(OT) E-Readers

[archite666]

Anyone own one?

Have any experience with them?

I'm looking at buying a nook or kindle but i'm not sure if they can provide what i'm looking for.

Ideally I would like to be able to put PDFs from my pc onto one and read various things that come in adobe acrobat format.

Such as various roleplaying books and novels that I downloaded ( They were shareware and perfectly legal, I assure you)

The end result would be able to read various books that I have on my pc while sitting comfortably on my couch without balancing a laptop on legs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Urin]

Droid Does.

And, if you're in an environment with wifi a majority of the day, you can avoid ridiculous "smart phone" plans entirely by using VOIP, but that's a little off topic.

 

[archite666]

Eh I don't want a phone, I want something much larger.

I don't want to try to focus and stare at a little screen. In fact adjustable font is another reason im even considering getting an e-reader.

 

[Uvtha]

Both handle pdf, I don't know that much about them, but wouldn't get a kindle because of the lame DRM. Nook is a little better in that respect. I think you can at least back up and transfer to other nooks.

Look at ecato's jetbook lite. Like 120 bucks, reads word, pdf, etc. Can also read B&N DRM books as well, at least. No wireless connection, or mp3s but who cares?

 

[archite666]

Hm interesting.

Yeah I don't care about the ability to download things I just want something that will display any PDF I put on it. (No matter where it came from )

 

[Shalimar/Cleo]

Time you came back to Siege.

 

[Lorddog]

going on a cruise on 28th and got one for my wife. problem was kindle is sold out until september and only the nook is available.
i read tons of reviews and facts on both and the nook is a sliver of a 2nd place but it is better in the area of putting anything on it to read from any source. anyhow she loves it and it works great. got a book cover for it.

we went to target and saw the kindle and i think the screen might be smaller which to me would be a big deal. I think when I get one of these for myself that it will be the super size screen (DX?) one.

one feature the kindle has that nook doesnt is that it can read to you but since it is not predesigned reading I am sure the voice would be kinda robotic.

the kindle is sold out and not gonna be restocked because they are coming out with kindle 2 - which i am sure will rock. definatly go to target and barnes and noble and visually look at both of them before deciding.

Lorddog

 

[Skylark SP]

I've also been trying to decide whether or not to purchase a dedicated e-reader and if so, what type. I originally was leaning towards the Kindle DX for the larger display, but after reading tons of user reviews, now am more inclined towards the Kindle 3 with 3G (which was in stock last I checked) because it can comfortably be held in one hand for extended periods, and unless you read a lot of newsletters and such, which look better on the large format display, I am getting the impression that the comfort of holding for reading over long periods outweighs the screen size bonus.

I also found some helpful information on this subject here in terms of comparison of iPad and Amazon's Kindle:

iPad vs. Kindle: Which is the better e-reader?

Some good geek discussion on the subject of dedicated e-readers vs. smartphones/iPad/netbooks/notebooks:

Kindle 3: Is there still a place for dedicated e-readers?

If you need the device to do more, and don't mind some compromises with the reading feature (weight/portability/consistency of performance in variable lighting conditions, device durability), you probably want to look at either iPad or a netbook/lightweight notebook with a reader app installed.

It is important to understand the limitations of the device you are purchasing.

-Skylark

 

[burdensrise]

Why can't you just cram it in one big ass PDF file in order then read away.

I just googled merge PDF files. A bunch of programs come up that offer merging PDFs some free some paid. I wouldn't pay for one untill I was sure it worked though. thepiratebay

 

[archite666]

Yes indeed.

As I said as long as I can drag any PDF from my computer to the thing, we will be golden.

I want to be able to read all those DnD books and novels I downloaded.

 

[Wulf2k]

I don't think I've touched my Dragonlance collection in over a decade now.

Wonder if I could be bothered to re-read them....

 

[Spree]

One advantage with a kindle of an Ipad is the kindle don't have a internal light so you can read it outside, when you inside you need a external light to read it.

 

[GoodGuy]

i have an ipad and love it. kindles suck.

 

[Aislin*SP]

I can't speak for the other devices, but we have two Kindles in our house - one of the small ones and one of the large ones - and they both get used every single day just about. The large one does .pdf's very nicely. I've had my little kindle now for 2.5 years and love it still!

The only bad thing is that the cost of kindle books (and all e-books) has gone up so much. Some books that I bought for $2.50 in 2008 are $8-$9 now, and they generally cost about the same as the paperback... I just buy paperbacks now when I want a book. I read lots of public domain (classics) on my kindle now.

 

[Ibichi]

I was given a Kindle for my birthday in April and love it. I use mine everyday and would now be lost without it. Much easier to haul around than a book or books.

Right now I have about 20 books on it so I never have to worry about running out of reading material.

 

[archite666]

So my real question is, which one will let me read downloaded pdfs?

Any crazy copywrite crap I have to worry about?

 

[archite666]

To clarify, I have no interest in copying downloaded books from my kindle or any of that.

I simply want a device that I can put ANY PDF from my computer and be able to read without any craziness.

 

[N49ATV]

What about an IPad?

 

[MoonglowMerchant]

Anyone own one?

Have any experience with them?

I'm looking at buying a nook or kindle but i'm not sure if they can provide what i'm looking for.

Ideally I would like to be able to put PDFs from my pc onto one and read various things that come in adobe acrobat format.

Such as various roleplaying books and novels that I downloaded ( They were shareware and perfectly legal, I assure you)

The end result would be able to read various books that I have on my pc while sitting comfortably on my couch without balancing a laptop on legs.

Thanks in advance.

I've pretty much given up "reading". What I do wouldn't work for your needs but I subscribe to Audible and download books that are "read" to me. That way, I can listen to them at home, or while running, driving, etc...

 

[Lorddog]

kindle 3g wireless $195
nook 3g wireless $195
iPad 3g wireless $700

its the price - by all means the iPad is better but costs alot more.
the nook is way more forgiving on putting things from other sources onto it. The kindle you pretty much have to buy it from amazon kindle store.

Lorddog

btw I have been audible listener since they first came out

 

[N49ATV]

if its just for reading etc, why 3g?

 

[Lorddog]

if its just for reading etc, why 3g?

says the non-nerd

 

[Timothy_SP]

I own a Kindle 2. Not the DX version which is larger.

I find it easy to read in most lighting conditions. I have an LED lamp for night reading, but I rarely do reading in bed or complete dark.

Kindle 2 (and I think Kindle 3) now support native PDF viewing. However there is NO font changing, or zooming, like on normal eBooks. So if you plan on doing heavy PDF viewing, the Kindle 2 DX is probably your best bet since it has a bigger screen. I'm not sure about the PDF capabilities of Sony or Nook eReaders.

 

[Timothy_SP]

if its just for reading etc, why 3g?

Faster downloads of books, newspapers, and magazines.

Also the Kindle 2 has an experimental web browser. It's slow as hell and you can't do any video at all, but still kind of nice for Blogs and text-only websites like BBC News. Many websites are offering mobile content options, so those work pretty well too with the browser. Best of all, there is no charge for the data transfers.

 

[enigma eb2]

It is funny that i found this post while trolling.

My opinion is biased since i sell the Nook products.

I think its better than the rest but then I know how to hack the unit and pirate free internet soooo.... makes it really worth it to me.

There are hacked sited out there that allow for not just free internet but millions upon millions of free downloads including music download sites if you are willing to void your warranty. God knows I have been using a Nook to do everything from facebook to web surfing. In fact I am posting from a Nook right now.

And if you are not into hacking the thing just remember you are buying the unit to read on. The Nook has 3x the amount of downloads as the next competitor and growing daily. When you own the publishing houses it makes getting books in an E format really easy.

 

[archite666]

So my question still stands, which one can I put a PDF on from my desktop and read it without worry of copywrite crap?

 

[Timothy_SP]

So my question still stands, which one can I put a PDF on from my desktop and read it without worry of copywrite crap?

Kindle 2 DX for sure, just not sure how well it formats on the screen. I've never seen the DX but the non-DX makes most PDF font's super small and hard to read. I would think the larger screen of the DX would negate most of it.

I cannot speak for other eReaders.

 

[enigma eb2]

So my question still stands, which one can I put a PDF on from my desktop and read it without worry of copywrite crap?

Nook can handle all PDF,PDB, E-pub and all droid formats. More over you can use adobe reader to translate any other formats into a PDF. You can side load them from you PC or Mac directly and use the Font feature to make it anything from extra small to extra extra large.

 

[Lorddog]

So my question still stands, which one can I put a PDF on from my desktop and read it without worry of copywrite crap?

if you want to send me an example i will test it out on my wife's nook.

Lorddog

 

[Lorddog]

very good program for converting from 1 format to next and editing the tags that show in the e-reader interface.
calibre - E-book management

 

[archite666]

if you want to send me an example i will test it out on my wife's nook.

Lorddog

Whats the best way to send you a file?

 

[Lorddog]

the screen sizes are deceptive. the nook bottom row is a touch screen menu. so they both do have the exact same reading screen size.

 

[archite666]

Ah I see.

I have been very busy with work I will send you a file later this week.

I appreciate the help.