it sound like it still is not as fast as the Kindle.

Barnes & Noble Nook (3G/Wi-Fi) E-Book reader reviews - CNET Reviews (http://reviews.cnet.com/e-book-readers/barnes-noble-nook-3g/4505-3508_7-33786175.html)

[jeff061]

In my opinion, between the ipad and the relatively new competition between the Nook and Kindle, the next gen is going to be incredible. This will be the first development cycle with so much pressure and experience.

Have a real hard time justifying spending money on any current one, especially the DX. Will most likely buy one or the other for my Mom for Christmas and possibly myself as well.

[rowech]

This review from CNET which was just 10 days back makes it sound like it still is not as fast as the Kindle.

Barnes & Noble Nook (3G/Wi-Fi) E-Book reader reviews - CNET Reviews (http://reviews.cnet.com/e-book-readers/barnes-noble-nook-3g/4505-3508_7-33786175.html)

Where?

That said, one of the noticeable drawbacks of the device is that it just can't measure up to the iPhone or iPod Touch (particularly the most recent generation) in terms of speed and performance. Yes, the touch screen is more responsive than the laggy e-ink screen, and yes, you can flip through your reading collection Cover Flow-style, but you're just not going to get that buttery smoothness you encounter with the iPhone. Combine that minor sluggishness with a cellular wireless connection (sometimes AT&T's 3G service is quite fast, but sometimes it's not, depending on the quality of the signal and your location) and there will be moments you'll wish the device was zippier.


True, the speed gripe is par for the course with e-ink-based e-book readers; all of them still stutter and flash when moving from page to page and generally have slow start-up times after a full shutdown (the Nook does, too). However, the firmware upgrades have managed to fix earlier gripes about sluggish load times when opening books and noticeably slower page turns (compared with the Kindle). Again, though we'd always like a little more zip, the Nook is generally peppier than it was when first launched.

[rowech]

The review at CNet is a fair one. The one thing they didn't mention (unless I missed it) that I think is a nice advantage over the Kindle is the fact you can replace the battery on your own and not have to ship it to get it replaced. Buy a new battery, pop the back cover off, and replace. Done.

[Galaril]

Where?

That said, one of the noticeable drawbacks of the device is that it just can't measure up to the iPhone or iPod Touch (particularly the most recent generation) in terms of speed and performance. Yes, the touch screen is more responsive than the laggy e-ink screen, and yes, you can flip through your reading collection Cover Flow-style, but you're just not going to get that buttery smoothness you encounter with the iPhone. Combine that minor sluggishness with a cellular wireless connection (sometimes AT&T's 3G service is quite fast, but sometimes it's not, depending on the quality of the signal and your location) and there will be moments you'll wish the device was zippier.


True, the speed gripe is par for the course with e-ink-based e-book readers; all of them still stutter and flash when moving from page to page and generally have slow start-up times after a full shutdown (the Nook does, too). However, the firmware upgrades have managed to fix earlier gripes about sluggish load times when opening books and noticeably slower page turns (compared with the Kindle). Again, though we'd always like a little more zip, the Nook is generally peppier than it was when first launched.


Sorry, you are right they did not say specifically it was slower than the Kindle but it something like it could be zippier so my inference is they must have meant in comparison to the Kindle as the baseline.

[rowech]

Sorry, you are right they did not say specifically it was slower than the Kindle but it something like it could be zippier so my inference is they must have meant in comparison to the Kindle as the baseline.

They were talking about comparing the touch screen of the Nook to the touchscreen of Apple products and to that, I agree. Apple's touchscreens are simply better than the Nook's.

As far as the Kindle and Nook, speeds are too close to call and anybody who says one is faster than the other is talking on a level that is not measurable by a person.

[jeff061]

I'm not big on all the comparison's between nook/kindle and iPad, completely irrelevant and slightly troubling. The worst thing that could happen to the eReader landscape is they start copying aspects of the iPad.

I had no interest in a Kindle type device because I thought it was basically a LCD screen. Then I saw one in person and completely changed my mind on the technology. I'd cry if they got away from e ink for a "faster" and prettier display. Ugh.

[Comey]

I got an iPad with some poker winnings about three weeks ago. I got it for the eReader as much as anything, because of the opportunity to get books for grad school.

I have to say, I really enjoy it as an all-around device. But I've read four books on the device already (currently reading Doug Glanville's book, which is a great read so far), and read the new edition of Wired earlier. There's also a WSC app (British soccer mag, "When Saturday Comes"). So far, this is a fantastic purchase.

I did have a chance to play with the Nook for a bit, having bought one on behalf of my girlfriend as a Mother's Day gift. I did not care for it; just sluggish as all get out to me. But I'm sure it's good as an eReader.

[jeff061]

Yeah, I don't think they are comparable as a device.

Nook and Kindle are for reading hundreds of pages for hours on end. Everything else is a distant second. iPad wears a lot more hats. Just should be no comparison between the two.

[Comey]

In looking at eReader terms, I did find the iPad to be a more pleasant experience. But that is just me, and I'm sure others will see it another way.

[Galaril]

Well this patent case could turn ugly:
Amazon Kindle dual-screen e-reader patent granted, Barnes & Noble Nook potentially in trouble
Amazon Kindle dual-screen e-reader patent granted, Barnes & Noble Nook potentially in trouble -- Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/amazon-kindle-dual-screen-e-reader-patent-granted-barnes-and-nobl/)
Looks like the battle for e-reader dominance between Amazon and Barnes & Noble could soon expand beyond the recent spate of price drops and into the courtroom as well: the USPTO just granted a 2006 Amazon patent on e-readers with secondary LCD displays (like the original Kindle's scroller-navigation panel), and several of the claims are potentially broad enough to cover the Nook and many other devices with both electronic paper and LCD displays. What's more, Amazon agreed not to file for any corresponding foreign patents during the four-year approval process and thus wasn't required to publish the patent application -- meaning this is likely a complete surprise to the entire industry. Yeah, it's juicy. Here's one of the claims that could cause problems for Barnes & Noble -- in plain English, it potentially covers any device with both an electronic paper display and a second smaller LCD display next to it.

A handheld electronic device comprising: a housing; an electronic paper display disposed in the housing and having a first surface area; and a liquid crystal display (LCD) disposed in the housing proximate the electronic paper display, the LCD having a second surface area that is smaller than the first surface area of the electronic paper display.

That's pretty sweeping -- it doesn't take much to look at the Nook and see that it has both an electronic ink display and a smaller LCD located next to it. Now, we don't know if Amazon has any plans to actually sue anyone over this patent yet, but we're guessing there's a flurry of legal activity happening at all the major e-reader manufacturers right now, and we're definitely curious to see what the fallout looks like -- remember, Barnes & Noble is already involved in a trade secret dispute over the Nook with Spring Design, which claims that B&N saw its Alex reader under NDA and then copied it for the Nook. That case isn't scheduled to wrap up before November, so there's a chance B&N and Spring Design could end up simultaneously fighting each other in one case while taking on Amazon as allies in another, which would be... messy. We'll see what happens -- while we've no doubt Barnes & Noble will put up a serious fight if it comes to that, we're curious to see if the shift away from e-reader development to general-use tablets hastens as the market contracts, margins shrink, and the cost of litigation becomes prohibitive. The ball's very definitely in Amazon's court now -- stay tuned.

[rowech]

Well this patent case could turn ugly:
Amazon Kindle dual-screen e-reader patent granted, Barnes & Noble Nook potentially in trouble
Amazon Kindle dual-screen e-reader patent granted, Barnes & Noble Nook potentially in trouble -- Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/amazon-kindle-dual-screen-e-reader-patent-granted-barnes-and-nobl/)
Looks like the battle for e-reader dominance between Amazon and Barnes & Noble could soon expand beyond the recent spate of price drops and into the courtroom as well: the USPTO just granted a 2006 Amazon patent on e-readers with secondary LCD displays (like the original Kindle's scroller-navigation panel), and several of the claims are potentially broad enough to cover the Nook and many other devices with both electronic paper and LCD displays. What's more, Amazon agreed not to file for any corresponding foreign patents during the four-year approval process and thus wasn't required to publish the patent application -- meaning this is likely a complete surprise to the entire industry. Yeah, it's juicy. Here's one of the claims that could cause problems for Barnes & Noble -- in plain English, it potentially covers any device with both an electronic paper display and a second smaller LCD display next to it.

A handheld electronic device comprising: a housing; an electronic paper display disposed in the housing and having a first surface area; and a liquid crystal display (LCD) disposed in the housing proximate the electronic paper display, the LCD having a second surface area that is smaller than the first surface area of the electronic paper display.

That's pretty sweeping -- it doesn't take much to look at the Nook and see that it has both an electronic ink display and a smaller LCD located next to it. Now, we don't know if Amazon has any plans to actually sue anyone over this patent yet, but we're guessing there's a flurry of legal activity happening at all the major e-reader manufacturers right now, and we're definitely curious to see what the fallout looks like -- remember, Barnes & Noble is already involved in a trade secret dispute over the Nook with Spring Design, which claims that B&N saw its Alex reader under NDA and then copied it for the Nook. That case isn't scheduled to wrap up before November, so there's a chance B&N and Spring Design could end up simultaneously fighting each other in one case while taking on Amazon as allies in another, which would be... messy. We'll see what happens -- while we've no doubt Barnes & Noble will put up a serious fight if it comes to that, we're curious to see if the shift away from e-reader development to general-use tablets hastens as the market contracts, margins shrink, and the cost of litigation becomes prohibitive. The ball's very definitely in Amazon's court now -- stay tuned.

Seems really broad. I've always been under the understanding that a patent has to be something pretty specific and something like a second LCD display on an ereader is not something you can't develop a patent for, otherwise we would see touchscreens on only one product -- whoever had it first. Guess we will see how it plays out but I can't imagine something that broad holding up.

[Passacaglia]

Me too...especially if the patent's existence wasn't published.

[sabotai]

Just got the regular Kindle 2. I figure if I need a larger screen for some books, I'll just read it on my PC or netbook. So far, the screen looks a lot better than the Sony PRS-700 since there isn't a touch screen. The store part of it isn't impressive. Can't imagine I will use it to buy books. I'll just order them on amazon.com. Looks nearly impossible to browse books on the Kindle. I guess it'd be good if I knew exactly what I wanted.

So far, after spending 30 minutes with it, I like it. I think overall it's an upgrade to the PRS-700, and I'll use it a lot more, but since I can connect the PRS-700 to my PC and transfer PDFs and other ebook formats directly to it, I'll probably still use it. It's a more open system than the Kindle, so some things are still easier/better on it.

[Passacaglia]

You can connect the Kindle to the PC and transfer PDFs to it (though not other ebook formats). You can also use a program called calibre to convert PDFs to Kindle format.

[terpkristin]

If I'm not mistaken, you can also transfer non-DRM'd mobipocket files to the Kindle (MOBI, PRC) over USB. And text files. For Word files, you can either convert to PDF yourself (other threads here about free PDF writers) or send to Amazon's cloud for a nominal cost (I think).

/tk

[Passacaglia]

I think you can use the calibre program I mentioned to convert Word files to Kindle format for free as well.

[ISiddiqui]

I'll just order them on amazon.com. Looks nearly impossible to browse books on the Kindle. I guess it'd be good if I knew exactly what I wanted.

I use Amazon.com wishlists. You put Kindle editions on it and then you can download them directly from your Kindle.

[TroyF]

Just got the regular Kindle 2. I figure if I need a larger screen for some books, I'll just read it on my PC or netbook. So far, the screen looks a lot better than the Sony PRS-700 since there isn't a touch screen. The store part of it isn't impressive. Can't imagine I will use it to buy books. I'll just order them on amazon.com. Looks nearly impossible to browse books on the Kindle. I guess it'd be good if I knew exactly what I wanted.

So far, after spending 30 minutes with it, I like it. I think overall it's an upgrade to the PRS-700, and I'll use it a lot more, but since I can connect the PRS-700 to my PC and transfer PDFs and other ebook formats directly to it, I'll probably still use it. It's a more open system than the Kindle, so some things are still easier/better on it.

I travel a ton and the way I do it is to surf the site every couple of weeks. I then add any books that interest me to a list I keep stored in my laptop bag. When I want to order a book, I look at my list and make the order.

[sabotai]

You can connect the Kindle to the PC and transfer PDFs to it (though not other ebook formats). You can also use a program called calibre to convert PDFs to Kindle format.

I use calibre for the Sony eReader (because Sony's PC software is utter garbage). It is indeed a great program. I guess I should RTFM. Didn't even notice the power chard was a USB chord. I'll have to see how well calibre converts PDFs.

Thanks for the tips everyone.

[rowech]

I really like this article...I think it's dead on.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38418099/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

[bignej]

I really like this article...I think it's dead on.

E-book reader devices on verge of identity crisis - Technology & science - Tech and gadgets - msnbc.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38418099/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/)

As long as the Kindle price stays where it is or lower, why would anyone have a problem with added features? This author seems to have a problem with the Kindle allowing you to check facebook because then you might as well be using an Ipad. The Ipad starts at $499 while the Kindle starts at $189 and includes free 3G. To me he is comparing to different 2 different thingas at completely different price levels. He might as well compare it to the Iphone while he is at it.

[rowech]

As long as the Kindle price stays where it is or lower, why would anyone have a problem with added features? This author seems to have a problem with the Kindle allowing you to check facebook because then you might as well be using an Ipad. The Ipad starts at $499 while the Kindle starts at $189 and includes free 3G. To me he is comparing to different 2 different thingas at completely different price levels. He might as well compare it to the Iphone while he is at it.

Because companies aren't going to keep prices the same. Eventually, those prices will rise with newer versions. There's a perfectly fine market for well designed e-readers that are designed to do that very well. Some nice extra features are a plus and I don't think the stuff he mentioned is a big deal.

That said, once you start looking at stuff like that you start to lose focus of the e-reader itself and how to improve it and making it look more like the Ipad. If you make your product more and more like the leader, why would anyone choose your product?

[cougarfreak]

I really like this article...I think it's dead on.

E-book reader devices on verge of identity crisis - Technology & science - Tech and gadgets - msnbc.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38418099/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/)

Every few weeks an article comes out declaring the kindle is going to die. The kindle does what it does extremely well. It's a book reader. It happens to include free internet, albeit basic, but it's a very handy device. It's not trying to compete with the ipad, it's not an ipad, therefore, it's not priced like an ipad.

[terpkristin]

The biggest thing that drives me nuts is the lack of standard for ebooks, since all the manufacturers of the hardware have a book interest as well. I wish that for once, they could divorce the two and let me choose the best hardware and the best supplier of my books. Which in some ways, makes the iPad the best option, since you can get the apps for all the different book stores. But I have found, in playing with a friend's iPad, that I can't read for more than 30 minutes at a time on it, whereas with the Kindle, I've done hours on end. Still love the Kindle, hate the variety of ebook types.

But I suppose that this is a common complaint with technology, cell phones, etc. VHS vs. Beta renewed..

/tk

[cougarfreak]

The biggest thing that drives me nuts is the lack of standard for ebooks, since all the manufacturers of the hardware have a book interest as well. I wish that for once, they could divorce the two and let me choose the best hardware and the best supplier of my books. Which in some ways, makes the iPad the best option, since you can get the apps for all the different book stores. But I have found, in playing with a friend's iPad, that I can't read for more than 30 minutes at a time on it, whereas with the Kindle, I've done hours on end. Still love the Kindle, hate the variety of ebook types.

But I suppose that this is a common complaint with technology, cell phones, etc. VHS vs. Beta renewed..

/tk

I agree with that. One standard would be great. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. That's the thing about ipad vs. kindle. I can't imagine reading on the ipad screen for very long. On the kindle I can read for a long, long time, it looks just like a book. I want to read, so I have a kindle. If I wanted a bigger ipod touch, or a tablet mini computer, I'd get an ipad. I wish people would stop comparing the two, they are apples and oranges.

[DaddyTorgo]

What about a tablet PC that included a second, facing e-ink screen for reading? Fold-open or whatever?

[jeff061]

I'd rather just buy two devices.

[Peregrine]

I loved my Sony Reader for several years, but I have to say I like the iPad as a reader even better - it doesn't have the eInk paper like quality, but I find the well-lit screen and the multiple reader apps to be very good in their own right. Amazon has made a very smart move with the Kindle app. I think they will continue to lower the price of the Kindle, and move towards a razor and blades model where they can make money off people buying books no matter what device they use.

[Galaril]

I'd rather just buy two devices.

What he said.

[sabotai]

Saw that a little while ago, and thought "Of fucking course!"

Then I looked through the new features and I really don't care about any of them. Nothing there makes me regret not waiting.

[terpkristin]

Man, I love my Kindle 2, but I SOOOO want.

/tk

[jeff061]

Will likely buy one for my mom.

[Passacaglia]

That's a good idea. I'm not sure how many people really need 3G on these things, and if they can lower the price by $50 doing that, especially considering they just lowered the price by $70 a month or so ago, that's huge.

[rowech]

That's a good idea. I'm not sure how many people really need 3G on these things, and if they can lower the price by $50 doing that, especially considering they just lowered the price by $70 a month or so ago, that's huge.

It's in response to the fact that BandN did it about a month or so ago.

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah. At $139 it's almost a "why not" type of purchase. And I don't think you really need 3G...most people have WiFi all around them, and with coplementary access to AT&T WiFi hotspots you can even get it on the go at some places. Or you just make sure you have enough books to read while you'll be out of the house on any given day.

That's pretty sweet. Also smaller/lighter is sweet too.

[Galaril]

Glad I waited $139 and the longer battery life book storage is plus.

[Galaril]

Will likely buy one for my mom.

I am thinking of getting one for my mom too. I will have to check and see how many free books or libraries allow books to be taken out on it something like that since I am sure my mom is to thrifty( cheap) to buy many books herself.

Edited:
I see that you can't "check out" books from libraries which does not surprise me but there are something like 2 million free books out of copyright that were published pre-1923.

[Icy]

Now i'm really tempted with the cheap Wifi version.

I don't see the need of 3G in a reader, as i can download the ebooks in my home wifi, or at hotels etc, and i don't need to be online to read them later.

On the other hand, i wonder if the ipad would be better as you can do more things with it and i already enjoy the technology in my iphone 3g.

As a totally newbie to ereaders:
- Can i put inside and read any kind of ebook or document in pdf?
- Can i only buy ebooks from amazon?
- Are now most of the new books also released as ebooks?

I wonder if there will be a big enough available library in Spanish language.

[tyketime]

I was an early adapter with Kindle 1.0. But I am definitely taking a look at the just announced Version 3. My first response was of-course I need the 3G version (since that is what I am used to), but with a $50 difference, and more and more access to wi-fi, I think the $139 version makes more sense. Ship it! :D

[Galaril]

So, now Amazon has upped the ante with this new Kindle 3. I will be curious to see what is B&N's counter punch? They must have something up there sleeve since they had to of anticipated this by Amazon.

[lordscarlet]

OK. This makes me very tempted to take the plunge.

[DaddyTorgo]

I am thinking of getting one for my mom too. I will have to check and see how many free books or libraries allow books to be taken out on it something like that since I am sure my mom is to thrifty( cheap) to buy many books herself.

Edited:
I see that you can't "check out" books from libraries which does not surprise me but there are something like 2 million free books out of copyright that were published pre-1923.

This has always been my stance - waiting until the first one that has some sort of interoperability with local library systems, and until the libraries adopt it.

but really...as it keeps dropping in price...I dunno...

[Passacaglia]

This has always been my stance - waiting until the first one that has some sort of interoperability with local library systems, and until the libraries adopt it.

but really...as it keeps dropping in price...I dunno...

I'm pretty sure the nook already works with most local library systems.

[DaddyTorgo]

I'm pretty sure the nook already works with most local library systems.

Nuh uh.

No way.

Fuckin serious?

[Galaril]

I'm pretty sure the nook already works with most local library systems.

Yes:
A lot of libraries use a system called OverDrive – it’s a yearly subscription and it uses Adobe Digital Editions to manage library ebook loans.

1. You get eBooks on a 14 day loan and they expire automatically. No returns, no extensions, no fees.
2. After that 14 day period you cannot check out the book again.
3. This works on Sony Reader and they promote it as their Library Finder feature.
4. This works on the Nook but B&N are strangely silent about it.

BUT::
How significant is Library eBooks Support?

At the moment – not much.

The perception you can read library ebooks is huge – However, most libraries have very few books and you have to wait for them just as you would for physical library books.

There are also often formatting issues with library eBooks – choose ePub over PDF whenever possible.
People who buy the Nook for this feature are going to be a bit disappointed. Do check your local libraries to see the range available.

Down the line – there’s a lot of potential.

So, for all the claims that Library eBook support is significant it isn’t – there just isn’t enough range at libraries.-Ereader review article.

[DaddyTorgo]

Actually it's true. I just looked at my local library system's website - they use some DRM technology called Overdrive which is compatible with the Nook and the Sony reader, but not Kindle.

Hmmm....even more tempted.

Actually Galaril - to counter something you said - I saw on the Overdrive website that you can't "renew" something you've checked out, but once you return it you can check it out again.

[rowech]

So, now Amazon has upped the ante with this new Kindle 3. I will be curious to see what is B&N's counter punch? They must have something up there sleeve since they had to of anticipated this by Amazon.

You serious? What has this thing come out with that the Nook doesn't already have other than a longer battery life which Kindle arleady had?

I don't understand how anyone who is deciding between the two, can put them side by side, use them for a while, and not choose the Nook.

[Galaril]

Actually it's true. I just looked at my local library system's website - they use some DRM technology called Overdrive which is compatible with the Nook and the Sony reader, but not Kindle.

Hmmm....even more tempted.

See my post above Daddy. I checked my library but they had only 100 books and from what I saw nothing much any good. So , check to see what selection of books are on overdrive.

[ISiddiqui]

You serious? What has this thing come out with that the Nook doesn't already have other than a longer battery life which Kindle arleady had?

I don't understand how anyone who is deciding between the two, can put them side by side, use them for a while, and not choose the Nook.

It's called Amazon vs. Barnes & Noble ;)

[Kodos]

I hear that Amazon will introduce Maximum Overdrive soon.

[DaddyTorgo]

See my post above Daddy. I checked my library but they had only 100 books and from what I saw nothing much any good. So , check to see what selection of books are on overdrive.

That's butt-suckingly horrible. :rant:

[Galaril]

I hear that Amazon will introduce Maximum Overdrive soon.

?

[Passacaglia]

That's butt-suckingly horrible. :rant:

Yes, but again...Project Gutenberg.

[Galaril]

Yes, but again...Project Gutenberg.

Good recommendation. The Kindle also supports these and that is good enough for me to take the plunge on the $139 wifi version of kindle 3

[Kodos]

?

Just joking.

[TroyF]

You serious? What has this thing come out with that the Nook doesn't already have other than a longer battery life which Kindle arleady had?

I don't understand how anyone who is deciding between the two, can put them side by side, use them for a while, and not choose the Nook.


Well, put me in the group that has tried them both side by side and prefers the Kindle. (and it really wasn't that close to be honest)

The color touch screen is sweet. I'll give the Nook that. The games are nice too.

But I really don't care. I want my e-reader to be a book. The Kindle is lighter, thinner and the pages turn faster. (I'm a speed reader and I can notice even a split second difference) I travel a ton and the battery life is important to me.

Now, I can see why someone would prefer the Nook. I just don't think this is a situation where one is clearly superior to the other. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages.

[path12]

I was going back and forth on Kindle/Nook until it struck me that I like Amazon and they're based here. I'm getting the new Kindle.

[cyril]

i am trying out the nook now. Don't really like the folder structure that lumps every non-BN file (ebooks checked out from library, books from other sources, my own PDF/docs, etc.) into one single "my doc" folder without the ability to create subfolders. I also found the GUI and navigation fairly bad. And the nook is heavy too. On paper, everything about K3 is more attractive to me except the deal-killer: lack of support for epub. It's important for me to borrow ebooks from public libraries and the non-support for me will probably make me keep the nook, or return it and wait for something better.

[Galaril]

i am trying out the nook now. Don't really like the folder structure that lumps every non-BN file (ebooks checked out from library, books from other sources, my own PDF/docs, etc.) into one single "my doc" folder without the ability to create subfolders. I also found the GUI and navigation fairly bad. And the nook is heavy too. On paper, everything about K3 is more attractive to me except the deal-killer: lack of support for epub. It's important for me to borrow ebooks from public libraries and the non-support for me will probably make me keep the nook, or return it and wait for something better.

Not saying i don't agree but this article has some valid points for just the epub argument in general though obviously it does matter to you.

While Kindle could always add ePub support, it’s worth considering the possibility that it doesn’t need to.

In particular you have to wonder -

Could a closed Amazon Kindle take on a collection of eReaders that all support ePub?

Why this question: Well, every other week there’s an article talking about how the Kindle is going to die if it doesn’t open up.

Let’s look at this in three parts -

The Past: Has Lack of ePub Support hurt the Kindle?

While Amazon’s reluctance to reveal numbers means people can always claim that Kindles aren’t selling, the signs obviously point to Kindle being the clear #1 eReader.

There are two ways to interpret this -

1. ePub is not that important to users.
2. ePub held back the Kindle and Kindles would have sold a lot more.

Whichever view you take, its obvious that ePub support isn’t critical to success.

Kindle without ePub beat out Sony with ePub. So ePub couldn’t be the game-changer everyone is claiming it is.

The Present: Is lack of ePub Support hurting the Kindle?

This gets more interesting when we consider what’s happening right now.

At the eReader manufacturers’ product pages do we see ePub?

1. Barnes & Noble doesn’t bill ePub support as a feature or drum it up – Instead Sharing, the WiFi, endless shelf space, and 6 other features are promoted.
2. The Sony Reader ‘Features’ Page lists ePub as Feature #11. Even Sony, one of the supposed ePub champions is listing a Built-In Dictionary before they list ePub.
3. The Plastic Logic Que eReader page has a list of ‘Game Changing Technology’ and misses ePub.

Obviously eReader manufacturers missed the memo on how ePub support would make people choose their eReader.

That or perhaps they think their customers don’t really care.

Lets look at what features our favorite ‘kindle killer’ articles highlight (these are the top articles that show up on Google for ‘kindle killer’) -

1. Fool.com on Plastic Logic - No mention of ePub.
2. MIT Technology Review - iRex as Kindle Killer. ePub is mentioned as the 7th feature.
3. CNet – Is Nook a Kindle Killer? The article doesn’t mention ePub at all.
4. Harvard Business Publishing - The article doesn’t mention ePub at all.
5. Daily Finance - Mentions ePub as the 5th important feature of Sony’s Daily Edition.

Again, the writers don’t seem to have discovered the huge, pivotal role ePub will play. Most of these articles don’t even consider formats.

The Future: Will eReaders with ePub support be able to beat the Kindle?

There’s this strong sense of how ‘openness’ will beat the closed Kindle system.

However, at this point everyone (including me) is just making predictions based on assumptions -

1. People are assuming that readers care about formats in general, and ePub in particular. That’s a strange assumption to make considering that even Sony and B&N aren’t pushing ePub benefits to users.
2. People are assuming that the 27 different companies selling ebooks will all magically choose ePub and the exact same DRM format.
3. People are assuming that other eReaders will match the Kindle’s Top 10 Features and bring the choice down to ePub.

What’s perplexing is why People are not recognizing that it’s not Wikipedia or Internet Archive or an actual ‘not in it for the money’ company that is pushing openness.

Why are multi-billion dollar companies promoting openness?

Is ePub and Openness just a competitive attack?

Is this a customer concern that’s just been conjured up – one that’s being used to convince customers that another eReader would be better.

If every eReader except for the leader has a feature there’s an equal chance -

1. It’s a valid, good feature.
2. It’s just a competitive strategy.
3. It’s a mix of both.

People don’t care about Openness and yet this concept is being pushed on them.

It has to be competitive strategy.

Are people falling for the Epub and Openness argument?

Well, sales so far would say that they aren’t.

However, you have to wonder about the effect the consistent barrage from the press is having.

The Press seem to spend equal time tearing down the Kindle -

1. The Press has attacked Amazon on DRM.
2. It’s attacked Amazon for the 1984 incident.
3. They even took a made up issue (supposed download limits) and wrote 50 different articles on it.

And talking up the opposition -

1. Take the Nook - the Press loves it because it has sharing. No one mentions that the magical LendMe feature is Publisher enabled and restricted to lending out your ebook just one time.
2. Similarly, no one’s asking Barnes & Noble to specify exactly how many of its 1 million+ books are free Google Books. They’re just saying B&N have more ebooks.
3. Every eReader that is released is a Kindle Killer.

Which basically means – The Press are systematically building up the issue of openness from a non Top 10 issue into a Top Issue.

Perhaps we’re asking the wrong question.

The question isn’t whether Kindle can fight off Openness and ePub

The real question is -

1. When eBooks have taken off without ePub.
2. When Kindle sales have taken off without ePub.
3. When even eReader companies don’t advertise ePub.
4. When even Kindle Killer articles don’t mention ePub.

Why are people drumming up ePub as some big huge messiah for ebooks?

ePub obviously had no part in where we are with eBooks – then on what basis can we assume that ePub is critical to the spread of books?

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

* Pros and Cons of Kindle supporting ePub
* Perhaps WSJ should cite Facebook instead of BetaMax
* 10 things about the Kindle that puzzle me
* Google goes epub

[cyril]

galaril, very well composed argument on the importance of epub support. As you have said in your opening statement, epub support is something I highly value and it is up to the individuals to determine how important it is to them, regardless of what critics say. To me, the value of saving hundreds of dollars on buying books outweighs pretty much every single advantage that kindle has.

I really think any prospective buyer should consider that seriously, the initial price difference of e-readers, compared to the cost of content, is negligible IMO. Do you plan to spend as little as possible on books? If so, does your library have enough content you like in electronic format? If you can't really gain access to epub books you like, then the whole for-epub argument does not hold. content, after all is what we are all after.

[Galaril]

galaril, very well composed argument on the importance of epub support. As you have said in your opening statement, epub support is something I highly value and it is up to the individuals to determine how important it is to them, regardless of what critics say. To me, the value of saving hundreds of dollars on buying books outweighs pretty much every single advantage that kindle has.

I really think any prospective buyer should consider that seriously, the initial price difference of e-readers, compared to the cost of content, is negligible IMO. Do you plan to spend as little as possible on books? If so, does your library have enough content you like in electronic format? If you can't really gain access to epub books you like, then the whole for-epub argument does not hold. content, after all is what we are all after.


Like I mentioned a few posts earlier from everything I have seen most libraries don't carry much as far as kindle format books and I maybe wrong but that may also hold true for epub. I agree if most libraries carry many of there hardcopy books in epub I would go for that reader to since I also do not want to spend a fortune on books. But, until I get some idea of how many books does an average library carry in the epub format which I am not too familar with I will remain a skeptic.

[Passacaglia]

However, most libraries have very few books and you have to wait for them just as you would for physical library books.



This is the most bizarre part about the whole digital library book thing to me -- you have to wait for an e-book until someone else is done reading it? That makes no sense at all.

[jeff061]

I guess they don't want you to have to much incentive to not buy. Can't think of any other reason.

[rowech]

This is the most bizarre part about the whole digital library book thing to me -- you have to wait for an e-book until someone else is done reading it? That makes no sense at all.

Sure it does. Why would the publisher allow a library to buy one ebook and then lend it out to as many people as possible? One purchase = one lending from the publisher's point of view. It would have to.

[albionmoonlight]

This is the most bizarre part about the whole digital library book thing to me -- you have to wait for an e-book until someone else is done reading it? That makes no sense at all.

I'm sure that it's a DRM thing. Otherwise, the New York Public Library could buy one copy of a book and then no one in the entire city would have to buy an e-version of it.

[TroyF]

galaril, very well composed argument on the importance of epub support. As you have said in your opening statement, epub support is something I highly value and it is up to the individuals to determine how important it is to them, regardless of what critics say. To me, the value of saving hundreds of dollars on buying books outweighs pretty much every single advantage that kindle has.

I really think any prospective buyer should consider that seriously, the initial price difference of e-readers, compared to the cost of content, is negligible IMO. Do you plan to spend as little as possible on books? If so, does your library have enough content you like in electronic format? If you can't really gain access to epub books you like, then the whole for-epub argument does not hold. content, after all is what we are all after.


Hundreds of dollars on books? Just read some of the classics for free. :)

[lordscarlet]

I think you have to view it as "licenses". Only one license can be used at a time.

[TroyF]

I received my new Kindle today. I'm just as positive as this guy. I love it. Easy to hold, light and great contrast. I purchased the cover with the book light and it works like a dream. I'm going to gift my original Kindle to a friend.

Everything I hoped for and more.

[Scoobz0202]

I'll be ordering one this week. Anybody recommend any cheaper covers?

Oddly enough I was really considering getting one of the Oberon covers when it just kind of dawned on me.. why the fuck should I pay half the price of the damn device for a cover.

[claphamsa]

ok, so ive skimmed this... thinking nook vs kindel (like everyone else) the kindel has the economist, and I can get an account to share with my mom... so that saves money, and i hate paper. but there are no library books available on the kindel. which sucks donkey cock. Im so confused....

[TroyF]

ok, so ive skimmed this... thinking nook vs kindel (like everyone else) the kindel has the economist, and I can get an account to share with my mom... so that saves money, and i hate paper. but there are no library books available on the kindel. which sucks donkey cock. Im so confused....

If library books are important to you, the Kindle isn't the device. It's just not that important to me. As mentioned here, the copies of library books are going to be limited like licenses. As these things get more and more popular, that's going to mean long waits for first run books. If I want a book that bad and can't afford it, I'll go to Borders and read the thing over a month or two.

That said, there are enough classics for free to read that I can go through one or two of those if my book budget is blown. I know for some people it's a huge thing. And for those people, you need to look at the other e readers on the market.

[lordscarlet]

If library books are important to you, the Kindle isn't the device. It's just not that important to me. As mentioned here, the copies of library books are going to be limited like licenses. As these things get more and more popular, that's going to mean long waits for first run books. If I want a book that bad and can't afford it, I'll go to Borders and read the thing over a month or two.

That said, there are enough classics for free to read that I can go through one or two of those if my book budget is blown. I know for some people it's a huge thing. And for those people, you need to look at the other e readers on the market.

If you had a Nook you could go to B&N and read it on the nook while you're there for free. ;)

[samifan24]

If you had a Nook you could go to B&N and read it on the nook while you're there for free. ;)

That's pretty cool. They let you read the whole book as long as you're in the store?

[ISiddiqui]

Unfortunately they are closing a bunch of B&N's!

[lordscarlet]

That's pretty cool. They let you read the whole book as long as you're in the store?

That's my understanding (I don't actually have either, or any, ereader)

[Galaril]

I received my new Kindle today. I'm just as positive as this guy. I love it. Easy to hold, light and great contrast. I purchased the cover with the book light and it works like a dream. I'm going to gift my original Kindle to a friend.

Everything I hoped for and more.

Thanks Troy based on your positive impression I pulled the trigger and order one with the cover with light.

[claphamsa]

That's my understanding (I don't actually have either, or any, ereader)
its up to 1 hr per day per book.....or so i belive.

[TroyF]

If you had a Nook you could go to B&N and read it on the nook while you're there for free. ;)


So I could load up my ereader and take it to a book store or just go to the book store, grab the actual book and read it? I'll go with the latter. (FWIW, I have a friend who works at the store and never gives me any grief) That said, if I want a book that badly, I usually just pull the trigger.

[lordscarlet]

So I could load up my ereader and take it to a book store or just go to the book store, grab the actual book and read it? I'll go with the latter. (FWIW, I have a friend who works at the store and never gives me any grief) That said, if I want a book that badly, I usually just pull the trigger.

I would imagine the bonuses would be

a) not having to find the book
b) keeping your place

but I've also never gone to a book store and read a chapter or two of a book, so it sounds odd in general to me.

[Peregrine]

I wonder if the free reading in B&N stores also goes for the Nook iPad app - I've heard it's not a great app however.

[lurker]

I would imagine the bonuses would be

a) not having to find the book
b) keeping your place

but I've also never gone to a book store and read a chapter or two of a book, so it sounds odd in general to me.

It's something fun to do if you're with someone who's taking forever to shop and you're bored. When I was a kid, my sister and I used to read whole books over like 10 trips to the mall or wherever while my mom did her shopping. This was before bookstores had comfortable places to sit, so nobody else was doing it and some store owners were jerks about it....which I guess I can understand, even though it does seem kind of crappy to pick on kids who are quietly reading.

Anyway, I have the Kindle and I like it a lot! I've loaded a lot of classics on it and some study materials that I have on PDF. I like how I can change it to landscape if I need to look at graphs or something...don't know if the other e-readers have that feature.

[tyketime]

I received my new Kindle today. I'm just as positive as this guy. I love it. Easy to hold, light and great contrast. I purchased the cover with the book light and it works like a dream. I'm going to gift my original Kindle to a friend.

Everything I hoped for and more.

:+1:

[Scoobz0202]

Got mine yesterday. I was excited for it to arrive, have been for a few weeks (ordered the 3rd but it was on backorder.) But I told myself it's just an ereader, so how cool can it be. It's fucking sweet.

Nobody really responded to my question earlier. What covers do you guys have? I want one, but I'm not really wanting to fork over 50% of the device price for a cover. Any other accessories you guys have?

Also, did you guys purchase the extended warranty?

[terpkristin]

I have the Kindle 2. I bought 2 covers, one that was leather and colorful and soft, and the standard Amazon one. I liked the texture and the looks of the nice leather cover but it was too bulky for me, so I've reverted to using the standard Amazon cover. I have no complaints. If I had the Kindle 3, I'd get the one that has the light.

Never bought an extended warranty for any electronic device.

/tk

[lordscarlet]

Last week my in-laws got us each a nook for our anniversary. So far I love it, and my first read on it is from the library. :)

My wife's first experience has not been so great. And its unfortunate because she was going to be harder to hook in the first place. She also got a library book but it is VERY poorly formatted.

Are there any good ebook blogs or anything out there?

I purchased Industriell Easel Cover, Barnes & Noble - Barnes & Noble (http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Industriell-Easel-Cover/e/9781615513376/?cds2Pid=30253) for my nook and it's good so far.

[Peregrine]

Are there any good ebook blogs or anything out there?



MobileRead Forums (http://www.mobileread.com/)

[Scoobz0202]

Reading Ken Follet's Pillars and really enjoying it so I hopped on Amazon just to check his other books out.

Checked out the Kindle price of his new Fall of Giants. Hardcover: $19.39 Kindle: $19.99


Not a chance in fucking hell. I really hope this doesn't continue.

[cougarfreak]

Reading Ken Follet's Pillars and really enjoying it so I hopped on Amazon just to check his other books out.

Checked out the Kindle price of his new Fall of Giants. Hardcover: $19.39 Kindle: $19.99


Not a chance in fucking hell. I really hope this doesn't continue.

That's exactly why I have it on my reserve list in the library. The publisher's better hop on the boat with this digital thing, or they're going to end up like the music industry.

[cougarfreak]

Got mine yesterday. I was excited for it to arrive, have been for a few weeks (ordered the 3rd but it was on backorder.) But I told myself it's just an ereader, so how cool can it be. It's fucking sweet.

Nobody really responded to my question earlier. What covers do you guys have? I want one, but I'm not really wanting to fork over 50% of the device price for a cover. Any other accessories you guys have?

Also, did you guys purchase the extended warranty?

I got a cover from oberon, but that's just me. I didn't mind the expense. I did buy an extended warranty from squaretrade as well. I have two kids under 5, and that's why I bought the warranty.

[lordscarlet]

Reading Ken Follet's Pillars and really enjoying it so I hopped on Amazon just to check his other books out.

Checked out the Kindle price of his new Fall of Giants. Hardcover: $19.39 Kindle: $19.99


Not a chance in fucking hell. I really hope this doesn't continue.

Not that I have ever read any of his stuff, but I can get it in ebook form on my nook from my library. :)

Of course, there's a 13 person waiting list.

[wade moore]

Of course, there's a 13 person waiting list.

Yeah, one of the reasons I just can't get behind this.

[ISiddiqui]

Reading Ken Follet's Pillars and really enjoying it so I hopped on Amazon just to check his other books out.

Checked out the Kindle price of his new Fall of Giants. Hardcover: $19.39 Kindle: $19.99


Not a chance in fucking hell. I really hope this doesn't continue.

It's a publisher thing. Amazon would, of course, like it to be $9.99. Though, good news is in a month or so it will drop. Same thing happened with Tom Holland's "The Forge of Christendom" - was around $20, but then Amazon was allowed to set it down to its prefered price point.

[lurker]

Reading Ken Follet's Pillars and really enjoying it so I hopped on Amazon just to check his other books out.


Don't get your hopes up -- his other books are pretty terrible in comparison. I haven't read them all, but the few I did were really bad.

[lordscarlet]

Yeah, one of the reasons I just can't get behind this.

It's a brand new release [shrug]. Books aren't like movies to me -- I'm not trying to get them when they're brand new. Of course, I'm not really that way with movies either. Every book I have actually planned on reading that I've looked for and found (about 50% rate on finding it) has not had a waiting list.

[Scoobz0202]

It's a publisher thing. Amazon would, of course, like it to be $9.99. Though, good news is in a month or so it will drop. Same thing happened with Tom Holland's "The Forge of Christendom" - was around $20, but then Amazon was allowed to set it down to its prefered price point.

Yeah, I understand completely. I read a quote on the NYT from one publisher saying that part of the problem is that Amazon sets the prices for hardcover editions too low. Doesn't give me much hope.

[Scarecrow]

BUMP!

New announcement coming from Barnes & Noble on Tuesday has been leaked:



Nookcolor.com domain snapped up by Barnes & Noble, hints at Nook Color device

By Thomas Ricker (http://www.engadget.com/editor/thomas-ricker) http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/writer_rss.gif (http://www.engadget.com/editor/thomas-ricker/rss.xml) posted Oct 22nd 2010 2:42AM



http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/10/whois-lookup---domain-names-search-registration--availability--whois.net-1.jpg (http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/22/nookcolor-com-domain-snapped-up-by-barnes-and-noble/)
At some future point in time, when the technology finally allows it, all ebook reader displays will make the jump to color. Perhaps that's what Barnes and Noble is thinking by registering the nookcolor.com domain. Then again, "Nook Color (http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/21/barnes-and-noble-prepping-new-nook-with-full-color-touchscreen/)" is the name rumored for B&N's new 7-inch color touchscreen device said to cost a mere $249. Or maybe it's just a collection of colorful snap-on bezels for its existing Nook. Whatever it is, we'll be treated with the truth on Tuesday (http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/barnes-and-noble-holding-a-very-special-event-next-week/) when B&N hosts its very special event. Be there won't you, we will.

[terpkristin]

Multiple sources are reporting that Amazon will be rolling out a book-lending feature akin to the Noook "soon." I still love my Kindle 2. Though I don't know how the Nook uses it, the issues I've had with my Android phone has kind of soured me on Android in general...a pity, really, since I think it's in part hardware issues (I'm on my 2nd "Incredible" now and it has major issues like the touchscreen getting ghost inputs etc).

/tk

[jeff061]

Planning on getting the Kindle for my Mom for Christmas. What's the current stock situation? Are they pretty much freely available or should I be ordering one now?

[Scoobz0202]

Multiple sources are reporting that Amazon will be rolling out a book-lending feature akin to the Noook "soon." I still love my Kindle 2. Though I don't know how the Nook uses it, the issues I've had with my Android phone has kind of soured me on Android in general...a pity, really, since I think it's in part hardware issues (I'm on my 2nd "Incredible" now and it has major issues like the touchscreen getting ghost inputs etc).

/tk

I don't know anybody outside of internet forums that has a Kindle so at first the lending feature doesn't really interest me. But I realized there are probably many like me. Could easily just post a list of books that I have and others could do the same.

[Scarecrow]

The Kindle Color is here! (or at least it will be here on November 19):

nookcolor.com (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nookcolor/?cm_mmc=Redirect-_-nookcolor.com-_-Books-_-Nook%20Color)

Stunning 7-inch color touchscreen
Magazines & newspapers in rich color
Kids' books come alive
Over 2 million titles at your fingertips
Get social, surf the web, play games, even listen to musicAll for $249

I'm finally seriously considering this; would be perfect for me because I'd use it more for newspapers and magazines than for novels.

[Scoobz0202]

LCD?

[Scarecrow]

LCD?

Supposedly it's a backlit LCD.

Don't know why everyone makes a big deal about it being an LCD - aren't most laptop/netbook screens LCD? And wouldn't they be about the same reading distance?

[jeff061]

LCD is awful for long term reading, wouldn't even remotely consider it. If you want it for general use, some reading, browsing, email, etc. I could see that.

Think it's pretty much worthless as a replacement for paper books though.

[Scoobz0202]

For me it's personal preference. I don't read with near the intensity on my laptop that I do my kindle, or a book.

But battery life would be a concern for me with it being LCD unless they have something figured out. If not, I'd just get an Ipad if I wanted a color nook. (I know its still cheaper but I'd just save up twice as long for an ipad.)

Thats all speculation on my part. For all I know they have this shit figured out so its battery life is crazy.

[ISiddiqui]

Its apparently 8 hours on the Nook Color (with wi-fi off). No where near the Kindle's 2-3 weeks. And yes the e-ink screen makes a huge difference in reading, regardless of how sharp the LCD was.

[SackAttack]

I can only think of a few reasons to go with a NookColor over an e-ink Nook or a Kindle.

1) Newspaper subscriptions (photographs in particular)
2) books that contain illustrations which display better with color (historical/war reference books come to mind)
3) sideloading PDFs that are more readable with color than with greyscale

I love my nook, but I don't know that I'd even consider a NookColor if I had to choose between the two.

[wade moore]

Hrm, my wife, an elementary reading specialist, just bought a Nook like 2 weeks ago.

This might make her a bit bitter.

[Passacaglia]

She might still be able to return it -- Amazon's return policy is pretty liberal (although from what I recall, the nook's is not). Maybe if she says she wants a nook color, they'd let her exchange it.

[wade moore]

She might still be able to return it -- Amazon's return policy is pretty liberal (although from what I recall, the nook's is not). Maybe if she says she wants a nook color, they'd let her exchange it.

Good thought - but I talked to her this morning after posting and she's happy with her Kindle ;).

I think it will probably take time before the idea of a digital kids book takes off in school - although they do have iPads provided by the library now.

[Passacaglia]

Hrm, my wife, an elementary reading specialist, just bought a Nook like 2 weeks ago.

This might make her a bit bitter.

Good thought - but I talked to her this morning after posting and she's happy with her Kindle ;).

I think it will probably take time before the idea of a digital kids book takes off in school - although they do have iPads provided by the library now.

er, okay

[wade moore]

Sorry, typo in the first post. It's a Kindle.

[Passacaglia]

Ah, got it. Yeah, if the Color Kindle is LCD, I'd probably stick with the old-school version, too. But Amazon will definitely let her exchange it if she changes her mind -- I'm not sure for how long, but for some reason 19 days is popping up in my head, but you might want to check.

[wade moore]

The Kindle Color is here! (or at least it will be here on November 19):

nookcolor.com (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nookcolor/?cm_mmc=Redirect-_-nookcolor.com-_-Books-_-Nook%20Color)
Stunning 7-inch color touchscreen
Magazines & newspapers in rich color
Kids' books come alive
Over 2 million titles at your fingertips
Get social, surf the web, play games, even listen to musicAll for $249

I'm finally seriously considering this; would be perfect for me because I'd use it more for newspapers and magazines than for novels.

Ah, got it. Yeah, if the Color Kindle is LCD, I'd probably stick with the old-school version, too. But Amazon will definitely let her exchange it if she changes her mind -- I'm not sure for how long, but for some reason 19 days is popping up in my head, but you might want to check.

Ok, I'm still confused.

is it a color Nook or a color Kindle... or both? The details posted were about the Nook, so I assumed the first line was a typo?

[AFShadow]

LCD is awful for long term reading, wouldn't even remotely consider it. If you want it for general use, some reading, browsing, email, etc. I could see that.

Think it's pretty much worthless as a replacement for paper books though.


I totally agree. I am not all about ohhh color screen. I am happy with a black and white screen since I have a an ereader for reading books and not childrens stories or mags.

[Passacaglia]

Ok, I'm still confused.

is it a color Nook or a color Kindle... or both? The details posted were about the Nook, so I assumed the first line was a typo?

Oh, it probably is a typo -- I saw that first line and assumed there was a Kindle Color, without looking at the URL he linked to. Whoops.

[AFShadow]

Ok, I'm still confused.

is it a color Nook or a color Kindle... or both? The details posted were about the Nook, so I assumed the first line was a typo?


I could not find any mention of a color kindle just this nook.

[terpkristin]

It's a color Nook.

Early reports from tech sites seem to think that it will flop because of 2 main reasons:
1) the interface is sluggish and clunky at best (which might be fixable with firmware updates)
2) for a little more money you can get a wifi iPad that does a lot more

Meh. Still happy with my Kindle 2. :)

/tk

[wade moore]

Totally agreed on e-ink b&w vs. color lcd fwiw...

I was only particularly curious because of my wife's job. But even she wasn't excited about it.

Now, if they get color e-ink....

[lordscarlet]

Yeah, no idea why they would make an LCD nook.

I am happy with my e-ink nook that is a month or two old.

[sabotai]

Found this post from someone who used a digital microscope to compare the Kindle and iPad screens.

Kindle and iPad Displays: Up close and personal. | BIT-101 (http://www.bit-101.com/blog/?p=2722)

[jeff061]

Found this post from someone who used a digital microscope to compare the Kindle and iPad screens.

Kindle and iPad Displays: Up close and personal. | BIT-101 (http://www.bit-101.com/blog/?p=2722)

Cool link. Both the pictures and the hilarious comment section.

[Ksyrup]

OK, my wife has dropped subtle hints about wanting an e-reader for Christmas (as in, "I want an e-reader for Christmas"), and I know nothing about them. In fact, I just saw one for the first time about a month ago on a business trip. All she wants is a e-reader - she doesn't really care about games, internet, etc.

What's my best bet for a starter? What's the difference between the various price points?

Thanks!

[lordscarlet]

OK, my wife has dropped subtle hints about wanting an e-reader for Christmas (as in, "I want an e-reader for Christmas"), and I know nothing about them. In fact, I just saw one for the first time about a month ago on a business trip. All she wants is a e-reader - she doesn't really care about games, internet, etc.

What's my best bet for a starter? What's the difference between the various price points?

Thanks!

The price points are not particularly different. Basically the Kindle and nook have comparable price points. The lower end does not have 3g, the higher price point does. The Sony I don't know much about.

You can read some of the differences between the devices in these threads, but basically the kindle is supposed to be the fastest with the best screen, and the nook and Sony can use EPUB (library books).

[Ksyrup]

OK, thanks.

[ISiddiqui]

I'd recommend a Kindle 3 (I'm slightly biased ;)). I think Amazon's library beats B&N and from what I've read the library books option can be somewhat of a pain.

[lordscarlet]

I'd recommend a Kindle 3 (I'm slightly biased ;)). I think Amazon's library beats B&N and from what I've read the library books option can be somewhat of a pain.

It's been very smooth for me. (The library option)

[terpkristin]

I too recommend a Kindle, but that's only becuase I've used one (I have Kindle 2) and love it. Never tried the Nook.

If I'm not mistaken, various retailers sell them that you could probably in a day go play with a Kindle at Best Buy and a Nook at B&N and determine which feels better for you (or your wife). The "try in the store" with the Nook is a neat-sounding feature, though I really loathe B&N in general (bad experiences in-store), so I'm not sure I'd ever use it.

/tk

[JPhillips]

Love my Kindle 2.

[SackAttack]

Still diggin' on my e-ink Nook. I haven't been using it as much lately as this is the time of year when the games start slamming the market, but I know post-Christmas I'll be doing quite a lot of reading on it.

[Comey]

There's a Sporting News Daily app for the iPad that has added a lot of value for me. For three bucks a month, I get a 60-page (on average) magazine every morning with the news and stuff from the previous day. I also get a boatload of analysis, which I really like. I used to detest Sporting News (as they had really degraded, to me), but this is fantastic. Download it every morning when I wake up.

Add the Baseball America digital subscription, and I'm set.

[Icy]

So is the Kindle still the favorite for e-books reading? I just received a coupon enough to buy the kindle from amazon (the non 3G one) and the hi-tech nerd inside of me thinks that i have waited enough for a good e-reader.

I don't care about 3G as i always have my notebook with 3G around me, so wireless is enough.

[sabotai]

I can't speak for the Nook, but I have a Kindle and a Sony PRS-700, and the Kindle is much, much better than the Sony one.

[samifan24]

Quick question for Kindle 3 owners: is it possible to change the text/font from black on a grayish screen to white text on a black screen? I've been reading Kindle books on my iPhone/Mac with the white text on the black screen and I prefer it to the default and am wondering if you can make the same change on the Kindle 3 itself. Thanks.

[SackAttack]

Apparently the Google eBooks storefront (not that I'm terribly impressed with it of yet) does not support Kindle due to Kindle's lack of epub support.

It was kind of a "yeah, so?" thing when it was Amazon's storefront versus Barnes & Noble's. I wonder if Google getting into the eBook sales game changes that equation at all.

[Peregrine]

I think Google is at least getting in on the right side of this market. It's clear to me that the idea of the Kindle, Nook etc as a "device" will become less and less important as a profit center to Amazon and B&N. They keep getting cheaper and will eventually get super cheap. It seems to me this has the real potential to be a razor and blades market, and Google is getting in on the ground floor with their multi-device support at least.

[jeff061]

No doubt, I actually thought it had already turned into a razor and blades type market.

[Peregrine]

No doubt, I actually thought it had already turned into a razor and blades type market.

If not now, then soon. Amazon has really been leading the way on this - they have the Kindle to have the captive market, and also sell a ton of books on the iPad, etc.

[rjolley]

The Kindle 3 and Kindle XL can read pdf files, right? I'd like to get one as a reader for my tech docs, but I've noticed that a lot of tech books aren't available yet. If I can download the pdfs of the docs, that would be a good start.

Also, I may wait until a tablet comes out so I can use it to connect to servers when I'm out and about, but who knows when a good tablet will come along...probably 3-6 months, way too long. :)

[Mac Howard]

How easy is the iPad to read in sunlight?

[Peregrine]

How easy is the iPad to read in sunlight?

In full sunlight, outside, it can be tough to read. Inside, in daylight I have not had many problems. You can adjust the brightness to a fairly wide range so you can correct it some this way, and of course the angle is key to avoid glare from the sun.

[samifan24]

For those of you that have both an iPad and a Kindle, do you really use both enough to justify owning both devices or does the iPad completely take up all of your time?

[sterlingice]

Anyone who uses e-readers for public domain books? My wife is big into classic literature and almost everything she likes could be free, but I'm wondering about the quality? Is the stuff off of Project Gutenberg, for instance, a decent reading experience?

How about Nook vs Kindle for this type of activity? Any preferences one way or another? And why?

SI

[samifan24]

Anyone who uses e-readers for public domain books? My wife is big into classic literature and almost everything she likes could be free, but I'm wondering about the quality? Is the stuff off of Project Gutenberg, for instance, a decent reading experience?

How about Nook vs Kindle for this type of activity? Any preferences one way or another? And why?

SI

Kindle only accepts Amazon's proprietary format (.azw I believe) and PDFs whereas Nook accepts ePub, which is the far more widely used standard. Most of the free books and books at the library are available in the ePub format although many of the biggest classics are available for any platform, Kindle included.

[Mac Howard]

In full sunlight, outside, it can be tough to read. Inside, in daylight I have not had many problems. You can adjust the brightness to a fairly wide range so you can correct it some this way, and of course the angle is key to avoid glare from the sun.

So not really suitable for taking down to the beach for me to read while my daughter plays in the surf? Better to use a dedicated ereader?

The quality of public domain books in epub format is fine, stirlingice. I read many of these but on a discarded Win XP laptop using a Mobipocket reader. The mobi converts to its own format on the fly and the quality of presentation etc is fine but of course not touch screen. I don't see why they'd be any less acceptable on a dedicated reader.

[Passacaglia]

Anyone who uses e-readers for public domain books? My wife is big into classic literature and almost everything she likes could be free, but I'm wondering about the quality? Is the stuff off of Project Gutenberg, for instance, a decent reading experience?

How about Nook vs Kindle for this type of activity? Any preferences one way or another? And why?

SI

Kindle only accepts Amazon's proprietary format (.azw I believe) and PDFs whereas Nook accepts ePub, which is the far more widely used standard. Most of the free books and books at the library are available in the ePub format although many of the biggest classics are available for any platform, Kindle included.

The stuff on Gutenberg also comes in PDF, and from the little I've read of those on the Kindle, they seem fine.

[samifan24]

So can anyone tell me if you can change the text color on the Kindle 3 from black text on the grey background (the default) to white text on a black background, as I can do in the Kindle iPhone/Mac app?

I'm guessing you cannot change to the white text on a black background on the Kindle 3 but I want to make sure. Thanks.

[MacroGuru]

Arrived home today from my trip out to have my Kindle waiting for me. I am already in love with it and do not look forward to the amount of money I will be spending on books...:D

[Doug5984]

Wanted to bump this thread- I think I am ready to finally join the club and get an e-reader and wanted to get others opinions on what is out there. The idea of color and the ability to get magazines / newspapers seems pretty cool, but doesn't the LCD hurt the eyes a little more?

The kindle DX seems a little large? And 3g isn't that big a deal as I can use my phone as a wi-fi hot spot if I ever wanted to download a book when I wasn't at home or in a wi-fi area.

Any help / advice would be appreciated.

edit to add: I'm pretty sure my 2 choices are the Nook color, or the Kindle 3. If price between the 2 wasn't an issue which direction would you go? ( I don't really want an ipad )

[jeff061]

As far as kindle vrs nook(b&w), I don't think the conversation has changed.

As for the LCD question, I would pay twice as much for an eInk display than I would for an iPad or similar device if I was looking to use it as a book reader.

[molson]

B&N did just update the Nook Color with new features (I think enhanced web browsing and email - I haven't looked too much into it). But the price is now $249 (they still sell the lower-end nook for $149).

It's getting harder and harder to distinguish smart phones/netbooks/laptops/e-readers/tablets.

[Doug5984]

I should also add I'm not a power reader or anything, I just read 30 minutes or so before bed a few times a week. On a good weekend I'll read for a couple hours but thats about it, so I don't know how bad the LCD would be. Does anyone have one and have an opinion on it?

[jeff061]

Well it's the same as a desktop computer monitor or laptop so.....

[samifan24]

I'll say this for the Kindle WiFi vs. Kindle 3G argument: it literally takes seconds to download a book on WiFi. I don't really see the need for 3G at all. Just download four or five books before you go on a trip and save some money on your Kindle.

[gstelmack]

I'm a big fan of Kindle (I like Amazon's store), the Nook is certainly a decent option (and others here prefer it), and no way would I purchase an LCD screen to read on due to eye strain. Reading the eInk displays is just as easy as reading a book for me.