Ebook reader - which model to buy ?

[Odense]

I am going to buy a ebook reader and would like opinions from the boardies on what models to buy and where to buy it.

For me the primary feature is that it is good to read - even outside in sunlight - that it has a good battery lifetime - and that is is easy/intuitive to operate. Additional features such as a decent internet browser is nice but less important than durability and a low price.

 

I will probably buy online with delivery to Thailand - but from what site ?

 

I have been considering the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook. I know both of them have several versions - which one is best (for my needs) and why or are there better options ?

[iggy56]

i think you better avoid kindle it seems only work on books from amazon,i bought a archos 7 d recently and the only drawback is the fairly low battery time.

[thedark]

I love the kindle, it is great for traveling. My only problem is that it does not stand up to airport security scans, it may survive a few but if you travel a great deal the pixels get erased, therefor making the kindle unreadable. I am now on my third kindle in two years which I think is unacceptable and costly. Amazon needs to do more tests to make the Kindle more sturdy. The concept of the Kindle is wonderful. I suggest that you ask that your Kindle not be scanned at the airport, it is worth the wait to keep your e-book intact. I have had many security officers tell me that

the scans will not destroy the Kindle but they are not willing to back it up by guaranteeing it.

[Odense]

Calibre will convert between most formats and may books are available on torrents so I think there is plenty of contents. I have hear good things about battery life of both the Kindle and the Nook - even the back-lit model.

It is new to me about the airport scans damaging the readers - that is really surprising.

[Hellbender]

Kindle E-Ink reader is what you looking for. Rest is just waste for outdoor reading unless you have Pixel Qi display Tablet which i do have

[Sarse500]

There's been noise about some Kindles failing through the airport since the end op last year - I've had mine for 3 years and travel with it weekly. No issues.

 

Go with am e-ink Kindle - you're tied to Amazon, but there are a huge number of books in the catalogue, including lots of free titles. Also, you can subscibe to newspapers for a cheap monthly rate. There is also a "daily deal" in the UK store with a book for 99p.

 

I wouldn't be without my Kindle.

[Sam Beckett]

Any tablet can use the free kindle App http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771

as well as any other book format as there are apps for

I got an Acer Iconia 500 for $220 aud recently

 

I can play back videos off the USB or SD Card aswell as read books

Plenty of cheap tablets out there as newer models are coming out every 6 months

 

do some research but there are plenty of options

 

good luck

[Hellbender]

If outdoor use is your concern get a kindle e-ink reader, rest is just pain in ass unless you have a pixelQi display tablet.

[Schubser]

I bought a Sony PRS-T1 a few months ago and just love it. It might not be the cheapest, but has a great display and plenty of battery capacity. The best feature is a cover with integrated LED light, which makes it great to use on board of a plane or in bed. It can display all of the current formats and has Wifi with a basic browser. Cost was about 140 € for the reader + 50 € for the cover with light.

[markus_welby]

Kindle with 3G is my preference, the free 3G internet works great in Thailand. An electronic ink display isn't ideal for web browsing, but it's still good enough for email, google, facebook etc.

 

[MisterE]

Kindle with 3G is my preference, the free 3G internet works great in Thailand. An electronic ink display isn't ideal for web browsing, but it's still good enough for email, google, facebook etc.

 

Are you saying that with the Kindle, I can email, google, facebook for free?

[Sarse500]

Are you saying that with the Kindle, I can email, google, facebook for free?

 

Yes - though it's like eating peas with chopsticks. It can be done, but it's not an easy or pleasant experience. Don't expect it to be an iPad experience.

 

You also need to buy the 3G kindle.

 

If outdoor use is your concern get a kindle e-ink reader, rest is just pain in ass unless you have a pixelQi display tablet.

 

Oh yes. I have a Kindle app on a tablet, but wouldn't/couldn't use it by the pool in strong light. The other thing is battery life - a months worth of reading with no charging. Perfect for long flights.

[Odense]

For the formats again - Calibre will autocratically convert for the reader you connect

I am probably going with the Nook since it seems to be the first I can get sent to Denmark. Amazon will only sell the basic Kindle to Denmark. It is the same with the Nook Simple Touch Glowlight - but that should be available via a bookstore in London.

[xenopower2]

Actually if you're looking to read in sunlight and are interested in combining an ebook reader with a tablet, one option to consider is the ASUS Transformer Prime Infinity. It's the only tablet screen bright enough for outdoor reading.

[olafcromwell]

I bought a Sony PRS-T1 a few months ago and just love it. It might not be the cheapest, but has a great display and plenty of battery capacity. The best feature is a cover with integrated LED light, which makes it great to use on board of a plane or in bed. It can display all of the current formats and has Wifi with a basic browser. Cost was about 140 € for the reader + 50 € for the cover with light.

 

I can also reccomend the Sony PRS-T1. The reader is very light and the screen very crisp and clear. The only fault I can find is that it isn't as sturdy as the aluminium frame Sony Reader I had before. The old one was twice as heavy though, so I guess that's what you have to sacrifice for the lightness.My mother has the Nook, which has an equally good e-ink screen, but I like the layout of the Sony much better. Both the Sony and Nook are excellent readers.

[Kurt Belyeu]

I love the kindle, it is great for traveling. My only problem is that it does not stand up to airport security scans, it may survive a few but if you travel a great deal the pixels get erased, therefor making the kindle unreadable. I am now on my third kindle in two years which I think is unacceptable and costly. Amazon needs to do more tests to make the Kindle more sturdy. The concept of the Kindle is wonderful. I suggest that you ask that your Kindle not be scanned at the airport, it is worth the wait to keep your e-book intact. I have had many security officers tell me that

the scans will not destroy the Kindle but they are not willing to back it up by guaranteeing it.

 

Pixels get erased? I'll have some of what your smoking!

 

e-book readers are not susceptible to radiation from scanning so this isn't accurate information. What you probably experienced was a faulty device due to poor quality control by the manufacturer or something else.

 

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/11/do-airport-scanners-kill-kindles/

 

Regards,

 

Kurt

[Tariq]

Kindle. I have 3 and none have any problems with scanners despite travel.

 

I have a keyboard, and got the small 4th edition with ad support for travel. The small one and cheapest one is really good and cheap.

 

You can use calibre for free conversion, it does not do PDF properly, and you can buy books from Amazon and get lots of free books from Amazon.

[Teddysad]

Kindle  for me

 

With calibre  as a manager  I have accumulated a library of 10,000 books (torrents are great).

Never had any problem travelling  and the battery life is excellent - very readable outside as well

[phuketrichard]

i think you better avoid kindle it seems only work on books from amazon,i bought a archos 7 d recently and the only drawback is the fairly low battery time.

Love my kindle and it was only $79.  have 12,000++ books and got them online for free and u can get them at many sites,

 

the new kindle fire HD is a great buy