E-reader vs laptop

iamchel

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Nov 19, 2007
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Hey I'm looking for a solution to my book problem. I dislike reading books on my desktop (I just can't focus on anything sitting here) but I also like the convenience of reading my various pdf ebooks. Does anyone know which ereader supports pdf files? Or do you guys think its a better investment to just buy a cheap notebook instead (or maybe a tablet??)
 

Dulanic

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2000
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If you want to do nothing but read with it... get an e-reader. If you want to do some additional stuff maybe a nook color rooted. A e-reader > everything else when it comes to reading books. A no glare no backlight eink screen is just wonderful to sit and read from. I personally use a Kindle and use Calibre to convert any file I need from pdf, epub, etc to kindle.

Reading from a notebook would drive me crazy, but that is me.
 

iamchel

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Nov 19, 2007
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I should of mentioned my budget is ~$300 lol. What sort of things could you even do with a rooted nook? I'd probably just use it for reading since I dont travel that much to need a notebook (I'd still use a notebook but its not something I really need).
 

TheStu

Moderator<br>Mobile Devices & Gadgets
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Sep 15, 2004
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As an idea, my laptop when being used as an ereader (wifi off, screen at about 50&#37;) gets roughly 11-12 hours of battery life. My friend's kindle? Gets easily an order of magnitude better than that, days of continuous use.

A rooted nook will net you a full android experience, browser, games, other ebook apps, all kinds of stuff.
 

Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
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If all you want to do is read on the device, nothing comes close to the Kindle. The e-ink screen really is that much better.
 

iamchel

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Nov 19, 2007
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Looking at the prices for a kindle in Canada is a bit of a turn off considering how much less it us in the US :s
 

AnitaPeterson

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Apr 24, 2001
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Ah, a fellow Canadian?

OK, then here's my suggestion. Look at the Sony readers. I dislike Sony, and I think they're a bad company, but their readers read many more formats than the Kindle, or the Kobo. You should be able to score a refurbished Sony Pocket Reader for less than $150 (I got mine for $100).

Otherwise, make a trip Stateside and get a Nook. That thing can read anything, and if you root it, you have access to the entire Android market. And boy, there's a lot of apps in there... I'm sure you'll find stuff that you like.
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
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You can root the original B&W Nook, too, I think, but let's be clear: most people here are talking about the Nook Color, the best low-priced tablet you can get. ;)
 

Dulanic

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2000
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Nook color still has glare etc... seriously can't beat eink if you just want to read. A kindle can't be beat for reading purposes. But for some format support you do need to use calibre.
 

Dulanic

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2000
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Wow amazon.ca is a rip for the kindle. The Wifi version could be bought from the normal site tho no?
 

Dulanic

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2000
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Oh I don't disagree but if he is purely going for the reading portion only still can't beat eink for it.
 

iamchel

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Nov 19, 2007
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Well I dont suspect that I'll be using it in direct sunlight so I'm not sure if glare would be much of an issue.

Thanks for the input guys. I think I may just go down to buffalo this weekend and pick up a nook color. After watching some youtube videos I'm really eager to get my hands on one.
 
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