e-reader questions

[iteach7th]

DH is asking for Christmas ideas and I am trying to decide if I should push him in the direction of either a Kindle, Nook or something else. Need advice please! Are there any big differences between Kindle and Nook? From what I can see - Kindle is Amazon, Nook is Barnes and Noble and it is just general preferences. Is there something that I am missing?

I am a constant reader so the idea of an e-reader is attractive. But, I am a book borrower. I do not like to buy books because I am a library person. I am a fast reader and rarely reread books. I have the authors that I prefer, get on the reserve list as soon as I know that that author has a new book coming - read it and return in less than 10 days. I have borrowed a friends Kindle so I think I can adapt with no problems.

My questions are about the book borrowing that is available.

• Is there a better brand when it comes to availablility on book borrowing?
• Are the new releases available for borrowing?
• Can you register at libraries not in your area to be able to borrow their books?
• Since I want it for just book borrowing and a very few purchases, is it worth the investment?

 

[Darcy03231]

DH is asking for Christmas ideas and I am trying to decide if I should push him in the direction of either a Kindle, Nook or something else. Need advice please! Are there any big differences between Kindle and Nook? From what I can see - Kindle is Amazon, Nook is Barnes and Noble and it is just general preferences. Is there something that I am missing?

I am a constant reader so the idea of an e-reader is attractive. But, I am a book borrower. I do not like to buy books because I am a library person. I am a fast reader and rarely reread books. I have the authors that I prefer, get on the reserve list as soon as I know that that author has a new book coming - read it and return in less than 10 days. I have borrowed a friends Kindle so I think I can adapt with no problems.

My questions are about the book borrowing that is available.

• Is there a better brand when it comes to availablility on book borrowing?
• Are the new releases available for borrowing?
• Can you register at libraries not in your area to be able to borrow their books?
• Since I want it for just book borrowing and a very few purchases, is it worth the investment?

I think it comes down to personal preference. I have a Sony and love it. My nieces have Nooks and my best friend has a Kindle. All will allow you to borrow from the library. Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Sony all offer free books. If you have another family member that has an ereader and you like the same types of books you can borrow from each other. My nieces have their Nooks registered to the same account so they can "share" books.

In addition to my library which is free, I bought a membership to the Free Library of Philadelphia. It was $35. I don't think I'll do it again as I found it really didn't use it much as my library has a really good selection of ebooks and seems to add more daily.

 

[iteach7th]

Thanks - I didn't know there were libraries out there that you could "join" to get access to their books. I am leaning more towards a Kindle because the friend that I trade books has a Kindle account but uses her iPad now instead. That way we could link accounts if we ever needed to share a book.

Now its just deciding which Kindle. I am sure my kids would love me to get the top of the line (Kindle Fire maybe??) so they can play the games on it.

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

Something to keep in mind is when/how you read. I just got the Kindle Fire and I love it, however, it has a normal computer looking screen so there is glare and it's hard to read outside if like to do that. The upside is that if you like to read at night, it is back lit so you don't need a reading light.
If you have wifi, the Kindle fire can almost replace a laptop. I have both and have used my laptop less than an hour since I got my Kindle 2 weeks ago. It is so handy and convienient. I like how I can take it with me to Starbucks and other places that have wifi and be able to use the internet without dragging around a laptop.

 

[worm761]

I am looking at the Kindle Fire. My reasoning is that Amazon has free books all the time. Plus, I use my SwagBucks to cash out for Amazon gift cards so any book I might buy wouldn't actually cost me any money. I also like that Amazon has a free app of the day every day and I can get those too.

We looked at ereaders yesterday and there is just something about the Nook that neither of us like. I decided on the Kindle Fire for the reasons above. Fiance is leaning towards the Kindle Touch but he only wants it for an ereader. I like the tablet aspects of the Fire.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

At this point the only big differences between the Nook and Kindle is expandable storage and how they do library check outs.

The Nook has the ability to add extra storage with an SD card, the Kindle does not.

The Kindle is able to check out library books wirelessly with Wifi. With the Nook you have to download the book into Adobe Digital Editions and sideload the book on the Nook with a USB cord.

Both also have their own little perks.

If you go into a B&N store you can read a book for free up to an hour each day.

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you now can read one book (out of a list of around 5000) once a month for free on top of the regular two day shipping perk. If you have a Kindle Fire you can also watch unlimited Prime videos on it with Amazon Instant Video (similar to Netflix instant streaming)

 

[katdemar]

I have the Kindle...

One thing to keep in mind between a regular Kindle and the Kindle Fire is battery life. The battery on the Kindle could last about 3 weeks between charges (I use mine every day) while on the Fire the battery life may only last about 8 hours (for reading) because of the back lit screen.

I have been thinking about getting the Fire but still plan to keep/use my regular kindle because of the battery life and being able to read outside in the sun.

 

[3boymthr]

At this point the only big differences between the Nook and Kindle is expandable storage and how they do library check outs.

The Nook has the ability to add extra storage with an SD card, the Kindle does not.

The Kindle is able to check out library books wirelessly with Wifi. With the Nook you have to download the book into Adobe Digital Editions and sideload the book on the Nook with a USB cord.

Both also have their own little perks.

If you go into a B&N store you can read a book for free up to an hour each day.

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you now can read one book (out of a list of around 5000) once a month for free on top of the regular two day shipping perk. If you have a Kindle Fire you can also watch unlimited Prime videos on it with Amazon Instant Video (similar to Netflix instant streaming)

With the Kindle you also cannot replace the permanent battery. If the battery stops holding a charge your kindle becomes a brick as Amazon will not replace the battery unless it is under warranty. B&N sells replacement batteries and you can replace it yourself. Also with the Kindle you do not "own" your library you lease it; Amazon can and will pull back books from your library if they stop licensing the book. It's a rare thing, but it has happened.

 

[solfan68]

Been thoroughly enjoying my 3rd Gen Kindle with Special Offers since June. Best part about the special offers is that its often a selection of 100 books, one of which can be selected for $1. I've also picked up other boooks for a buck(my fave author sent out an e-mail/tweet that his book had been promo priced from $12 down to a dollar for cyber monday week !).

I imagine the new crop of touch screen kindles are great. As others have said, its probably personal preference. And now that many brick and mortar locations such as Best Buy and Target have the readers in the store you can go and have a look before making any commitments. I mostly use mine for reading, but see that the Fire not only plays games, but streams video. This is a nice addition, especially sine Amazon now keeps so much of your digital data "in the cloud", meaning its not taking up space on the device itself.

 

[Cindy B]

I have first gen Nook and it was time to get a new ereader. My son also loves to read--he was using a an ereader app on his phone and he was reading off a tiny screen.


This Christmas, we got a Nook Color for my son and a Kindle Fire for myself.

I got the Nook Color for my son for various reasons. 1) He likes to "root" and/or mod things so this device is definetely capable of doing that 2) He's really into storing large files so the Micro SD card slot would work for him. 3) He likes classic literature, which is very easy to find for free on B&N site 4) He also uses a lot of PDF/Epub files which is usable on Nook


I got the Kindle Fire for myself because I don't root or mod, I don't need extra storage and hardly ever used the PDF/Epub section. I also borrowed from the library once and didn't like the sideload option. I think Amazon's selection of free books is much better than Nook. Of my 400 books, I have only paid for one. I found out that I can add my Nook app on my Fire, so I didn't lose these 400 books.

I'm not all that interested in the tablet functions of the Fire. I'm just looking for a nice capable ereader with good functionality.

I'm also concerned about B&N staying power in the market. Amazon, while a relatively new company, most likely will outstay any brick and mortar store.

 

[junebugTN]

Since you're mostly concerned with the reader and not apps and movies, would you consider a used gift? I bought an older Kindle off Ebay a while back for $50, and it turned out to be a great deal. Plus, I'm not as worried reading in my bubble baths as I'd be with a $200 Kindle.

I know a used/Ebay purchase as a gift would be kinda icky for a lot of folks, but it might ease your mind about the investment - just a thought.

June

 

[dzorn]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/06/us-usa-amazon-fire-idUSTRE7B52BK20111206

Somthing to be aware of if you plan on letting your kids use the Kindle Fire.

Denise in MI

 

[i*heart*minniemouse]

I have the older generation Sony and just ordered the new one - Sony lowered the price by $30. I like the black and white with no glare.
Check you local library's website to see if they have a connection with an online ebook website. They should list which devices are compatible. My local library does and I just checked out my first book this week. I have 14 days to read it before it checks itself out of my reader and back into the website. I will finish it in a few days, as I am a fast reader also.
I did not go with the Kindle Fire since I really did not need all the extra apps-I can get that on my smart phone if I need it. And again, I do not like the glare the color readers give off, but that is just my preference.
Good luck!

 

[merekc]

I have first gen Nook and it was time to get a new ereader. My son also loves to read--he was using a an ereader app on his phone and he was reading off a tiny screen.


This Christmas, we got a Nook Color for my son and a Kindle Fire for myself.

I got the Nook Color for my son for various reasons. 1) He likes to "root" and/or mod things so this device is definetely capable of doing that 2) He's really into storing large files so the Micro SD card slot would work for him. 3) He likes classic literature, which is very easy to find for free on B&N site 4) He also uses a lot of PDF/Epub files which is usable on Nook


I got the Kindle Fire for myself because I don't root or mod, I don't need extra storage and hardly ever used the PDF/Epub section. I also borrowed from the library once and didn't like the sideload option. I think Amazon's selection of free books is much better than Nook. Of my 400 books, I have only paid for one. I found out that I can add my Nook app on my Fire, so I didn't lose these 400 books.

I'm not all that interested in the tablet functions of the Fire. I'm just looking for a nice capable ereader with good functionality.

I'm also concerned about B&N staying power in the market. Amazon, while a relatively new company, most likely will outstay any brick and mortar store.

Cindy B - Not to hijack this thread, but I have been doing some searching to see if the Fire could play minecraft. Not sure yet if I want to get a Fire but this would be a factor to sway me towards it for my boys. It looks like it does but I kept seeing the phrase "rooting" it for minecraft.

Since you discussed "rooting", can you explain this more. I've found directions for rooting the Fire for Minecraft. Does this do any harm to the ereader itself or void any warranties? I'm not quite clear what it means and why it has to be done. Thanks for any help.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

With the Kindle you also cannot replace the permanent battery. If the battery stops holding a charge your kindle becomes a brick as Amazon will not replace the battery unless it is under warranty. B&N sells replacement batteries and you can replace it yourself. Also with the Kindle you do not "own" your library you lease it; Amazon can and will pull back books from your library if they stop licensing the book. It's a rare thing, but it has happened.

That is not just a Kindle thing, that is true with all ebooks and I'm pretty sure you can thank the publishers for that one, not Amazon.

Besides, it is not very hard to make the ebook yours; I'm not a computer wiz by any means and I was able to figure it out after a 5 minute Google search. Some people don't think it is ethical though.

 

[Cindy B]

Cindy B - Not to hijack this thread, but I have been doing some searching to see if the Fire could play minecraft. Not sure yet if I want to get a Fire but this would be a factor to sway me towards it for my boys. It looks like it does but I kept seeing the phrase "rooting" it for minecraft.

Since you discussed "rooting", can you explain this more. I've found directions for rooting the Fire for Minecraft. Does this do any harm to the ereader itself or void any warranties? I'm not quite clear what it means and why it has to be done. Thanks for any help.

I don't play that game so I don't know. But if you need to root it, that means that it doesn't play it on the factory set platform. You do need to change it for this purpose.

Root is a modification (mod). In some cases, it does void warranties. For example, my son has modded computers and Xboxes to enhance performance. Now this of course would not be eligible for returns. In these cases those it involves tearing pieces off, soldering new parts and such.

I don't think it harms the Nook Color because (if I understand it correctly) it just boots (or starts up) via the Micro SD card verses the internal memory. In the case of the Fire, the rooting looks simple, but I am unsure if you can reset back to factory settings-- I'm pretty sure you can, but I haven't looked into it. For the Fire, it is just a software load- no soldering involved!!

Quite frankly, this is my beef with these ereaders- they are not officially tablets or Ipad juniors. The original purpose was to read books, magazines and other material formatted for that purpose. When you add the ability to surf the web, play game, watch movies and TV, it drives the original purpose away from the product. Watch at any store-where you see these items displayed.. everyone is playing games or going on Facebook.. I never see anyone READING! I guess it is the English teacher in me coming out!

 

[Priorityonecb]

I have the Nook Simple Touch and read on it for hours every day. If I purchased a Nook Color or Kindle Fire I would use it for every other purpose, except reading. I like the E-ink, non back lit of the Nook ST for reading. I would use the others as a "mini tablet" for movies, games, internet etc. If I wanted an e-reader only I wouldn't go with the tablet versions. It just depends on what you plan to use it for mostly.

That said, I have never once heard a Nook person say they wished they'd gone Kindle, or a Kindle person who wasn't equally as thrilled with it and wished they'd gone Nook. They are both great products, you can't go wrong either way IMO.

I prefer Nook, because it's the interface I've come to know and feel comfy with. I am positive had I gone Kindle, I would feel the same with that device.

 

[My5Mouseketeers]

I just got the Kindle touch and I love it.

I decided to go "kindle" because the e-ink is just wonderful. It looks just like reading a book. I decided to get the touch because i wanted an e-reader and didn't want to get distracted with the all the other things you can do with a kindle fire or some other tablet.

I am very happy with my decision. I have already borrowed one ebook from my library and bought one book for $1 through the amazon special offers. Plus we have a free month of Amazon Prime, which is just wonderful for Christmas shopping.

 

[*Flower*]

With the Kindle you also cannot replace the permanent battery. If the battery stops holding a charge your kindle becomes a brick as Amazon will not replace the battery unless it is under warranty. B&N sells replacement batteries and you can replace it yourself. Also with the Kindle you do not "own" your library you lease it; Amazon can and will pull back books from your library if they stop licensing the book. It's a rare thing, but it has happened.

My Kindle battery stopped holding a charge last month (I was charging it once a week instead of it's usual 3-4 weeks), and I bought a replacement and changed the battery myself. I wasn't relishing the thought of sending it back to Amazon for a $50 charge (plus the cost of shipping each way) to have them do it.

It works now just the way it did when I bought it, and it was no big deal.

 

[pigletof4]

We are debating between the Kindle Fire and laptops for our children for Christmas. Does anyone know if you can play either Wizard101 or AnimalJam on the Kindle?

I was able to get onto both of the above websites using a Kindle Fire to test it, but AnimalJam loops for whatever reason and I didn't want to download the software onto the Kindle because it wasn't mine.

TIA.