Which e reader to buy

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Which e reader to buy

silverbirch

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#130752 26-Sep-2013 16:28

I've been toying with buying some sort of reader for a while, but am confused by the choices. Could someone point me to a simple explanation and comparison please?

Thanks

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Networkn
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#903193 26-Sep-2013 16:29

Kindle. The end.

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macuser

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#903195 26-Sep-2013 16:34

Dunno man, reviews I've been reading of the new Kobo units put them at a big advantage when it comes to hardware and usability, but the Amazon ecosystem is a bunch better...

silverbirch

275 posts

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#903196 26-Sep-2013 16:35

macuser: but the Amazon ecosystem is a bunch better...

I don't know what this means :-)

I've just been reading about something called the Nook HD.
http://ebook-reader-review.toptenreviews.com/nook-hd-review.html

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jeffnz

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#903197 26-Sep-2013 16:36

I still don't get why we have E readers when you can have most of it on a tablet or your smartphone.

Its like those that have an Ipod and an Iphone, whats the point.

I use Kindle on my S4 and its fine.

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silverbirch

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#903198 26-Sep-2013 16:37

My smartphone is a bit small for a lot reading - Samsung S2

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networkn

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#903223 26-Sep-2013 17:37

jeffnz: I still don't get why we have E readers when you can have most of it on a tablet or your smartphone.

Its like those that have an Ipod and an Iphone, whats the point.

I use Kindle on my S4 and its fine.

Ipads are backlit and heavy compared to an e-reader. Reading in bed with an ipad is counter productive due to the backlight making the brain think it's daylight.

Did I mention heavy? Also expensive?

Same with using a smartphone with the kindle app. I certainly find reading for 2 hours on a smartphone extremely unpleasant.

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#903226 26-Sep-2013 17:39

macuser: Dunno man, reviews I've been reading of the new Kobo units put them at a big advantage when it comes to hardware and usability, but the Amazon ecosystem is a bunch better...

Ecosystem refers to the number of books, ease of access, access to related products etc...

Amazon are by FAR the largest book retailer in the world, kindle has a controlling share of the e-reader market.

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#903227 26-Sep-2013 17:41

One reason to get a Kindle/Kobo/Nook is that they use e-ink and it allows you to read in bright outside light + they last forever on their batteries

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Journeyman

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#903228 26-Sep-2013 17:43

I've been through 3 generations of Kindle up to the Paperwhite. I think it's great. People I work with like their Kindle too. I believe a recent Consumer review of e-readers rated Kindle Paperwhite their top choice. I find buying off Amazon really easy and I'm (mostly) happy with the prices, although I haven't done extensive comparisons with Kobo.

I have a smartphone and Nexus 7. Although I can (and do) use the Kindle app on those devices, I find the e-ink screen on the Kindle much nicer to use and has become my default reading device.

mattwnz

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#903229 26-Sep-2013 17:43

Kindle have just brought out a new version of the paperwhite, but not yet available in NZ, only preorder.

silverbirch

275 posts

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#903264 26-Sep-2013 18:58

Thanks very much everyone - some good points there. I did veer away for a time and look at tablets, but take the point about lighting and weight, and I do read in bed - a lot.

I'll check prices etc.

Thank you

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Technofreak

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#903266 26-Sep-2013 19:03

If you're going to do serious reading an eInk screen is the way to go, the eInk screen is like paper so far as the eye is concerned as the light is reflected. The eInk screen doesn't cause eye strain like a computer/tablet/phone screen can do. If you're only reading bits an pieces a tablet might give you better bang for buck as they have better screen resolution and colour screens and have better browsers and a greater selection of apps etc. In other words a tablet has a wider range of uses.

My wife has a Kobo Aura and she loves it. So do I even though I don't use it, she can read in bed without having the light on as the Aura even though it has a eInk screen, also has a side lit screen for reading in the dark. It also has WiFi and a basic browser.

Also agree on the weight, and battery life is way way more than any tablet.

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silverbirch

275 posts

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#903269 26-Sep-2013 19:08

Thanks - all very good points.

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timmmay

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#903292 26-Sep-2013 19:47

I was a late convert to e-books, but I love my kindle paperwhite. It's easy to get books on that you get other places than the amazon store too, I almost never buy books from there.

Tablets suck for reading. They're heavy, use lots of batteries, and they're hard on the eyes. Kindle you can read in full sun, no light, and everything in between.

Has anyone ever had a kindle overheat in the tropics if it's back's to the sun? Just wondering if I need a white cover for it or something.

vexxxboy

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#903301 26-Sep-2013 20:06

i have a kindle and bought a generic cover from Dick Smith cost me $10 and best thing i ever bought. I can now hold my kindle like a book, so much easier to hold. Recommend getting one

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