 trparkyApple... YUMPremium,MVM
join:2000-05-24
Cleveland, OH
kudos:2 | Suggestions for an ultra-mobile device for eBooks? My father is looking for a device that he can use that's ultra-mobile for the use of reading eBooks and listening to audio books and perhaps a bit more functionality.
Any suggestions?
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Tom |
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 JahntassaWhat, I can have feathersPremium
join:2006-04-14
Conway, SC
kudos:4 | What do you find not 'ultra mobile' about current ebook readers like the Nook, Kindle, or Sony eReaders? |
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trparkyApple... YUMPremium,MVM
join:2000-05-24
Cleveland, OH
kudos:2 | What I'm asking about is which device is best among all of the various devices out there.
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Tom |
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| reply to trparky
What does a bit more functionality mean? You need to make sure that his desire for ultra portability isn't in conflict with his expectations. For example is he looking at e-readers but really wanting an ipad?
Much depends on his preference in book store.
I have a sony pocket reader but there is no audio and I read primarily works that are out of copyright in open formats, so that wouldn't meet his needs.
If he has no preference in store then I would think the latest $140 kindle would be tough to beat. I haven't used one but it seems to reset the bar in value for money. If it had been available when I bought my pocket reader I probably would have gone with the kindle. I just didn't feel the $3-400 they wanted for the kindle, at the time, was warranted for my needs.
NOTE the $140 version has wifi but NOT 3G. To get that you need the $190 model. |
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 usa2kBlessedPremium,MVM
join:2003-01-26
Redford, MI
kudos:3
 ·WOW Internet and..
 ·VOIPo
| reply to trparky
I tried a Nook in Barnes&Noble. I was very disappointed how poorly it handled regular PDF manuals. I brought a 2G microSD with me to try, and it had to be rebooted to recognize the files. It also could no read TXT files.
Those things made me think twice about spending $150 for one!
Maybe someone has great experiences.
If you only buy the books primarily intended for the reader, you may think its better than sliced bread! All depends on the kind of books you use it for.
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Jim, VoIP 12/2002, VOIPo 2/2007
FAH-Tool~Pets~Join Artist-247 |
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 ParogadiWhat? Stop Looking At Me Like ThatPremium
join:2003-03-31
Racine, WI | reply to trparky
I'd say the »www.openpandora.org/ if you can wait for it, the first batch is shipping now, but since they are a commune and not a megacorp it's going to be a few more weeks till they start ordering the parts for the next batch.
There is also the Menq e790 which supposed to retail at $80, but I've been unable to find it...
If you want something like an iPad, but not, take a look at the Always Innovating Touchbook »www.alwaysinnovating.com/ the entire machine works like an iPad but can be attached to a keyboard which houses an extra battery to turn it into a netbook.
Note that none of these are traditional ebook readers and have no official support from amazon or barnes and noble. But they do have the ability to do quite allot.
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Please visit »libertynewstv.com -|- »innworldreport.net -|- »freespeech.org -|- »sourcecode.freespeech.org -|- »indymedia.org -|- »democracynow.org |
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JahntassaWhat, I can have feathersPremium
join:2006-04-14
Conway, SC
kudos:4 | reply to trparky
said by trparky:What I'm asking about is which device is best among all of the various devices out there. You are asking the equivalent of the 'Ford vs Dodge Truck' or 'Mac vs. PC' question. There is no 'best' eReader. There is only best for the party involved per the functionality, usability, price, and books they wish to read. |
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usa2kBlessedPremium,MVM
join:2003-01-26
Redford, MI
kudos:3 Reviews:
·WOW Internet and..
·VOIPo
| reply to trparky
Re: Suggestions for an ultra-mobile device for eBooks? So what eBook formats do you need?
Or do you want people to tell you what their experiences are as pros and cons?
I suspect you might be (like me) trying to decide if an eBook would even do what you expect.
BTW, PDF is meant to represent a standard page size. Many readers fail at displaying standard PDF well.
I think the Sony is one that Reflows the PDF content, and may be better for standard PDF.
Chart: »wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_···r_Matrix
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Jim, VoIP 12/2002, VOIPo 2/2007
FAH-Tool~Pets~Join Artist-247 |
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 DownTheShoreStronger Than The StormPremium
join:2003-12-02
Beautiful NJ
kudos:12
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| reply to trparky
Re: Suggestions for an ultra-mobile device for eBooks? said by trparky:What I'm asking about is which device is best among all of the various devices out there. There is no "best".
For the most part it's a purely personal decision based upon whether you like the look of e-ink, reflective LCD or regular LCD screens. What your hand size is and how comfortable the page turn buttons and other controls are for you. What formats you're most likely to read and whether or not the reader handles them without using conversion software. Whether or not you plan on borrowing ebooks from your local library and whether or not the reader supports the format used. What extras you want with the reader - WiFi, 3G, dictionaries, text-to-speech, audiobook and/or MP3 capability, etc. What your eyesight is like and whether or not it has a font size that you're comfortable with. What the reading conditions are that you're most likely to use the reader with - daylight, indoor light, low light, etc. - and how well a particular reader's screen looks in all those lights. How often do you mind/need to recharge the device, or do you prefer one that uses replaceable batteries. What extras the device comes with - covers, cables, chargers, etc. Do you want a "brand name" or are you willing to buy something else. How much do you want to spend on the device.
Any 5" ereader is ultra-portable. They can go into pockets and pocketbooks. Weight is comparable to about a 400-500 page paperback - without the bulk. They are easy to use. All will store an obscene amount of books in either their RAM or removable SD card - so that is not an issue at all. (I've got about 400 books on my reader without it making much of a dent at all in the storage capability).
I have an Aluratek Libre Pro and I'm very happy with it. 
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Patriotism is not waving a flag, it is living the ideals
I want to retire to the Isle of Sodor and ride the trains.
If the oil starts showing up on MY beach, I'm coming for Hayward |
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