What Ebook Reader Would You Get?

Personally I think it’s a waste of money to buy a ebook reader. A Ipod Touch can do pretty much the same thing plus more. However it does have a small screen. Before I had G1 I used to read my ebooks on a modded PSP.

Here’s a recent article on ebooks from the New Yorker. The gist I got out of it was that the author preferred his iPod Touch w/ Kindle App to the Kindle 2, especially for reading at night.

There is no comparison between reading an eBook on a small portable device like an iPod Touch or a Palm handheld and a true, dedicated eBook reader like the Kindle. The most significant difference is the technology used in the screens: the former use LCD screens, the latter use a relatively new technology called E-Ink.

LCD screens, which are backlit, are tiring to look at for extended periods of time. E-Ink, however, uses a technology that mimics paper. It is much less fatiguing on the eyes.

I’ve had a Sony PRS-500 for almost 2 years now (the E-Ink tech has improved with newer models). Of the last 40 or so books I’ve read, around 25 were read on my Sony Reader. I’ve also read around 2–3 books on my Palm T/X and the experience is 100x better on an E-Ink screen. The strongest argument that can be made for an E-Ink screen is that it feels like you’re reading from a book.

As for the Sony Reader vs Amazon Kindle issue, it’s a question of personal choice. The Kindle’s keyboard, WhisperNet wireless technology for downloading books and internet access are all great features, but overkill for me. I don’t mind hooking my Sony Reader up to the computer and moving books over. Also, the lack of a wireless technology means longer battery life; I usually go as long as three weeks between charges!

Besides all of the above, I have a personal issue with Amazon’s relatively recent actions concerning deleting books remotely on their customer’s Kindles. Because of that, I don’t see myself ever owning a Kindle, no matter how superior the features.

When it comes to content, there are many sources for free eBooks that have passed into the public domain, with Project Gutenberg being the most popular. There are also plenty of illicit sources for eBooks, if you know where to look. Both the Sony Reader and the Kindle have communities of supporters at places like mobileread.com. I’m only familiar with the development scene for Sony’s products, but I can tell you that there are plenty of free, open-source programs for converting a variety of formats into a format you can read on the Sony Reader. You’ll need a program to convert PDF files because’s Sony’s built-in converter isn’t quite so good (the same for the Kindle, I think).

In any case, don’t listen to anyone who tells you not to get an eBook reader, especially if you’re a regular reader and carry books with you everywhere. You will not regret it.

Does the Amazon Kindle or Sony Reader support blogs or rss? I did read that the Kindle does support blogs/rss, but you have to pay 99 cents for it?

You can download the free program Calibre, which you can use to subscribe to RSS feeds. From there, you can move the feeds over to your Sony Reader. I don’t use it myself, but I know the feature is there.

I got the kindle last year and it has just about paid for itself in the difference in price with books and magazines. It is easier to handle with one hand than a book or magazine and the different font size and brightness let me read without my trifocals including reading in bed. Also there isn’t the guilt of throwing away all that paper.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Kindle to Australia, we are always so late getting the good stuff!!!

Ah.. The joy of reading books.. I’ll probably get an e-book reader myself when I finally have the time.

Kindle
That’s the only one I know…

I want the Kindle!

i have the kindle 2, it is awesome.

If I bought a Kindle from USA, I probably couldn’t download books directly onto it, but can you download onto your computer then to the Kindle?

im not sure, ill have to look.

I can’t wait till the Apple tablet comes out. I think that will dominate the ebook readers

If it exists, Apple hasn’t admitted to anything, heh. That being said, with all the things an Apple tablet is rumored to be capable of, it better dominate.

The Kindle has finally become available so I immediately ordered one for my husband’s birthday. He loves it. I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet personally, he won’t let me have a turn with it.

Wow that was a long time ago! My husband is still sporadically reading on the kindle. I now use my iPhone.