I need some kind of e-reader. Options?

[Lumathix]

There is now a new option. Amazon has just relased a FREE Kindle reader software that can be installed on a variety of machines including PC desktops and laptops. If you are already travelling with a laptop, that would give you Kindle with no additional box to carry. And, no additional cost. All we need now is to buy the ebooks. I guess that is the objective. Smart thinking!

Again, LCDs, TFTs, etc are NOT suited for reading documents for extended periods of time. That's the whole point of an eInk display. If you are going to purchase ebooks rather than physical copies, you would be well advised to use any one of the "eReaders" in lieu of a computer or other backlit device.

 

[corkyg]

Well, when you have to carry a laptop, and a fairly large camera/lens case travelling by air abroad, it may be useful to have a free reader - better than nothing.

And, if we are considering a dedicated reader, this one just got very high marks by reviewers:

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16858653001

That's about half the price of a Kindle.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

I have a Kindle DX and I love it. I literally use it daily for work and school, and can't imagine not having one anymore.

 

[destrekor]

People really have no idea how great eInk is for reading. Much easier on your eyes for reading at any length and uses almost no power. People who recommend anything else have obviously not tried an eInk device yet. Nothing compares to it.

That's why I haven't bought anything yet.

I'd like a full-blown tablet, but I also want an eReader.

I already have an Android smartphone, and it does a lot for me when I'm away from my computer, hell, even in the next room over.

But, some things, I'd like a little bit bigger of a screen. Got my laptop I can take, but it's not light, and while portable, not nearly as easy to tote as a small light tablet.

I am really hoping Notion Ink's Adam device is half as good as it looks like it could be.

Anyone really know the truth for the screen? It's PixelQi's dual-display, so it has a regular LCD but can switch to eBook-style display. No mention whether it's true eInk or just mimicking eInk, but they are promoting insane battery life in the eBook mode.

If it's not eInk, I wonder how it feels to the eyes in comparison.

I have been eying the Nook though, really really want one.

 

[corkyg]

I downloaded and installed the Kindle Reader and installed it on my laptop. I then put in one of Amazon's freebies to test it - and it is really quite clear, sharp, and easy to use. Font size is easily variable - I can read it w/o glasses.

Yes, it probably can't compare to an eBook text, but it does work and is free, and does not require carrying an extra device on a trip. Here's a sample page:

 

[destrekor]

I downloaded and installed the Kindle Reader and installed it on my laptop. I then put in one of Amazon's freebies to test it - and it is really quite clear, sharp, and easy to use. Font size is easily variable - I can read it w/o glasses.

Yes, it probably can't compare to an eBook text, but it does work and is free, and does not require carrying an extra device on a trip. Here's a sample page:

[pic snipped]

Would you want to read that for longer than an hour?
I wouldn't.

I've been struggling because my one course this quarter has a lot of lengthy articles and chapters from books posted online, in PDF format. I have to sit there, and read them on an LCD. If I wanted to print them, it'd be very expensive considering one assignment can top 50 pages.

In fact, I have to just read it on the computer or laptop. I just can't do it for long stretches.

 

[bradmckinley]

People really have no idea how great eInk is for reading. Much easier on your eyes for reading at any length and uses almost no power. People who recommend anything else have obviously not tried an eInk device yet. Nothing compares to it.

You all make an extremely important point. I suppose what I meant to say was while I spoke in the present tense (dead), I should have said it is in its death-throes.

The iPad simply represents that a handheld single screen device will eventually replace the ereader once eink and full color lcds can be united.

What's better, iPad for Netflix/CNN and Kindle for ebooks or some other device that can perform both tasks equally well?

And if it's impossible you say, I say - look how far we've come and the acceleration of new technology is staggering. It can't be long. Seems like transparent OLED overtop an eink backplane might do the job but that's speculation.

 

[Lumathix]

Woah.
I just downloaded the 1.3 update for my Nook, and I have to say aside from all the new goodies it adds, the performance has taken the largest boost yet. pages turn faster, the LCD at the bottom is more reponsive....definately a nice update. just figured I'd pass along the info, to those of you looking at eReaders.

 

[Synomenon]

Ok, got a question about the Nook. I thought I had read somewhere that when you "flip" to the next page of an ebook, it would display an animated page flipping across the screen.

When I tried the Nook today at Best Buy, the screen would flash black then the next page would appear.

Is there a way to enable the animated page "flipping" or is this a feature on some other e-reader?


Also, can you go to a specific page of an ebook just by entering the page number? Forgot to see if that was an available feature on the Nook.

 

[Lumathix]

Ok, got a question about the Nook. I thought I had read somewhere that when you "flip" to the next page of an ebook, it would display an animated page flipping across the screen.

When I tried the Nook today at Best Buy, the screen would flash black then the next page would appear.

Is there a way to enable the animated page "flipping" or is this a feature on some other e-reader?


Also, can you go to a specific page of an ebook just by entering the page number? Forgot to see if that was an available feature on the Nook.

If you want features like page flipping animations you need to stick to a device like apple's ipad. If you want to actually "read" books go with an eReader like the Nook. And yes on the noon there's a Table of Contents feature that allows you to zoom forward.

 

[Synomenon]

The page flipping animation isn't important. I just thought I read about it having that feature. I guess that's on the Kindle. The screen flashing black when you turn the page makes it feel like it's buggy or "unfinished" though.

I know about the table of contents, but is there a way to type in the page you want to go to and have it go directly to that page?

 

[Lumathix]

I do not own a kindle. Maybe someone who does can confirm that for you. On the book you can only go to furthest read point, chapter, cover or to a bookmark. You'd have to zoom to a chapter then flip pages. With 1.3 I have to say page flipping is alot faster on the nook.

 

[Synomenon]

Anyone here have a Kindle?

Does it do the same thing as the Nook when changing the page (screen flashes black)?

 

[Lumathix]

The page flipping animation isn't important. I just thought I read about it having that feature. I guess that's on the Kindle. The screen flashing black when you turn the page makes it feel like it's buggy or "unfinished" though.

I know about the table of contents, but is there a way to type in the page you want to go to and have it go directly to that page?

The screen flash I believe is necessary for this type of reader. It has to do with how an eInk display works. The simplest way to do what you're asking is to bookmark whatever page you're trying to reference. The nook has this option, and I'm sure the kindle does as well.

 

[pm]

People really have no idea how great eInk is for reading. Much easier on your eyes for reading at any length and uses almost no power. People who recommend anything else have obviously not tried an eInk device yet. Nothing compares to it.

I have tried both - my mother has a Sony e-reader and I borrowed hers to read a book and then I've read every book since about March of last year on a LCD. I agree that e-ink looks better and is hands-down better in direct sunlight, but this idea that you can get eyestrain reading on an LCD still confuses me. I spend my whole days here at work reading documents on an LCD. I read webpages and news on LCD's... I don't understand why it's thought that reading webpages on an LCD is fine, but if you want to read a novel, then you need e-ink.

To me, if you want to read books then hands down e-ink the way to go - among other things it looks better, it's higher resolution, much better battery life, are lightweight and they are generally cheaper. And if you do a lot of reading outdoors, then e-ink it the choice as well. But if you want to do other things with the same device - like surf the internet or watch movies - then it's best to get an LCD-based tablet. I travel a lot and the main advantage of an e-reader for me is not carrying around books... and likewise I'd rather not carry around an e-reader in addition to a laptop. I'll wait for a tablet.

 

[Cable God]

FWIW, I sold my Kindle DX and do all of my reading on an iPad now. My Kindle books came over in the Kindle App. I find it just as easy to read as my Kindle DX was. Just now I can do way more than read books/PDF's on it. Goodreader is the best app for PDF's imho.

 

[Synomenon]

Here's another reason to use an eink screen device over something with a LCD (when you're trying to sleep anyway) :http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/04/ipad-kindle-ebook-sleep.html

 

[pm]

Here's another reason to use an eink screen device over something with a LCD (when you're trying to sleep anyway) :http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/04/ipad-kindle-ebook-sleep.html

I'm not sure that I agree with this. And not just because it refutes my belief that I prefer tablets over e-ink for reading.

In order to read with an e-ink reader, you need to have a light on in the room, and not only on a little bit, but to avoid eye-strain it needs to be fairly bright. Between reflection off the of the glass of the light and the general lighting of the room, I can't think there's a huge difference between this situation and an LCD with the brightness turned down a bit in complete darkness. As long as you turn down the brightness on the LCD device - and it's really pretty retina-blasting in complete darkness if you don't -then I can't see it making a big difference. But I'm not an Associate Professor at UCLA studying sleep so I'll keep the professors advice in the back of my mind even if I'm not totally convinced. If he does some sleep study with volunteers and has some proof, then my opinion would likely change.

I like the link on the LA Times page about e-paper vs. LCD's from the WSJ:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303338304575155891445033542.html

For most people, says Dr. Jackson, the difference between screens ultimately boils down to subtle personal preferences. "Why do you like brown sunglasses and I like orange?" she asks. "It's related to the fact that you see a little differently than I do."

 

[Synomenon]

Had to laugh at what the WSJ quoted Apple saying:

Apple says the color iPad screen also uses a new display technology called "in-plane switching"

Really Apple? You think IPS is a new display technology?

 

[jpeyton]

Really Apple? You think IPS is a new display technology?

It might not be new, but the iPad definitely has the first magical implementation of this technology. All prior use of IPS technology lacked magic.

 

[JACKDRUID]

That's why I haven't bought anything yet.

I'd like a full-blown tablet, but I also want an eReader..

I was in the same position as you...

so i got this...Asus Eee PC T101MT-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Convertible Tablet

worked out well and it runs flash too...