[Martin]

Does anyone else have an ebook reader? I got the small Sony Reader for Christmas and absolutely love it - I find myself constantly reading and it's especially useful when I'm travelling as I don't need to carry any bulky books around with me.

When it comes to magazines, there's no comparison to the printed page. When it comes to books though, I'm a digital convert.

Anyone else with me (or against me)?!

[emmaree]

Ive never heard of them what are they, I usually read my ebooks on my pc??
not sure what you mean Martin

[Hedwig]

I'm still on the fence about these, but only as I have yet to have the experience of using one...like Emmaree, i tend to use my laptop for reading e-Books but I have been interested in the new digtal eBook readers that are out there...

The problem is, is that I like the feel of paper as you turn the page and even the smell that is associated with old books, there's something quite satisfying about holding a book in your hand...but I can definietly see the advantages of these new digital devices especially to one who is travelling...

Further research is needed me thinks...

[emmaree]

kk heads so they are a seperate piece of machinery oh

[Martin]

Oops - sorry I missed your question, emmaree!

Yes, there a piece of hardware. The reason they're better than reading on your PC is because of the display. It uses something called e-ink which looks similar to paper so you don't get any eye strain whilst reading - and you can read in direct sunlight, which is hard to do on a glossy PC screen.

I'm in Hawaii at the moment and love taking my ebook reader down the beach with me - so much easier than carrying a big, bulky book. I'd definitely recommend them if you enjoy reading.

Hedwig - I know what you mean about the nostalgia factor; that being said, the convenience of ebooks just can't be beaten - especially when you travel a lot.

[seenafterscene]

I don't read enough (shame on me) to justify the cost of an e-reader. And IMO, I agree, nothing beats actual, tangible paper (I know, not eco-friendly, but I LIKE books and magazines.) If anyone is interested in trying it, Amazon offers an e-reader app for just about any format imaginable: PC, Mac, iPhone/Touch, Blackberry, etc. Although, ideally, it is best read on a full size monitor, at least, you can take it on the go, for when you have time to kill. Barnes & Noble offers a free e-reader app too, but to my knowledge it only works on iPhone/Touch.

[emmaree]

Thanks guys will look into it. Sounds really good for travelling , might add this to m Christmas wish list

[Martin]

seenafterscene, on 18 July 2010 - 01:11 PM, said:

I don't read enough (shame on me) to justify the cost of an e-reader. And IMO, I agree, nothing beats actual, tangible paper (I know, not eco-friendly, but I LIKE books and magazines.) If anyone is interested in trying it, Amazon offers an e-reader app for just about any format imaginable: PC, Mac, iPhone/Touch, Blackberry, etc. Although, ideally, it is best read on a full size monitor, at least, you can take it on the go, for when you have time to kill. Barnes & Noble offers a free e-reader app too, but to my knowledge it only works on iPhone/Touch.

The reason ebook readers are better is because of the e-ink technology. I can't read for long periods on a monitor - regardless of how big it is; the light tires my eyes. Ebook readers are pretty similar to reading paper - you can read for hours without any eye strain. When people talk about the new iPad being good for reading books I shake my head - at least for me, that wouldn't be possible for the above reason.

I didn't read a whole lot before getting the ereader - but now it comes everywhere with me and I find myself reading a LOT more. Especially when I can download books form the library for free!

I agree with you when it comes to magazines, though - you can't compare the experience; paper will always win for the forseeable future.

[seenafterscene]

I didn't realize the technology was that outstanding for reading text on the actual devices themselves. Didn't they just release a new Kindle???

[Martin]

I use a Sony Reader - it's smaller and doesn't do the whole online thing; I just wanted something I could read on, and don't need all the fancy gadgets. Also, I don't tend to buy ebooks - I get them free online, or borrow them free from the library.

The Kindle has had a massive price reduction down to $189 - it uses the same technology as my Sony Pocket Reader; at the moment I think there is only one company making the e-ink displays. Hopefully Lindsay will contribute to the discussion soon - I know she got an ereader about the same time as me.

[yamerias]

I have just recently purchased an iPhone 4 32Gb and installed iBooks, it's not too bad, you can adjust the light accordingly so that it doesn't give you sore eyes (or read at stupid o clock if you can't sleep).

It's pretty good too, I've currently only got the freebies on there (which is great as they have 2 of my all time faves...Dracula and Frankenstein) but plan to get at least the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy and Dirk Gently books as well.

I know I have said in the past I have concentration issues which stop me reading...well I'm trying to fight them, so here's hoping with the free books first!

I do believe you can use Kindle books on the iPhone too, but not found details for that...would be cheaper which is always good.

[Martin]

Yam, you're a trooper. I could never read on such a tiny screen, or anything that was backlit! I get eye strain reading too long from a screen (well, one that isn't e-ink at least).

[yourfavoritecyn]

I'm not a fan of ebooks. i like to spend my days wandering through bookstores, and ebooks will surely be their demise

[Martin]

There is definitely something special about bookshops, Cyn - I don't think they'll disappear entirely, but I do think we'll see far fewer of them as time goes by.

[seenafterscene]

Just thought I'd mention for those that know or don't know, B&N is offering free e-books every week. This week I got some Edgar Allen Poe, last week I got some Jane Austen. Totally free. Still don't have an e-reader, but the apps will have to do for now. But def. check out the free offerings B&N has, they have some pretty good ones sometimes.

[Martin]

That's awesome - thanks for sharing. Do you know if they put any DRM on their books? Wondering if I can read their ebooks with my Sony Reader.

[yamerias]

Are the downloads from B&N .PDF?
If they do indeed have DRM drop me a PM Martin I might be able to help you.