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• 

  Sony vs. Kindle vs. Nook vs. Any Other E-readers

  Hey, Fellow Readers...there are so many choices as far as e-readers...and since I value your opinions...I'm wondering if anyone has an e-reader...which do you recommend...pros/cons of the one you have...features you like/dislike...I'm looking to get one because my e-books are starting to pile up just as much as my paperbacks/hardcover books...still not 100% sure about the whole electronic book "thing"...I still prefer having a REAL book in hand...but with so many of my favorite authors coming out with e-books it's seems I'll have to evolve with the times if I want to keep up with their works...so, any information you have would be helpful...thanks in advance...and as always Happy Reading :-)

  Sweet n' Sassy started this discussion 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Deatri King-Bey (edited)

  I'm oh so interested in this discussion. I want a reader, but I don't want to pay all of that money for the wrong one. Speak up everyone, puleeeeeze help a sistah out.

  I just looked on the internet and here's an article that compares the Kindle 2 to the Sony Reader:
  http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/02/showdown-kindle/

  Peace

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    Actually there is really not a wrong one. They all have the same basic features. Kinda like buying a TV - many choices but what do you want to do.

    So you need to understand which of the features are important to you.

    New features will come out in new versions and new entries in the ereader field and this will be coming hot & heavy for the next sevreal years.

    And if the extra features are needed by you and are they worth the money. - Just like buying a car.

    At this point I think it is say that in 5 yrs we do not need to know who the majors will be in this market.

    While the Kindle does not sell in "stores" but the other do - so go to the store and give then a test drive like you do with a car.

    My Kindle 2 does have a color - the Nook will have this partial screen in color - not sure how I would use that - like I hardly use the screen in screen feature on my TV

    Also I do not know if any of the current versions have a backlight - which do you not have not have the older versions. But this is not a problem for me as I have a reading light when reading in bed or use the airplane liight - also have one of those mini clip on lights.

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Hey, Dee, here's another article I found on comparing, Kindle, Sony, and Nook while searching the internet...BUT I'd still love to hear from ANYONE that has personal experience with the e-reader...someone that has hands on views about one or all of the above readers.

  http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2009/10/25/should-i-buy-an-ebook-reader-this-year/

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Chelece W 

  Good Morning or Afternoon,

  I have an IPhone that I use to read most books. It is a minature kindle equivalent. I am really enjoying being able to purchase books from many of my favorite authors without taking a trip to the local bookstore or waiting for a shipment from overstock, amazon, etc. Now I will purchase a hard copy of must haves.

  Chelece, NCAL

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Hey, Chelece....

    Now I've heard of the IPhone...but I didn't know you could download e-books...learn something new every day...LOL...I have an IPod and I've downloaded a few audio books...only thing...not sure I want a miniature e-reader, though...is it easy on the eyes...I have to take that into consideration...I wear glasses and my eyes don't do tiny very well...and as much as I read it would be something I use quite often...so I'm definitely looking for standard size book typing or something pretty close to it...and I totally feel you on purchasing your favorites and/or must haves in hard copy...thanks for sharing...and as always Happy Reading :-)

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    Hi Sweet n" Sassy -

    I agree. I have bad eyes and now that I am older I am really not interested in reading a book on the iPhome or other cell phones. My daughter has an iPhone and I have seen the downloaded boosks on hers and I will admit that it is very clear.

    Why I like the eReaders - is that you can change the size of the text :) (have the Kindle as noted in another post)

    Some people have stated that they do not like eReaders because they like the feel of print books.
    I have found you get that feel with the eReaders - especially if you have a cover on them.

    You will not get that with an iPhone - but this is probably not an issue with the younger generation.

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  Hi -

  I have a Kindle 2. I bought it when the Kindle 2 was first available as I was waiting for this version to come out. (Not keen on buying the first version of electronics). At the the time it was between the Sony eReader & the Kindle at the time I made my purchase.
  As has been mentioned that they are all different, but yet really the same and you need to understand which of the features that you are interested in.
  Also when I bought my Kindle 2 - I bought with the intention of not upgrading or changing eReaders for at least 2 years to recoup my investment in the Kindle.
  The reasons why I chose the Kindle 2:
  - buy 99% of my books from Amazon
  - liked the wireless feature of the Kindle
  - While I do buy romance books for the Kindle - I also biy a lot of hardcover literary books - so I do save money when buying hardcovers but there is not much difference in the price when buying paperbacks or romance books
  - trying to downsize so having books on the Kindle saves a lot of space
  I do like my Kindle and am glad I bought it.
  I will admit that I do not use all of the features of the Kindle - I really just download and read.
  I know in a couple of years that what I have will be outdated and as the new eReaders will have many new features and I think much lower in price.

  I think the one drawback of the current eReaders is that it is another device to keep up with and it will need to do more than just be a reader for the younger generation. My daughter who is in her late 30s thinks it is nice for me but as an iPhone junkie is not looking for another device to carry around.
  Studies have shown that the Kindle is popular with people over 50 (really like that I can enlarge the type on the Kindle).

  I have friends who have the Sony eReader and the Kindle and all are pleased. It is like buying a TV all the same but different.

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 3 replies

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    Thank you soooo much for chiming in.

    I have a few questions, if you don't mind.

    In one of the articles, it said something about there being no cateloging of the books you buy. Are they saying your purchases aren't alphabetized when they are displayed? I mean. You can't just scroll through by author, genre, or titles (alphabetical). How do you select with of your many books on your reader to read. Must you know the name and author?

    Sorry, as you can see, I'm completely ignorant. I've never seen a reader in real life. Only on the internet.

    Thanks a bunch for allowing us to pick your brain.

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    No problem
    If you have not seen one - then you would not know.

    My answer is based on Kindle 2

    When you are in the Home position - there is a listing of all the books avialable on your Kindle
    This list can be sorted by Most Recent or Title or Author
    These are for the "active" books on your Kindle

    Once you have finished reading a book and do not want it to be "acitve" - you can put it in Archived File - which you can sort by title or author

    Also in your Amazon account - it will list all of the books that you have purchased for your Kindle - either through Amazon site or directly from your Kindle

    But if they mean a catalogue like Shelfari or Good Reads book shelf where you can add tags to your books such as black romance, historical fiction. No it does not have a feature like that.

    How do I choose which book to read at a given time - go to home and just page through till I find something that interests me at the moment or if I know the author or title - I click to sort the books one of those ways.

    Any book that is available in Kindle format you can download a sample before purchasing. Once you read a sample - there are options to keep the sample - list the book that you are interested in purchasing at a later date, delete sample

    If you hit the "buy" button for a book by mistake and it download to your Kindle - there is also a button that says purchaed by mistake and you can "return" the book.

    To find out if a book is available in Kindle format while on your Kindle - you turn the wireless on - go the the Kindle store - type in a author's name or title and it will display what is available.

    I hope this helps.

    I am sure once the Nook is out you will be able to see it in a BN store (or at least I hope so)
    The Sony eReader is sold in stories so if you google it - it will tell you where
    The Kindle realizes that it is as a disadvantage of peole not see the device - so they now have readers doing a show and tell in various cities.

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    This was extremely helpful. As long as it can sort by author and/or title, Excellent.

    I'll be glad when this Nook comes out. I want to see these bad puppies before I purchase one. I'm going to have to ask around at work. With all of those readers, there must be at least one who has a Kindle.

    Thanks again. I truly appreciate your input.

    Peace
    Dee

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  Ok more features I like - Kindle 2

  - the dictionary feature - do not have use print or go to pc when reading a print book
  - a book buddy can tell me they are reading an excellent book (and if available) can download the book in a few seconds and starting reading along with her
  - it allows you to highlight passages
  - it allows you to make notes
  - very good battery life (especially if you do not keep the wireless on - really no need to keep in unless searching the internet or downloading) books
  - holds about 1500 books (and if you need more space can save on computer - once you buy from amazon always available)
  - there is a text to speech feature - (this not like audio books readers) - but you can control the speed & choose male/female reader - but I am not an audio book reader so I am not bothered that the quality is not similar to audio books (thought you can load audio books to the Kindle)
  - likes that it remembers the last place you read
  - shows how much of the book you have completed - ie 20%

  There aren't any features I dislike - but there are some that I would like to see improved-
  - touch screen feature - some of the new ereaders have this - this is a nice to have but not a necessity for me
  - back light - this has also not been a probem
  - more consistency in the pricing of ebooks - never quite sure how it will cost
  - the note taking feature could be improved
  - they do not have "page numbers" - has what is called location code

  What I dislike is that after a book comes out in paperback after being in hardcover - the Kindle price does not drop - so the paperback may be cheaper than the Kindle or the difference is just pennies - like there is not much difference in the Kimani print or Kimani ebooks

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Hey, Bev...WOW...that's quite a bit of detail you've provided...and exactly the kind of information I was looking for...it's truly appreciated...that's the only thing...I would love to sample a Kindle but you can't until you purchase it...so I guess I'll just have to base my tests on the Sony and/or the Nook (if it's available at B&N and not just on-line)...maybe I'll even try the IPhone, too...decisions, decisions...thanks for sharing...Happy Reading :-)

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  There are Kindle demos in cities - or at least they use to so you can check the Amazon site.

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 3 replies

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    On the Kindle, must you purchase Kindle books or can you purchase ebooks from other companies and upload them to your kindle?

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Thanks, Dee...that's a good question...one I want to know the answer to myself ;-)

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    Dee -

    I have not yet tried that. And I have not really read the Kindle Users Guide - LOL

    Since I almost buy all my books from Amazon.

    I think if you type that question in "google" - you will get info back as there are many Kindle blogs, discussion boards by users.

    All I really wanted in an eReader was the wireless feature and the ability to enlarge the text.

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Deatri King-Bey 

  I was at Borders today and you'll never guess what they had in the store on display--Sony Readers!

  Yeah baby. You know I played with those bad puppies. Easy to use.

  Now I need to find someone who has a kindle.

  Peace
  Dee

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 3 replies

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Good for you...guess I'll have to get in and take one for a test drive...LOL...so I take it you like the Sony e-Readers...so, with the Sony I assume you can purchase books from any company and upload them?

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    According to the clerk at the bookstore, the Sony Reader does allow you to read books from other sorces than sony. It was easy to use. I ignored the video they had with the device and just started playing with it to see if I could figure it out, which I did.

    Oh, and I could make the font larger. My eyes suck, so I'd probably need to enlarge the font. LOL.

    Now I REAAAAAAALLLY want to try a Kindle.

    Peace
    Dee

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    Ok - Here is another thing I did was to see if the books I wanted would be available in ebook format & the price for each of the formats.

    I also had a list of upcoming boks to see how soon after their publication date they would be available vie ebook & at what cost.

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  Dee -

  I do not know when you are looking to purchase an eReader but I will have mine with me at RSJ. I know several months aways.

  I forgot that Borders does the Sony eReader - see I have not been in a Borders in forever - lol

  I guess you can ask at BN - when they will have the Nook.

  Not surprised that you find them easy to use - as you operate a cell phone and a computer - lol

  I think you will find when you try other eReaders that they are all easy to use.

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    The slam jam is only a few months away. If I don't find someone with a Kindle before then, I'mma steal yours (temporaritly and with your permission, of course SMILE).

    Peace
    Dee

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  Thought you might find this interesting:

  Barnes & Noble spokesperson Mary Ellen Keating tells the WSJ that "demand for the nook in our stores and online has surpassed our expectations." While the first wave of pre-orders will ship to customers on November 30, those who purchase the units now are being told their orders will ship on December 11. Keating says "we are working hard to meet demand for the holidays."

  Harlequin announced the launch of Carina Press, a digital-only publishing house that will sell directly to consumers and "operate independently of their traditional publishing businesses." Angela James is joining the new operation as executive editor. Their call for submissions include both new works as well as "books that have been previously released in print form, but for which the author has either retained digital rights or had digital rights revert to them." With an expected summer 2010 launch, Carina plans to issue new titles weekly.

  Harlequin ceo Donna Hayes says, "We expect to discover new authors and unique voices that may not be able to find homes in traditional publishing houses. It definitely gives us greater flexibility in the type of editorial we can accept from authors and offer to readers. As well, we hope to reach a new group of readers with niche editorial."
  Release

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    I'mma have to head over the BN. It's waaaaay over on the other side of town, but I need to play with the nook also.

    Thanks for letting me know.
    Peace
    Dee

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    I don't think the Nook is out yet - I forget the date it comes out - so call the store before you trek across town

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Maria J 

  Thanks Dee and Beachlover--I plan to get one for Christmas. My huband suggested I get the Sony--from his research he thinks the Sony is better. Will see:)

  posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    Maria J

    Just curious why does your husband think the Sony is better than Kindle or Nook

    Which one are you thinking of buying the latest version for $299 or the older one which is $199?

    Beverly

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Maria J 

    Sorry for the delay. My husband just likes Sony. I think I will get the Kindle--cause like some else said---I get most of my books from Amazon, and all of the reviews are good so far.

    posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Roxanna H 

  OKay I know that I read a post about mobipocket and buying books in that format and using it on the Kindle is that true. I have bought alot of books using this format and I this would be awesome, since I would like an e-reader as well. I have been downloading books on my blackberry, but I would like to move up to an e-reader.
  Any help will be greatly apprepriated.

  posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  Yes, you can send .prc files (Mobipocket) to a Kindle eReader.
  Since this is what I have I do not know about the other eReaders but mobi is a pretty universal format my guess is yes.

  posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Roxanna H 

  That is excellent, I think that you are helping sway my decision, toward a Kindle. What version Kindle do you have? I think I may just treat myself to one for Christmas or whenever, but it will be good to know that I will be able to add my books to it wow how excellent is that?

  posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Deatri King-Bey 

  I was on the Barns and Noble site trying to find information about the Nook and found their comparison between the Nook and Kindle.

  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/compare/

  I like that the nook has the extended storage space and I like that it has a replaceable battery.

  Peace
  Dee

  posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Just want to say thanks to all of you for the information...now all I have to do is make a decision...LOL...but really you've all been very helpful...have a blessed weekend...and as always Happy Reading :-)

  posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    I also thank everyone. The information was great. Very helpful.

    Peace
    Dee

    posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Angelia H 

  Hey all I have a question and wanted to know has anyone used the ipod touch as for as listening to books I see u can use that with the kindle books thru Amazon...and kindle allows you to listen to the books as well ...right..Please help me out...I would like to listen to them not really read them if that's the case to me I might as well keep carrying a book...that's just me... please help me out....I don't know what to get just know I want to be able to listen to them....

  posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Hey, Angelia...I listen to audio books on my Ipod...it's not a Touch Ipod...but I'm sure if you can listen to audio on my much older model...it's more than likely available on the newer models...check out apple.com ;-)

    posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Angelia H (edited)

    Thanks Sweet n' Sassy and Beachlover.....I'll check it out...I saw on Amazon where u can get it and then tell u to click here and it seens u to apple.com.....Are there a lot of books that u can listen to on the Ipopd...they made it seems as it u could load all the ones that are offered on Amazon in kindle format...but not sure it that's the case

    posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  Hi Angela

  I do not do audio books so I personally have not downloaded an audio book to the Kindel.

  But according to the blogs - Kindles does do audio books - in different audio book format.

  I know friends who you their iPods for listening to audio books.

  If you want more info just go to google and type in your questions and you should get the info you need on audio books and electronic devices.

  posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  Charles K D 

  I'm thinking of buying a E-reader for a Christmas present for someone who reads a dozen or more books a month (sometimes more than one at a time). She has a limited budget for buying new books but will undoubtedly be buying several a month, mostly fiction. If you have experience with the Kindle, Nook, or Sony and the availability of books for each, I'd love to hear your recommendations.

  posted 13 days ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  Hi -

  Did you read the prior posts?
  There is really no difference in the avaiilablity of the books between the eReaders.

  posted 13 days ago. ( reply )

• 

  Roxanna H 

  Does the Kindle have a PID number, so that it can be registered with Mobipocket, if so where can you find it at?

  Thanks any help will be apprepriated,

  Roxanna

  posted 13 days ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    Hi Roxanne -

    Not sure what you mean?
    I do not have a Mobipocket account but have downloaded mobi format filed (.prc) files to my findle.
    The .prc files that I have purchased (have been directly from the publisher so would order the files to come to my computer - then would email to my Kindle address.
    I only .prc files when the books I want are not in Kindle format (which really a variation of .prc files)

    But if you type your questions into google - you will probably get answers/info from the kindle blogs out there with folks that have used more of the kindle features that I do

    I only learn the kindle features as I need to use them and if I do have a question i find the kindle blogs helpful as someone has always asked the question that I need answered.

    posted 8 days ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Roxanna H 

    Hello, I have brokedown and bought a Kindle, and I am loving it by the way. I purchased a bunch of books from eHarlequin, and I was wondering how to ge them on the Kindle or are you able to put in them on the Kindle. I will retry to put them on the Kindle again, since I only tried the night I received the Kindle. I have been buying like two books a night reading them just as fast. I have some paperbacks that I got ready though.

    posted 7 days ago. ( reply )

• 

  Deatri King-Bey 

  I was over at Fictionwise and see they are selling an e-reader for under $100
  http://www.ebookwise.com/ebookwise/ebookwise1150.htm

  Peace
  Dee

  posted 9 days ago. ( reply )

  show 4 replies

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    Hi Dee -

    Are you considering this eReader?
    Have you looked into other models besides the main 3 we have been discussing?

    posted 8 days ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    Yep, my hubby and I both want one. He's sold on the Kindle, but he hasn't looked into anything else.

    I've been reading the entire discussion, lots of great information. I just wanted folks to know there is a cheaper reader out there. But I noticed it doesn't seem to take PDF's that's odd.

    posted 7 days ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    Go to CNET and type in eReaders and you get an analysis of the eReaders on the market and there are many more than the Kindle, Sony & Nook.
    I really like CNET and always read the reviews before buying electronics
    When the editors do a review they state the pros and cons so you can make up your mind if the pros are what you are looking for and if the cons really do not matter to you.

    posted 7 days ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    I'm on my way there now. Thanks a bunch.

    posted 7 days ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  Hi Roxanne -

  Glad you are enjoying the Kindle - yeah - it gets a little addictive but at least you are reading the books as fast as you buy them.
  Why are you not buying the books directly from Amazon - then the wireless will get the books to your Kindle within seconds of ordering them. You can do this directly on the Kindle or from the Amazon website.

  What is the format of the books that you have ordered from eHarlequin?
  You can email the files to your Kindle - your Kindle email address is in your Kindle account info on Amazon.
  Depending on the file if you email directly to you Kindle there is a charge of .20 cents per 1MG. But if you set up what is considering a "free" Kindle account then you do not pay the.20 cents but then it is a 2 step process. I think there is an app that assists and eliminate one of the steps.
  All this info can be found on the kindle blogs. Just google a question like "emailing files to Kindle" - putting pdfs on Kindle, etc and you will get step by step instructions.

  Enjoy

  posted 7 days ago. ( reply )

• 

  Angie M (edited)

  Kindle doesn't have a PID and isn't compatible with encrypted books bought through Mobipocket. It seems you can get around that, sort of, but it looks like a rather involved process and Amazon seems to in a tizzy over it. (Which is extremely annoying since they apparently OWN Mobipocket.) Any other sort of .mobi books seem to work fine (I had no problem with the ones I've bought through webscriptions.net, for example).

  My Dad just got a Kindle, and he loves it. I've been using a few Palm pilots as a e-readers for about six years now, and am unwilling to buy an e-reader that can't easily support the fairly substantial library I've already paid for. I do not feel comfortable seeking ways to break encryption or otherwise muck around with my files, especially where it may be heading into iffy copyright territory.

  If that wasn't the case, I'd snag a Kindle in a heartbeat. For now I'm biding my time, and waiting for a better solution. =)

  posted 9 hours ago. ( reply )

• 

  Deatri King-Bey 

  Okay folks with these eReaders, does the screen light up at night so you can read in bed without having to turn on the light when the sun goes down?

  Dee

  posted 7 hours ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    I do not know the new models but the older models including the Kindle 2 do not have a backlight (like on cell phones) you have to click on one of those little lights. I have used one of those and it works fine.

    posted 6 hours ago. ( reply )

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