whatcha think about the tablets (nook, etc)

[NotUrsula]

My DS20 said the page numbers don't line up for textbooks (and probably other books also). Is this the case?

Most of the time the page numbers are only going to be the same as the printed version if the electronic version that you are reading is in PDF format.

It's a definite problem for scholars who need to be able to create accurate citations, and most Reference management software isn't yet set up to create citations that include details on the platform used.

 

[Imzadi]

My DS20 said the page numbers don't line up for textbooks (and probably other books also). Is this the case?

I've noticed that in some cases. The eReader starts out Page 1 from the first page it starts on, which could be the cover art, then Page 2 is the title page, Page 3 is the copyright page, Page 4 is the forward, etc. It counts every page, even the blank pages. Meanwhile, the printed version starts numbering the book as Page 1 being the first page of actual TEXT.

So, according to the eReader, the page with the start of actual text could be Page 7 on the eReader. This IS with the PDF copies I've been reading.

So for me, I'll keep my $100-200 and spend it on something (for me) that is more worth it.

That's how I feel about books in general. Unless the book is an absolute keeper for me, I'd rather go to the library, check out an eBook copy for free and save my disposable money on something else. I've been noticing that the pages of my keeper printed books are beginning to yellow. So they will have to be replaced in time. It will be so much better to go to eBook copies.

I downloaded a library eBook last night that was complete CRAP! I couldn't wait to return the book fast enough to the library. I am soooooo glad I did not pay for the darned thing. Started second downloaded eBook a minute later.

 

[Hedy]

I went with a Kindle over a tablet. I wanted something I could travel with, and a Kindle seemed nicer to read at your hotel or on a plane than a tablet (I have a smartphone already). I got my Kindle on Thanksgiving and am loving it. I seriously considered the nook, as I like getting books from the library, but I preferred the Kindle's feel.

 

[NotUrsula]

So, according to the eReader, the page with the start of actual text could be Page 7 on the eReader. This IS with the PDF copies I've been reading.

Usually when you are dealing with a PDF, there are two series of pagination visible, the one on the device's page count, and the pagination that is part of the screen image. The one that is part of the screen image should be equivalent to that of the published paper version.
(Doesn't really help you when a teacher says, "turn to page 195", but it does work when you need to cite something on page 195.)

 

[Imzadi]

I went with a Kindle over a tablet. I wanted something I could travel with, and a Kindle seemed nicer to read at your hotel or on a plane than a tablet (I have a smartphone already). I got my Kindle on Thanksgiving and am loving it. I seriously considered the nook, as I like getting books from the library, but I preferred the Kindle's feel.

People keep telling me I need to see and feel each of the eReaders to see which I like best. But, as I already know I have to go with one that works with library ebooks, maybe I shouldn't check out the Kindle at all. Until Amazon comes out with a version that will work with DRM library books, it may be better to not know what I am missing.

Usually when you are dealing with a PDF, there are two series of pagination visible, the one on the device's page count, and the pagination that is part of the screen image. The one that is part of the screen image should be equivalent to that of the published paper version.
(Doesn't really help you when a teacher says, "turn to page 195", but it does work when you need to cite something on page 195.)

Yes, I forgot about that other pagination, since, with one of my PC reading programs,it doesn't reopen to the page I stopped on. I have to manually input the page to get to where I was. So I only pay attention to the page number that will actually get me back to that page.

When I have a choice of which PDF program to use, I actually prefer my computer's generic PDF reader, to the Adobe Digital Reader program (from the library.) The Adobe Digital Reader makes my mouse wheel drag when I scroll and with my generic PDF reader it doesn't. I prefer scrolling pages versus "flipping" pages.