E-readers....need help (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid



Message


slvemike4u -> E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 9:45:53 AM)

Okay,I intended to start this thread asking about the different models of E-Readers available on the market,and what new devices are in the pipeline.
Than I saw Blushes thread and paused....but her's is kindle specific....and well,mine is about whether or not the Kindle is the right way to go in the first place
I read,I read a lot,books are hanging out all over this house,now I have long resisted the e-reader craze,cause I like the feel of a book in my hand.Just an old fashioned sort of guy I guess,but it is time to step into the 21st century.
So with a birthday coming up I figured as a gift to myself(for having lived this long....lol) I am going to bite the bullet and buy one.....but which one?
The price is germane to the conversation but not the deciding factor...what are some of the pros and cons of the different devices currently available on the market?
And is there anything coming that I should absolutely,positively wait for ?
All help appreciated.




OsideGirl -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 9:56:27 AM)

I love my Kindle. (I have the 2nd generation) It is the best gift I've ever been given. It's also so nice not to have to haul a ton of books with me when I go on a trip. The ability to just download a new book no matter where I am, is just fantastic.

Amazon also has a ton of free books, which constantly changes.




kalikshama -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 10:00:36 AM)

I spend enough time staring at a monitor so went with the Kindle for the e-ink.

I read myself to sleep, and read quickly, so went with the big Kindle because too frequent page turning would keep me up. I adore my Kindle DX for reading in bed, and am thinking of getting a small one for the gym and other places where portability is more important than time-on-page.

This page has a comparison chart of Kindles:

http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wi-Fi-Ink-Display-Screensavers/dp/B0051QVESA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329069204&sr=8-1

E Ink 101

If you're purchasing a device primarily for reading, an important consideration is the screen technology. Unlike devices with LCD screens, Kindle e-readers use the latest generation of Electronic Ink ("E Ink") technology – E Ink Pearl – designed specifically to deliver clearer, sharper text that makes reading for extended periods of time more comfortable. Here are some of the advantages to reading on an E Ink device:

Reads Like Real Paper, Even in Bright Sunlight

E Ink screens look and read just like real paper. Kindle e-readers' matte screens reflect light like ordinary paper and use no backlighting, so you can read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room. Unlike LCD screens, E Ink screens have no glare.

Easy on the Eyes

E Ink uses actual ink particles to create crisp, print-like text similar to what you see in a physical book. And Kindle e-readers also use proprietary, hand-built fonts to take advantage of the special characteristics of the ink to make letters appear clear and sharp.
• Less eye fatigue: Every time your eye switches from a bright screen to a dimmer, ambient room, your eyes have to adjust, which may result in fatigue. With E Ink, the page is the same brightness as everything else in the room so there's no adjustment needed.

• Reduced glare: All E Ink surfaces are treated to be matte like a printed page, reducing glare and increasing legibility.

• Read in any position: E Ink screens have a uniform contrast ratio that does not change with your viewing angle, so you can read in any position.

• Sharp, clear text: E Ink screens have 100% aperture ratio, so there are no gaps between pixels. The blacks and whites on an E Ink screen are uniform, improving image quality.
Read with One Hand
Ranging from 5.98 ounces to 8.7 ounces, Kindle e-readers are lighter than most paperback books, and weigh half as much as many LCD tablet devices, making it easy and comfortable to hold in one hand for extended periods of time.

Longer Battery Life

Electronic ink screens also have the advantage of significantly lower power consumption than LCD screens. E Ink screens do not require power to maintain a page of text, allowing you to read for up to a month or two on a single charge versus hours on a tablet or smart phone.




DesFIP -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 10:02:04 AM)

I have the kindle, not the kindle fire. If I were more technologically advanced I would have gotten the fire because then you can write your own books on it. Very useful for cooks who want all their favorite recipes in one place without worry about stains on the page.

But the Fire's more expensive.

I love the kindle. I try to stick to free books and $0.99 ones. Check out the daily deals. The Nook is  backlit, I think, and that's more difficult on your eyes. The kindle isn't so reading it requires light in the room, like when you pick up a book..

Also check to see what kind of books they carry, some e-readers have more books available than others.




slvemike4u -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 10:08:31 AM)

So it seems,from what I am reading here,that the general consensus is that the various versions of the Kindle have the Nook beat hands down
Now the Nook is Barnes and Nobles contribution to this market ,no?




libraryladysub -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 10:17:20 AM)

I work at a library, and we are having to learn all this stuff about eReaders. OY VEY!

But we haven't been given any "formal" training and are basically learning it OTJ (on the job). So, I don't have much in the way of advice regarding how to use it, unless I have the device right in front of me with the instructions alongside.

One thing I would like to suggest, however, is to utilize your local library for FREE e-downloads! Check your library's website to see if that is an option, as it is at ours. There may be step-by-step instructions, as well.

Have fun e-reading!




xxblushesxx -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 10:28:03 AM)

I got the Kindle because we have Amazon Prime, so that entitles me to a free bestseller every month. I also went with Kindle because the reviews on it were fantastic. I wanted something I could easily read outside, and the Kindle Fire is backlit, making it not so great for outside reading. I don't care about internet access, watching movies or listening to music (although I did want to be able to listen to audio books while on the treadmill or driving, and not all kindles offer that) I already have a laptop, a television and an ipod.
Nook gets good reviews, but you have to rely on Barnes and Noble to stay in business. I trust Amazon more than I trust B&N, personally.
After reading reviews on c-net, and a few other places, I had it narrowed down to a Kindle. I read a lot of reviews and made note of the things that were important to me, and which things weren't. After much reading and debate, I decided on the Kindle touch, but the Kindle 3g and the B&N Simple Touch seem very good as well. (it depends on your priorities)

Here are some reviews from trusted sources:
http://www.pcmag.com/reviews/ebook-readers
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/1985/top_e-readers.html

And here's a way to find the one that *might* be best for you!
http://www.toptenreviews.com/configurator/ebook-reader-review/

Good luck! Let us know what you get and what you think of it!




slvemike4u -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 10:32:31 AM)

Thanks all....this is new to me,I'm thinking of getting something,or doing something....I come here,throw it out,and I get all sorts of information back.
What a great resource,a great place.....filled with great people.
Fucking awesome




kalikshama -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 10:33:45 AM)

Speaking of libraries, the three systems to which I belong now have Kindle versions for their ebooks. Previously, they just had epubs, which could laboriously be converted to Kindle format. I almost never buy books - I <3 my libraries!

According to wiki, Nooks can read epubs.




Lockit -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 10:50:49 AM)

I read a book a day for many years and have gone to reading one a year because it hurts to hold the book and my eyes are bad. I want the back-light because an overhead light or getting out of the bed is difficult for me when I am down. (This buying many things for my needs is getting expensive and the kitchen remodel is killing me.) However, I really need more time in bed now days and I need an e-reader. I've read reviews and still can't decide which to get. I don't understand wifi and had a hell of a time doing a wireless router.

Can you download books from your pc to a kindle? How would you do it? I like the clear e-ink and non glare... so totally don't know which way to go. I would like to go cheap, but adding a light to put on the kindle doesn't sound too good to me because it adds weight and might hinder my holding it, yet it sounds better because I can hold the kindle in any position and see it from what you are saying.

I'm sorta like Mike here... kind of lost, but he's getting a clue. Now I need one and my search hasn't provided the answers yet. I've read both threads and am very thankful for everyone adding what they have!




AttitudyJudy -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 10:58:46 AM)

From those of you in the know, I'd appreciate hearing more about the Kindle Fire. Other than the color, in simple terms, what could I do with it that I couldn't do with one of the less expensive Kindles? I read about them on Amazon, but the descriptions go above my tech-challenged brain. If I read correctly, I can get magazine subscriptions on it? Are they cheaper than the real magazines that I'd either buy or get delivered?





Lockit -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 11:11:27 AM)

I just found a great link.

http://kindlefirereloaded.themoneyclubsite.com/uncategorized/kindle-fire-new/

After reading that, I think I will get a clapper lamp... hehe... and a touch kindle.




xxblushesxx -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 11:14:26 AM)

I believe you can listen to music, watch shows, play games, add apps,and  browse the internet.
One thing you won't be able to do well with Fire is to read in sunlight. So, if you're taking it on a trip, it's fine for inside reading, but not outside.
I wanted something I can read anywhere, so I asked for the Kindle touch, and will soon be asking for the lighted leather cover.




xxblushesxx -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 11:17:19 AM)

I know it's expensive Lockit, but have you seen these?




kalikshama -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 11:17:24 AM)

quote:

I would like to go cheap, but adding a light to put on the kindle doesn't sound too good to me because it adds weight and might hinder my holding it, yet it sounds better because I can hold the kindle in any position and see it from what you are saying.


I was considering the Amazon Kindle Lighted Leather Cover for my yet to be bought Kindle Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display, but for $60 and a fair amount of negative reviews, decided to go with a padded envelope and my current reading light.

Can you put a reading light within reach?




Lockit -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 11:20:39 AM)

Oh wow, thanks ladies! I think that would be perfect, solving a few of my problems for about the same price as the Fire Kindle! I do want to be able to read during trips and the Fire doesn't seem to be something you can use a usb with. So the touch seems a better fit and that cover would do everything I need it to.

Thank you! I had seen covers and lights but not that one. My daughter will be happy too because that will work for her needs too!




kalikshama -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 11:23:19 AM)

quote:

Can you download books from your pc to a kindle?

Yes!

quote:

How would you do it?

Do you mean books that you have purchased from Amazon, books from your library, or books already stored on your computer, and if so, what format are they in?

When you buy a book from Amazon, they deliver it to your Kindle and you will get it seconds after you connect to wifi. (Don't leave wifi on - this drains the battery much more quickly.)

What to do to Download Library eBooks to Your Kindle

This service has been around for a while allowing people to use Overdrive software to download ePub books and others to their computer or mobile devices. In late September, 2011 these books became available to Kindle devices at well at most libraries. There are also many audiobooks available through Overdrive as well!

Here's what to do to take advantage of this.

1. Go to your library's homepage.
2. Find the link to the digital media or Overdrive media.
3. Click it and log in using your library card number and password (where applicable).
4. Search for a specific book or browse by genre and/or book type.
5. For many popular books there will be a waiting list (you provide an email address for notification when it is your turn).
6. When a book is available, you add it to your cart and proceed to check out.
7. Complete the checkout process and click the "Get for Kindle" button.
8. For Kindle books, upon checkout, your browser will open to your Amazon account and the page to download the book.
8. Click the "Get Library Book" button where normally it would say "Purchase".
9. On the next screen, click "Download Now".
10. Choose the download location and download the ebook.
11. At this point, mine will sync automatically to my Kindle library, if it doesn't, however, you can do it via USB. (Using the USB connection for your Kindle, copy the downloaded file into the "Documents" folder of your Kindle.)
12. Enjoy the book for the length of the lending period (usually 21 days).

Pro Tip 1
The "advanced search" feature on the library's Overdrive page allows you to search by file type, available-only, and other detailed selections including genre. This can be useful if you want a book now without having to go through all of the eBooks that are only available for the waiting list.

Pro Tip 2
Even for popular books, the waiting list is not often too long, so it is worth it to put a few good books (you can do up to 10) on a waiting list and read them as they come available.

Pro Tip 3
Some books are ONLY available as audiobooks.

Pro Tip 4
Books are being added all the time so it is worth it to check back once a week or so sorting the books by "Recent" and maybe getting lucky on a recent popular book before others realize it's available.




slvemike4u -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 11:23:35 AM)

Lockit,this is my damm thread.How dare you come along and try to profit for it ?[:-]




kalikshama -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 11:25:59 AM)

quote:

12. Enjoy the book for the length of the lending period (usually 21 days).


Kindle library books self-return after their lending period expires, but you have to connect to wifi for this to happen, so if you need more time, don't connect until you have finished the book.




Lockit -> RE: E-readers....need help (2/12/2012 11:26:06 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: slvemike4u

Lockit,this is my damm thread.How dare you come along and try to profit for it ?[:-]


Oh shush... you know you're getting something out of it! How dare you not want to benefit so many ladies with your efforts! ROFL!




Page: [1] 2 3 4 5   next >   >>

Valid CSS!




Collarchat.com © 2025
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Spam Policy
0.046875