E-Readers

[Colonel Red]

So, I quite fancy an e-reader. I hadn't looked into it too much before, as I wouldn't want one that had no touch-screen facility. Kindle Touch is launching soon so that has piqued my interest again.

People seem to bum Kindles but I suspect that is just because they're the most well known...like the tendency for people to go for iPods. The question is, should I go for one of those Sony ones instead? They look like they cost a bit more but seem technically much better (and look nicer, too). I'm just not sure about the experience of buying books on one versus the other, or what the selection is going to be like. Is Kindle more of a closed shop? Does that mean higher prices?

Does anyone have any experience of Kindle devices and their competitors? I'd appreciate some advice on what they are like to use and how different the services are that you can access through them. Thanks!

there is also kobo which already has a touch version of their electronic paper reader.

[Colonel Red]

Yeah, good point. I'm most tempted by the Sony one at the moment but not having used any of them it's hard to pick.

I have a kindle and think it's great, though while it's awesome for outdoor reading, the lack of an in-built light is a drawback. However, the Kindle catalogue on amazon is excellent, and some of the offers are insanely good.

[Noir]

The only problem with Kindle is that I've yet to read a book on there that hasn't been full of typos. It's not a deal-breaker but it can be kind of annoying.

[Colonel Red]

The only problem with Kindle is that I've yet to read a book on there that hasn't been full of typos. It's not a deal-breaker but it can be kind of annoying.

Surely that's a problem for all e-readers though, right? Unless Ian Amazon types all the books himself of course.

[Noir]

Probably, I think it depends on who they get to do the conversion to e-reader format.

[Phlashman]

It's normally down to how they converted it, not who. For older books where the original digital text files don't exist they have to scan in a copy and OCR the text, and that's where the majority of problems happen. Newer books have the digital proof read version so mistakes are far less likely. But the great thing about digital books is that things like spelling can be changed easily.

For me the biggest problem on the ereader front is DRM and pricing. On the iPad iBooks is the better reading app (IMO) but I can't use it to read kindle purchases, which is a shame as Kindle selection is far far better. I'm pretty sure most e-ink readers end up locking you to some store too, very few places sell DRM free epubs. Also the pricing is ridiculous, it's pretty common to see ebooks cost more than even the Hardback version of the same book. That is just plain bullshit. It looks like a court case in the US could ease this situation in the next few weeks, but we'll see.

I think it's still very early days in the whole ebook world, like music and film it might take a while for everyone to get on the same page.

Anyway, the only reason I'd pick an e-ink ereader over an iPad would be if you're a heavy reader and read a lot outside in the sun.

Do the Kindle booklights not fix that issue with the darkness of the screen? I've never actually tried one, so I'm not sure if the light it's the screen like paper or what...

[Colonel Red]

Looking into it a bit more, there seems be a good selection of vendors on the non-Kindle devices (Waterstone's, WH Smith). You would think this would encourage competitive pricing, although it might take a little while.

I really don't want an iPad Phlash, especially for reading. The thing that attracts me is the e-ink screen; it just looks a lot more comfortable to read and you don't have to worry about battery drain so much. There are also a lot of distractions on a tablet device, and I just want to read.

I'll be getting a Windows 8 tablet anyway!

I really don't want an iPad Phlash, especially for reading. The thing that attracts me is the e-ink screen; it just looks a lot more comfortable to read and you don't have to worry about battery drain so much. There are also a lot of distractions on a tablet device, and I just want to read.

In that case, I reckon the all-round best bet for you is the kindle. I love mine. I don't quite know why, as the iPad and even my phone eclipse the kindle from a technological standpoint, but when I hold it, I feel like I'm holding something really futuristic, like something from Mass Effect.

[Born2beSlicker]

That screen transition that Kindles do when you change page looks so cool!

I have a Kobo touch and love it. I tried a Kindle and Kobo and much preferred the Kobo, mainly fort he touch screen though. If the Kindle touch had been out it may have won but I'll never know. I really like the way the Kobo puts the cover of the book on the screen when it's in standby mode and off, it gives it a more booky feel. I don't think kindle does this but its purely an aesthetic thing.

With regards to DRM, there are some relatively easy ways round it. If you use Calibre as an ePub library you can get some very simple plug ins to use kindle books on a Kobo and vice versa. Google searches will find what you need with easy tutorials. The Kobo desktop app isnt great but I haven't used the Kindle one so cant comment on that. Calibre makes up for all the short comings.

I would say try out the Kindle touch (I think John Lewis will stock them, that where I tried the non touch version) and the Kobo touch (WH Smith) and see what you prefer. My mum has a Sony one and I think my Kobo is better.

I prefer that other thing for reading books....

Books.

[Colonel Red]

On the advice of Peletboy (thank you), I looked at the Kobo Touch today along with the Sony one. I much preferred the Kobo. Still, it might be worth waiting to try the Kindle Touch as well just to be sure. Also, I expect there is an annual hardware cycle with these things and it looks like the Kobo Touch is coming up to a year old. Is there likely to be a new model soon?