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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by brassmonkey32

Ipad

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

Loving my Kindle2.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by rowech

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]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

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]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

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]

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Does the basic web browser support flash?

[rowech]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

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]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Room in your house

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Room in your house

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]

Originally Posted by wade moore

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]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

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]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

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]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

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]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

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]

Originally Posted by rowech

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]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

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

[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]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.