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e-readers; went to workshop
Topic Started: Dec 4 2011, 05:20 PM (285 Views)
sue
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HOLY CARP!!!
We had someone from a big city library come over and hold a couple of workshops, explaining the differences in devices, and he brought along a 'petting zoo' of things to touch and look at. Was interesting to really see the dedicated devices side by side with the tablets. And I was really impressed with the presenter. I love listening to/watching someone who really knows how to explain things; it's an admirable skill. It was largely about how to download the free library e-books, and that's not as straightforward as we all wish it could be. He was good.

If I was going to buy a dedicated reader, I'd get the Sony, hands down. Gotta say though, that I liked the ipad too, but for different reasons. Loved the look of the blackberry playbook (think that's what it was called), but sounds like they're not going to be around for long.

Anyhows, for anyone contemplating one of these devices for reading books, sessions like this are highly recommended.
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George K
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Finally
Interesting comments, Sue. I have an iPad as well as an iPhone. I spent a couple of hours on the couch today reading a book on my iPad.

What I *really* like about the device is that when I put it down, and sync it with my computer, the place where I left off is not only preserved, but saved on my iPhone, which I carry with me. That way, my books, as well as *where I am* in the books is transferred from device to device.

As far as downloading free books, it couldn't be easier than with the iPad (iPhone, iPod). You just go to the iTunes store, click on "free" and you're good to go. If the book is not available at the iTunes store, you can download the file (ePub) from whatever site you access, drop it into the iTunes software, and it's there.
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somebody else's sock
Middle Aged Carp
What was it that made the Sony stand out for you?
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sue
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somebody else's sock
Dec 4 2011, 05:26 PM
What was it that made the Sony stand out for you?
compared to the kobo, kindle and nook, it felt more solid, and a comfortable size. It's apparently a bit tougher (could handle being dropped better than the others). And, it had a headphone jack, which I thought was a nice touch if you ever want to listen to audio books. Response time seemed a bit better than the others, as well. Had the feel of something well made.

Would not buy a kindle just because they are the one and only device that you cannot use with the free library e collections. Was good to get that into everybody's head before they went out and bought themselves something.

Definitely a big difference between the screens of the dedicated readers and the mobile tablet devices. You can really see that the glare of the glass makes a difference. But they can do so much more; a really fun thing to own.

apples and oranges.
Edited by sue, Dec 4 2011, 05:50 PM.
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
I thought Kindle could be used with library e-books?
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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sue
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Jolly
Dec 5 2011, 05:38 PM
I thought Kindle could be used with library e-books?
Nope.

Although they may do so now in the states; they were making noises in that direction. But not here.
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somebody else's sock
Middle Aged Carp
sue
Dec 5 2011, 05:45 PM
Jolly
Dec 5 2011, 05:38 PM
I thought Kindle could be used with library e-books?
Nope.

Although they may do so now in the states; they were making noises in that direction. But not here.
My library is part of this: http://overdrive.com/News/OverDrive-and-Amazon-launch-Kindle-compatibility-with-Library-eBooks
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sue
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HOLY CARP!!!
somebody else's sock
Dec 5 2011, 05:57 PM
sue
Dec 5 2011, 05:45 PM
Jolly
Dec 5 2011, 05:38 PM
I thought Kindle could be used with library e-books?
Nope.

Although they may do so now in the states; they were making noises in that direction. But not here.
My library is part of this: http://overdrive.com/News/OverDrive-and-Amazon-launch-Kindle-compatibility-with-Library-eBooks
thanks, ses, good to know. Be interesting to see if/when they include Canada in the game. Maybe too late; I suspect the Kobo (which is very similar but does allow library use, and any purchased books are actually owned, unlike the 'leased' amazon books), will gain some ground. Although I doubt amazon is terribly concerned about what Canadians do.

overdrive is, as far as I know, the only game in town for this service. That's what the BC libraries are using as well.

Have you bought, or used, an e-reader? Love to know what you like.
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kenny
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sue
Dec 5 2011, 10:02 PM
Although I doubt amazon is terribly concerned about what Canadians do.
I thought Canadians were all lumberjacks and lumberjack wives, or something.
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
kenny
Dec 5 2011, 10:13 PM
sue
Dec 5 2011, 10:02 PM
Although I doubt amazon is terribly concerned about what Canadians do.
I thought Canadians were all lumberjacks and lumberjack wives, or something.
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And they're ok!
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Chris Aher
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Middle Aged Carp
I use my Kindle DX (E-Ink) for reading and my IPad for things like casual browsing, email reading, netflix, etc. For heads down work, writing, excel, serious research browsing , Finale, Sonar, etc. I use my PC.

The E-Ink screen is the best thing for my aging eyes when it comes to serious reading (text!). The IPad, with its backlit screen (even as clear as it is) doesn't work as well for me for reading.
Regards,
Chris
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Dan
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Senior Carp
I have kindle, kobo and aidiko apps on my droid and enjoy all of them. The Kindle app is the one I use most because they seem to have the best content. Everything stays sync'd between my phone and all the different PC's I read on with Kindle which is a nice feature.

My only gripe with any of them is that the Kobo app simply will not open if there's no internet and no US phone connectivity. During my whole trip to Asia last summer Kobo was simply worthless.

Reading on a smartphone is great IMO. I like having multiple books "in my pocket". The text is very readable and the interface is simple and fast.
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KlavierBauer
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HOLY CARP!!!
Dan: Have you used the Aldiko app?
It's my favorite eReader for Android.

Also, it's important for all to keep in mind that Kindle now comes in two very distinct flavors, which will allow different things.
The new Kindle Fire is an Android device, and so you are not limited to the Kindle app itself for reading.
Allowing third party apps to be installed (an option in settings) will allow the Nook app to be installed, which will allow ePub on your Kindle Fire.
Here's a quick how to.
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somebody else's sock
Middle Aged Carp
sue
Dec 5 2011, 10:02 PM
somebody else's sock
Dec 5 2011, 05:57 PM
sue
Dec 5 2011, 05:45 PM
Jolly
Dec 5 2011, 05:38 PM
I thought Kindle could be used with library e-books?
Nope.

Although they may do so now in the states; they were making noises in that direction. But not here.
My library is part of this: http://overdrive.com/News/OverDrive-and-Amazon-launch-Kindle-compatibility-with-Library-eBooks
thanks, ses, good to know. Be interesting to see if/when they include Canada in the game. Maybe too late; I suspect the Kobo (which is very similar but does allow library use, and any purchased books are actually owned, unlike the 'leased' amazon books), will gain some ground. Although I doubt amazon is terribly concerned about what Canadians do.

overdrive is, as far as I know, the only game in town for this service. That's what the BC libraries are using as well.

Have you bought, or used, an e-reader? Love to know what you like.
My library was using another service for a while and just recently switched to OverDrive. And the Kindle compatibility is very recent.

A few years ago I used someone's regular Kindle (the smaller version) and it was great. For me it came down to having a device that could be used for more than reading, so I went with an iPad. That was way before the Kindle Fire was announced. Haven't actually seen the Fire yet, but I think I'd be seriously looking at it as a alternative to the iPad. Cheaper and does the other stuff I use the iPad for, namely surfing and checking email.

Strangely enough, I still prefer holding a real book in my hands, but the convenience and portability that Dan talked about makes an e-reader a really nice thing to have. The backlighting on the iPad isn't as easy on the eyes as the regular Kindle, but sure is convenient when there isn't a good reading lamp around. I don't think I'd want to schlep one of those LED lights to attach to the Kindle so it could be used at night.

I'm just thrilled that it's so easy to get to so much reading material!
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sue
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HOLY CARP!!!
I was talking to someone who has an ipad and says it's great for reading at night in bed; the light isn't enough to disturb his partner, but good enough for reading. That's a good selling point. But the dedicated readers sure would be what I'd want if I was a regular commuter, taking the ferry and bus everyday. I still prefer reading a paper book too, but can really see the attraction of these toys.
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Dan
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Senior Carp
KB, yes I've used Aldiko and it is quite good.

sue and ses, the kindle apps have a settings menu where you can adjust the brightness and where you can switch to white text on a black background. Using white on black and dropping the brightness is perfect for night time reading without straining the eyes or annoying whoever is in bed next to you. While I don't know if the ipad has this or not, it seems like it would. You might want to hunt around the for the settings.

In fact, every e-reader app I've got has those settings.
Edited by Dan, Dec 6 2011, 02:44 PM.
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