[SPEC TIME] eBook Reader - £300 MAX

Epyon

Epyon

Epyon

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Joined
1 Mar 2004
Posts
1,790
Hey guys,

I am going to invest in an eBook reader as carrying around 3 inch think books isn't really for me ...

Sadly I know very little about the market and the technology. I plan to buy in a week or two.

- Essentially I want something that has good screen quality (... even though as far as I can tell it is all black and white).
- All my eBooks are in or going to be in pdf as I can scanning many of them myself (major recycling move I think). Having a book store compatible though will be very helpful.
- Size wise ... I think it is fair to say that between 7" to 9" should be fine.
- I wear glasses for zoom is a must have in case I get lazy.
- I don't use wi-fi but it may be useful if it has any additional functions (online store, auto updates on subscriptions, etc)
- Budget is £300 max but I honestly don't know much about the technology so I don't want to over or under spend.
- Lastly, battery life and storage are very important. I will be putting loads of books on so being able to utilise SD card or any memory card will be ideal (meaning it also needs to be plug and play or drag and drop with Windows).

I hope that is all comprehensive enough :). Thanks in advance.

ALSO What happens to pdfs with colour like magazines? How are they rendered?
 
Spec wise, it sounds like the Kindle or Nook would be what you're looking for. If Wifi/3G connectivity isnt a massive deal breaker I would recommend the Sony PRS 505.

There are newer models out, but I've had mine over a year now and it does the job brilliantly. Just don't use the recommended software and use Calibre instead and you'll be golden!

Colour PDFs just get rendered in greyscale iirc.
 
I feel cheap and used for even mentioning it :)

Personnaly, I would wait before buying an eBook at the moment. There appear to be a number of new models approaching the market.
 
I would get an iPad BUT I hate Apple -.- ... well more like I hate what they represent and their want to lock you in and use the evil iTunes.

Sadly I will be unable to wait more than maybe 2 weeks unless it is something like a "major" upgrade.

I thought the Kendle and Nook couldn't have PDFs that you just drop on? I have books that aren't available anywhere hence why I want the ability to manage my own via pdf drag and drop.
 
If I was buying now I would geta Kindle DX, teh size of the screen makes magazines and PDF a lot more usable. I'm almost tempted to get rid of my Sony PRS700 and get one.

I don't think I would get an iPAD or and LCD based tech as an ebook reader, I like to read for long spells and reading for any length of time from my monitor gives me a headache were as the Sony Reader doesn't.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Would recommend the Kindle Dx if you just want to use it for eBooks. I'd recommend the iPad if you want to browse internet and use apps as well tho, with a jailbreak the apple hardware is not that awful :)

Reading for long spells, the kindle hands down is awesome, the E-ink makes it a no headache system where as the iPad and other monitor style systems is not great for reading on for long periods.
 
There a couple of threads about ereaders in the GD forum.

I have a bebook mini and the only occasional problem is the small screen (5") which means I have to zoom in a little more. However I chose the 5" screen for it's smaller size so I can't really complain.

If I was to buy an ereader now, it would be a BeBook Neo (or Onyx Boox 60). 6" screen, touch screen (stylus only), wifi, simple web browser.

Most 5" and 6" ereaders are not so good with pdfs due to low-res (800x600) displays. A larger display (9"+) would be better but I'm not sure if any are within your budget

If you can afford it (and get one shipped over) - enTourage eDGe - dual display - 9.7" e-ink and 10.1" LCD - dual touch screens.
 
Loke said:
Would recommend the Kindle Dx if you just want to use it for eBooks. I'd recommend the iPad if you want to browse internet and use apps as well tho, with a jailbreak the apple hardware is not that awful :)
Click to expand...

Have you used one? What are you able to do?

I have been out of this since the old school 3rd gen ipod hacks where you could remove the EU volume restrictions etc :rolleyes:
 
Kindle DX looks great but I am concerned it may be too big ...

I would have thought PDFs wouldn't be too much of an issue ... will have to investigate. eInk sounds like a fantastic way of reading, I had a look at a team mates iPad and it is great but I can't stand the Apple "way" of no flash, no this no that, only app store, got to use iTunes, bah!

DX isn't cheap :(
 
eddyc said:
Have you used one? What are you able to do?

I have been out of this since the old school 3rd gen ipod hacks where you could remove the EU volume restrictions etc :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

With a hacked device you can use SSH, terminal, multi-tasking, access non apple approved applications via various repositories. You can also fully customize your device in ways that non apple users take for granted. Funnily enough Amazon provide the payment solution for buying apps from these repositories.

If you do want to jailbreak your iPad, google spirit jail break or visit iPhone dev team website. Once you have it jailbroken make sure you never update your firmware through iTunes but read the instructions posted by teams like iPhone Dev Team.

If you want any more details about any particular thing feel free to ask :)
 
I have a Sony prs 600 and that is great. You can convert your PDF files to pub with calibre.
 
I'll not be getting an iPad ;-).

The iRiver story seems good my Dad has one and loves it. If I can find a spec sheet I will post it.
 
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