Best E-Reader?

[momof1princess]

I am considering getting an e-reader (kindle, nook, etc.) for Christmas for my DD13, who is a voracious reader, but i know absolutely NOTHING about them. can anyone tell me which one is best? which one do you have, what do you like and/or dislike about it? any and all feedback and information is appreciated!

 

[natenapril]

I have a KINDLE and I love it. It was my anniversary present. Amazon has amazing customer service and a great selection of books. I have 90% of my books were free through Amazon. Love my Kindle

 

[luvmy3]

I have a Sony pocket edition, its a small, basic model but I love it. I am getting my dd 13 a nook for Christmas, I chose that over the Kindle because of the ability to borrow e-books from the library.

 

[bop28]

I have a KINDLE and I love it. It was my anniversary present. Amazon has amazing customer service and a great selection of books. I have 90% of my books were free through Amazon. Love my Kindle

I'm gathering info on the e readers also, and I learned that Nook will let you download books from local Libraries. Kindle is cheaper though, and I wonder if they do the same?

 

[anna_chronistic]

Well, to give you a true recommendation, I would like to get some more info from you. I have a Kindle (which I love), my sister has a nook (which she loves), my brother-in-law simply uses the Kindle app on his phone (and he's perfectly satisfied), and I know others who have the Sony, etc., who are perfectly happy with those.

The questions I would ask are: how tech savvy is she? Does she want to sideload her books (hook her device to a computer to get the book) or have instant download? If she wants instant download, does she want that available everywhere or only in wifi hotspots? How important is pdf-viewing capability? Does she want touchscreen or a clickable keyboard (also important, as my sister discovered, is that if your hands are too cold, sometimes those touchscreens won't recognize your touch, hee!) for entering notes, searching, etc.? Is she a re-reader (in which case she'll want to own, not borrow the books)? Does her library support e-book borrowing? If she will be borrowing e-books from the library, how quickly does she read?

Library e-books can only be checked out one time per device, if I understand correctly, and since I am a re-reader, I really wanted to keep any books I download. Plus, I visit kindleboards to check out what is currently offered under free books (not just ones in public domain, but others that are available free for a limited time) every couple of weeks. The thread there links directly to Amazon. I click it, make sure the book is still free, and instantly download. I do this on my computer, and the next time I go to my Kindle and flip the switch, the books download.

Also, just a note: dedicated e-readers are not backlit and are not in color. If she wants a big iPod, that's the iPad -- which is also awesome, but not what I use to read. There are probably more questions that come into play, but those are the ones off the top of my head...

 

[Darcy03231]

I have the Sony pocket edition and its fine for what I wanted it for. I just wanted an e-reader to read books on, nothing fancy. I picked it up for about $100.

The Sony side-loads (kinda like an ipod). I load my books onto the computer and then onto the reader. I can download books from Sony, Borders, the library, and other sites. It's not compatible with Barnes & Noble.

I ruled the Kindle out because I borrow a lot of books from the library (always have). From what I could tell with my research the Kindle isn't library compatible. It also was more expensive and had a lot of features I really didn't care about.

I really looked at the Nook because, like the Sony, its library compatible. At the time it was a lot more expensive than the Sony so I decided against it based on price. I really didn't care about the wireless, 3G, etc.

My niece (a teen) has the Nook and absolutely loves it. I think if I were going to get one for a teen/young adult I would go with the Nook or the Kindle. Not that I don't really like my Sony, but I think a teen would really like the wireless/3G capabilities. If they like to borrow library books I would go with the Nook. If they tend to buy all their books I would go with the Kindle, just because Amazon's customer service is amazing!

 

[momof1princess]

Well, to give you a true recommendation, I would like to get some more info from you. I have a Kindle (which I love), my sister has a nook (which she loves), my brother-in-law simply uses the Kindle app on his phone (and he's perfectly satisfied), and I know others who have the Sony, etc., who are perfectly happy with those.

The questions I would ask are: how tech savvy is she? she's pretty tech savvy, more than i am, and i'm pretty good. Does she want to sideload her books (hook her device to a computer to get the book) or have instant download? she would just sideload, as we don't have wi-fi at home. If she wants instant download, does she want that available everywhere or only in wifi hotspots? How important is pdf-viewing capability? hmm...not sure about this one. are lots of books in .pdf format? Does she want touchscreen or a clickable keyboard (also important, as my sister discovered, is that if your hands are too cold, sometimes those touchscreens won't recognize your touch, hee!) for entering notes, searching, etc.? i don't think she's picky about the keyboard-her cell phone is touchscreen, and she does well with it. Is she a re-reader (in which case she'll want to own, not borrow the books)?she doesn't often re-read books, but that would be a nice option. Does her library support e-book borrowing? If she will be borrowing e-books from the library, how quickly does she read? i don't think our library has e-borrowing yet, but she reads pretty quickly, usually a week or less, depending upon her school/band workload.

Library e-books can only be checked out one time per device, if I understand correctly, and since I am a re-reader, I really wanted to keep any books I download. Plus, I visit kindleboards to check out what is currently offered under free books (not just ones in public domain, but others that are available free for a limited time) every couple of weeks. The thread there links directly to Amazon. I click it, make sure the book is still free, and instantly download. I do this on my computer, and the next time I go to my Kindle and flip the switch, the books download.

Also, just a note: dedicated e-readers are not backlit and are not in color. If she wants a big iPod, that's the iPad -- which is also awesome, but not what I use to read. There are probably more questions that come into play, but those are the ones off the top of my head...

thanks everyone! keep those opinions and information coming!

 

[GatorMommy2007]

I LOVE my Nook. I bought it when the waiting list for the Kindle 3 was stll four weeks out. Having played with both, I still prefer the Nook. It's very user friendly, has a great battery, battery can be replaced, and you can take it in a store if you are having problems with it1

 

[Janepod]

Granted it is more expensive than the other readers listed here, but keep in mind the iPad has a Kindle app, so anything that is available for the Kindle can be purchased for the iPad. There is also a huge selection of free books (all the Oz books and Anne of Green Gables series, along with many classics.) Very pricey but much more versatile than a Kindle or a Nook.

In this family, the iPad is in someone's hands every moment of the day.

 

[luvmy3]

Granted it is more expensive than the other readers listed here, but keep in mind the iPad has a Kindle app, so anything that is available for the Kindle can be purchased for the iPad. There is also a huge selection of free books (all the Oz books and Anne of Green Gables series, along with many classics.) Very pricey but much more versatile than a Kindle or a Nook.

In this family, the iPad is in someone's hands every moment of the day.

I always see people recommend the ipad when there is a thread asking about e-readers, and was always curious if everyone that loves the ipad uses it as an e-reader. I can sit and read on my Sony for hours without my eyes getting tired but I don't think I could do that on an ipad or any device that is backlit. Does it have a function to adjust the lighting or something, or is it just as bright as a computer screen?

 

[Bibbidi]

Cnet has a good review comparison of the Sony, Kindle and Nook. Their top was the Kindle. I am considering one for myself and my daughters this Christmas.

 

[amylevan]

I'm trying to decide which one to buy as well. Every comparison I've read (Cnet, Consumer Reports) has Kindle as the best choice. That being said, I'm still considering the Nook due to its ability to borrow from the library. (Comparisons of strictly ereaders - I'm not interested in an ipad because of the backlight. I want to read outside and don't want to pay that much, I already have a laptop.)

And being a child of the 80s, of a family that bough BetaMax because it was supposed to be better, I'm a little nervous of a techie item that does not share its format.

 

[polkadotminnie]

DD14 has a Nook that she got last year for Christmas. She loves it. She likes to have it in the car when we are traveling since it doesn't take up much space.

 

[Fastpaks]

I have a friend that LOVES her Nook. (and b/c its Android based, I'm a fan. Sorry nerded out there.) One thing to consider is also that certain books only are able to be read on the Kindle through the purchase of Amazon. In my opinion, DRM is stupid and its a matter of time before all e-readers will be able to play everything. People remember music and Itunes?

Even so, I'm leaning towards the Nook.

 

[JaymeC]

One thing to consider is also that certain books only are able to be read on the Kindle through the purchase of Amazon. In my opinion, DRM is stupid and its a matter of time before all e-readers will be able to play everything. People remember music and Itunes?

This is actually true of all the e-readers out there right now, Nook included. They have have proprietary DRM which I too think is annoying, but I understand that they're trying to prevent the mass pirating that happened with MP3s. The way it works right now it's at least much more challenging to pirate the books than it is with mp3s.

As to which device to get, I have the Kindle and we've stuck with Amazon for a few reasons. First of all, their returns/customer service are beyond amazing. There may be no store front, but I had to call in while my kindle was still under warranty for a problem and they over-nighted me a new one. Right now, even though it's out of warranty my charger cord was starting to unravel. I called and they credited my account for the cost+shipping of a new one. I've never received better customer service.

Since I'm a re-reader and want to actually be sure I keep my books, part of my choice honestly was also to pick a company I knew wouldn't go out of business. And I trust Amazon for this more than I trust any of the book stores out here right now. Sad, because I love book stores too! But most are struggling already.

And the final swaying point was prices. While the big 5 publishers control much of the pricing for their books nowadays, where they don't Amazon is cheaper. They also seem to offer a lot more (current) freebies than anyone else. I wasn't concerned about getting the classics because you can easily download them from Project Gutenberg or the like in mobi format to read on the kindle You just have to transfer them over yourself. Amazon also has a pretty large "Indie" book writing community that prices their novels relatively cheap as they're just starting out

The devices themselves all have very similar technology. They all have the e-ink screen, which is the biggie When I played with a nook and sony reader in the store I thought the kindle was a bit easier to navigate, but I may be biased It's pretty easy and intuitive though.

No matter what you go with, hope she enjoys it! Everyone I've met who has an e-reader no matter what the brand seems to love it and I'm sure she will too

 

[debbi801]

I have a Nook and I absolutely love it. If at all possible, I would recommend going with the Nook (or one that uses the same file types) over the Kindle for one main reason, the standard file naming convention. Kindle uses a proprietary file type. So, you are limited to where you can buy books from, and you cannot legally borrow books from the library to read on it. I stress legally, because it is possible, but it requires stripping the DRM and reformatted the file.

Any e-reader that uses the ePub/pdp file type will allow you to check out e-reader library books to read on your e-reader. Plus, there are more places to purchases these file types in e-books

The nook also has the "lend me" feature, which allows you to lend out and borrow e-books from other people.

One benefit now, is that all of the ereaders are available in stores, so I would recommend hitting a Target, Best Buy, etc. and playing with them all. One might feel more comfortable in your hands than another.

Once you figure out what ereader you like the best, then you can decide whether you want the 3g version of wifi only version. I have the 3g, because that is all that was out when I bought mine. But, I would definitely buy the wifi only version today. It's very rare that I am someplace that does not have wifi when I want to purchase a book. I think it has only happened once.

Like another poster mentioned, I see iPad tossed around a lot as an e-reader alternative. And iPad does a lot of things really well. But, try reading on your computer for long periods of time. Try taking your laptop out into the sun and read. It's really tiring and stressful for your eyes. Dedicated e-readers do not give the same kind of eye strain because there is no backlighting.

My last suggestion, which ever e-reader you wind up with... You need to buy two things. A good case to protect it. And an extended warranty (either through the company or through square trade). That way, if it gets accidentally broken for any reason, it can be replaced.

 

[RitaE]

Barnes and Noble has called a press conference for Oct 26th and there are rumors they might be announcing a new nook - so you might want to wait a week.

As for the other points, there have already been so many threads - just do a search. Personally I still prefer the Kindle 3.

 

[kalliyan1]

Not to get off topic of the op's original question but I'm also considering buying one for DD and know nothing about them. I've read this thread and others to see other peoples opinions as to which is better. At this point I think I am/was leaning towards the nook because of the library option but that is where the problem comes in.....I DON"T understand it. I went to North Carolina Digital Library website and saw that our library does have overdrive??? so I guess that means it's ebook friendly. Upon searching the availability, I was shocked to find that there just doesn't seem like there is too much available to borrow, or maybe I'm missing something. Is there another website I should go to in order to scroll the availability? Also, can you only borrow from your own public library or others nearby?
I think, from what I've been reading, if both ereaders were the same and neither had the library component, I would choose the kindle so I just don't know
Thanks for the help

 

[cseca]

Have a Nook and loving it.
Don't know I managed to travel previously without it. And as PP mentioned there's a press conf from B&N soon, maybe Nook 2? Nobody knows, but it won't hurt to wait a little bit to see what's coming. Also B&N has been issuing software improvements pretty regularly. The next one is coming up the end of November.
It supposed to improve the organization capability, page turning speed and other things.

I honestly thing all 3 major readers are quite comparable.
The one thing I love about Nook is it's library lending capability without drm stripping and all that jazz.
But Kindle is of course more attractive for it's smaller size, and longer history.

Anyways, as I mentioned on previous ereaders posts just make sure you check out the product yourself. Nook and Sony are available at Best Buy. And Kindle supposedly avail at Target (although I can't find it at our local target anymore) and Staples. Pick it up, weigh it and if it's a working model play around with it.

Good luck deciding.

 

[cseca]

Not to get off topic of the op's original question but I'm also considering buying one for DD and know nothing about them. I've read this thread and others to see other peoples opinions as to which is better. At this point I think I am/was leaning towards the nook because of the library option but that is where the problem comes in.....I DON"T understand it. I went to North Carolina Digital Library website and saw that our library does have overdrive??? so I guess that means it's ebook friendly. Upon searching the availability, I was shocked to find that there just doesn't seem like there is too much available to borrow, or maybe I'm missing something. Is there another website I should go to in order to scroll the availability? Also, can you only borrow from your own public library or others nearby?
I think, from what I've been reading, if both ereaders were the same and neither had the library component, I would choose the kindle so I just don't know
Thanks for the help

You hit the nail regarding ebook availability. Different elibrary will have different collections, just like brick and mortars libraries.

Go to this page:
http://search.overdrive.com/

and click on the "Search For A Library" tab.
Fill out your info to look at the libraries closest to you.

Your local library will (should) be listed in there and you can check other consortiums for their availabilities as well.
If another library has a better collection you can call them to see if you are eligible for their card.
I currently have 3 library cards, 1 local (free), 1 semi local (free for being associated libraries), 1 Free Library of Philadephia (FLoP $15/yr non resident). And I've been able to get most the books I want to read.

Certain publishers still refused to allow their ebooks to be distributed to elibraries, and for those books I'll just wait for paper books from the library.
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