Electronic book readers

damnyankeeuk · 11-06-2009, 08:17 AM

Probably WAY off topic...I'm thinking of getting one of these for the OH to take when we go to Aruba next year. She is an avid reader, and it would save us a ton of weight in the bqaggage.

Anyone use one of these in Aruba? I've noticed that the specs on all the different ones has a maxtemp of 95, and I know it gets that hot or hotter some days. Any problems with them?

Also, can you REALLY read them in direct sunlight? Seems hard to believe to me, but trying them out here in the UK isn't going to give you a fair test.

Lastly, anyone got suggestions on the best model? The4y all seem pricy, and I'm a bit worried about the actual cost of getting books, and not being able to have a backup on some of the different ones.

Any advice would be gratefully received, before I blow the retirement check on one that's not worth the dosh!

Cheers,

Greg

*Andrea J.* · 11-06-2009, 09:45 AM

OH OH OH did you refer to your wife as an OH ??? (i am SMILING)
Liz - arubalover has a KINDLE i am not sure how happy she is with it. my husband has been eyeballing one and also the SONY model. My husband is a newspaper addict. We subscribe to the boston globe, usa toady and the wsj as well as our local. since we are in central maine, we get these papers by us mail, a day late. AND they are costly I wish my husband would at least try to borrow a kindle to see if he could get used to it. our monthly newspaper bill is almost $180 it is disgusting and being retired and literally on a fixed income is more than we should be spending a kindle would allow him cheaper subscriptions

*Liz - Aruba Lover* · 11-06-2009, 12:02 PM

I got the Kindle last October when it was shown on Oprah. I originally bought it as a Christmas gift for my brother. My sister-in-law said he rather "hold a book" so I kept it for myself. I really haven't used it as I've been busy. Last night was the first time I used it since May. I did recharge it about a month ago but it didn't work. Then I didn't have time then to call Kindle. Last night I did call and all I had to do was take off the back cover and reset it with a pen (or paper clip). This has happened before but I called to make sure of how many seconds to hold the paperclip/pen in the reset button. I was told if you hold it in for the wrong amount of time you can ruin the Kindle.

I do like the "feel" of reading a book much more than reading on Kindle. It takes time to get use to. The cover that comes with the Kindle is terrible; it never stays on. If the cover stayed on, it would feel more like a book. I think you can buy another cover but I haven't wanted to spend the money. Hopefully they upgraded the covers on the new Kindle.

The Kindle does not have pages numbers which can be annonying. There is a series of #'s on the bottom of a "page"which I haven't figured out. I should take the time to read the Kindle forums. The reason there are no page #'s is that you can adjust the size font. Since I read in a large font, I would have more "pages" than someone that has better eyesight and reads in a smaller font.

When you turn on the Kindle it should go to the "page" you were on last. Since I haven't used it in so long, I forgot where I was in the book. I even forgot what book I was reading. When I said this to Kindle support last night, he said even though it hadn't been working, that it should go back to my last page if I had the wireless turned on when I last turned it off in May. I must have as it did go to the page I was last reading. Thank goodness.

Kindle support has been great. When I came home from Aruba last January, my Kindle didn't work. Maybe? I got sand in it. I called support and they told me to reset it. Still didn't work. They sent me another one with a shipping label to send mine back. The 2nd one I had trouble with (no sand) and they send me a 3rd one. The 3rd one I was sitting poolside at Divi Golf Resort in April and sat my butt down on it. Amazing but it didn't crack but it didn't work. Its funny now but it wasn't then. Came home from Aruba' called Kindle (not telling them I sat on it) and they sent me another one. In one year I'm on my 4th Kindle.

You can also listen to audio books on the Kindle which I haven't done. I know Andrea loves her audio books but I rather read.

I had no problem reading in sunlight. Now they have the Interntional Kindle so you can download books/magaines/newspapers in Aruba.

Would I recommend the Kindle. Yes. But I don't have time to be a avid reader. I know people that read a book in 1 or 2 days. That gets expensive buying books for Kindle or Sony readers. If you didn't know, you can "share" books with up to 7 people if they are on your Amazon account.

kthy66 · 11-06-2009, 01:36 PM

I have the Sony Reader and I love it. I've only had it about 3 months and will be taking it to Aruba next week. I will let you know then if I still love it.
I was very concerned when I first purchased a reader how it would be for my eyes but I have used it consistently and it is just like reading a regular book. I am so happy I got it now!
and the money I save buying e-books versus paperbacks is huge!

cindyo · 11-06-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kthy66

I have the Sony Reader and I love it. I've only had it about 3 months and will be taking it to Aruba next week. I will let you know then if I still love it.
I was very concerned when I first purchased a reader how it would be for my eyes but I have used it consistently and it is just like reading a regular book. I am so happy I got it now!
and the money I save buying e-books versus paperbacks is huge!

Kathy, which model did you get?? We're looking at them for CHristmas gifts and saw 2 different types. We have a sony store in the mall but no one seemed interested in waiting on us so we left with no info.
I think it would be great especially if the kids could download books for college/nursing school.
Any tips would be appreicated. cindy

purpleangel · 11-06-2009, 04:41 PM

I'm lurking on this thread to hear opinions, recommendations, etc. We're thinking of getting some kind of reader for my mother. But I just don't know if she is technical enough to download books or want to. The concept is similar to an iPod, correct? You go to certain sites and download books for a fee? What is the average cost for a book?

kthy66 · 11-06-2009, 04:52 PM

Hi Cindy, I got the PRS-505. I did a lot of research and thought that it was the best bang for the buck.
It doesn't have the wireless capability like the kindle but they are coming out with one. Personally I didn't really care about the wireless. The wireless provides the ability to download without having to plug into a computer. The Sony reader came with the data cable and it worked great transferring from my computer to the reader and it also charges when you plug it in.

I also purchased an AC charger for short money just in case I need to recharge while away from my puter.

The resolution is real easy on the eyes and I do love that I can make the print bigger. Sometimes at night I can't put the darn thing down and I need the bigger print because my eyes are half shut.

You can take a look at the sony store http://ebookstore.sony.com/.. gives you an idea on how their prices are and such...
plus you can order books through other service as well like ebooks.com

I don't think you can go wrong with either the Kindle or Sony. I heard that borders is coming out with one as well.
Hope this helps.. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.. Ill answer as best I can.

SanNic44 · 11-07-2009, 10:20 AM

I have a Kindle, one of the first version. Works very well. Reading is easy. Toting dozens of books in that little gadget is also better than literally toting dozens of books.

In Aruba, the whispernet function doesn't work. No worries. I download the books to the computer, drag them onto the Kindle, and you're good to go.

Plus, the prices for books are significantly less. If you read steadily, you'll use up the price of the Kindle in savings on the cover price.

Enjoy.

44

11-06-2009, 08:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
damnyankeeuk Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 15	Electronic book readers Probably WAY off topic...I'm thinking of getting one of these for the OH to take when we go to Aruba next year. She is an avid reader, and it would save us a ton of weight in the bqaggage. Anyone use one of these in Aruba? I've noticed that the specs on all the different ones has a maxtemp of 95, and I know it gets that hot or hotter some days. Any problems with them? Also, can you REALLY read them in direct sunlight? Seems hard to believe to me, but trying them out here in the UK isn't going to give you a fair test. Lastly, anyone got suggestions on the best model? The4y all seem pricy, and I'm a bit worried about the actual cost of getting books, and not being able to have a backup on some of the different ones. Any advice would be gratefully received, before I blow the retirement check on one that's not worth the dosh! Cheers, Greg

11-06-2009, 09:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: eagle beach alto vista chapel arashi beach amsterdam manor beach bar LePonderosa or Gold Mine Ranch about 30' off shore @ eagle beach..ahhhh Posts: 4,201 Images: 40	OH OH OH did you refer to your wife as an OH ??? (i am SMILING) Liz - arubalover has a KINDLE i am not sure how happy she is with it. my husband has been eyeballing one and also the SONY model. My husband is a newspaper addict. We subscribe to the boston globe, usa toady and the wsj as well as our local. since we are in central maine, we get these papers by us mail, a day late. AND they are costly I wish my husband would at least try to borrow a kindle to see if he could get used to it. our monthly newspaper bill is almost $180 it is disgusting and being retired and literally on a fixed income is more than we should be spending a kindle would allow him cheaper subscriptions __________________ Aruba Jan 21 for 2 weeks!

11-06-2009, 12:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
Liz - Aruba Lover Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,323	I got the Kindle last October when it was shown on Oprah. I originally bought it as a Christmas gift for my brother. My sister-in-law said he rather "hold a book" so I kept it for myself. I really haven't used it as I've been busy. Last night was the first time I used it since May. I did recharge it about a month ago but it didn't work. Then I didn't have time then to call Kindle. Last night I did call and all I had to do was take off the back cover and reset it with a pen (or paper clip). This has happened before but I called to make sure of how many seconds to hold the paperclip/pen in the reset button. I was told if you hold it in for the wrong amount of time you can ruin the Kindle. I do like the "feel" of reading a book much more than reading on Kindle. It takes time to get use to. The cover that comes with the Kindle is terrible; it never stays on. If the cover stayed on, it would feel more like a book. I think you can buy another cover but I haven't wanted to spend the money. Hopefully they upgraded the covers on the new Kindle. The Kindle does not have pages numbers which can be annonying. There is a series of #'s on the bottom of a "page"which I haven't figured out. I should take the time to read the Kindle forums. The reason there are no page #'s is that you can adjust the size font. Since I read in a large font, I would have more "pages" than someone that has better eyesight and reads in a smaller font. When you turn on the Kindle it should go to the "page" you were on last. Since I haven't used it in so long, I forgot where I was in the book. I even forgot what book I was reading. When I said this to Kindle support last night, he said even though it hadn't been working, that it should go back to my last page if I had the wireless turned on when I last turned it off in May. I must have as it did go to the page I was last reading. Thank goodness. Kindle support has been great. When I came home from Aruba last January, my Kindle didn't work. Maybe? I got sand in it. I called support and they told me to reset it. Still didn't work. They sent me another one with a shipping label to send mine back. The 2nd one I had trouble with (no sand) and they send me a 3rd one. The 3rd one I was sitting poolside at Divi Golf Resort in April and sat my butt down on it. Amazing but it didn't crack but it didn't work. Its funny now but it wasn't then. Came home from Aruba' called Kindle (not telling them I sat on it) and they sent me another one. In one year I'm on my 4th Kindle. You can also listen to audio books on the Kindle which I haven't done. I know Andrea loves her audio books but I rather read. I had no problem reading in sunlight. Now they have the Interntional Kindle so you can download books/magaines/newspapers in Aruba. Would I recommend the Kindle. Yes. But I don't have time to be a avid reader. I know people that read a book in 1 or 2 days. That gets expensive buying books for Kindle or Sony readers. If you didn't know, you can "share" books with up to 7 people if they are on your Amazon account. __________________ http://dinearuba.com Aruba Lover since 1985 Last edited by Liz - Aruba Lover; 11-06-2009 at 12:06 PM.

11-06-2009, 01:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
kthy66 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manchebo Eagle Beach, Oceania Residences, Occidental Posts: 187 Images: 19	I have the Sony Reader and I love it. I've only had it about 3 months and will be taking it to Aruba next week. I will let you know then if I still love it. I was very concerned when I first purchased a reader how it would be for my eyes but I have used it consistently and it is just like reading a regular book. I am so happy I got it now! and the money I save buying e-books versus paperbacks is huge! __________________

11-06-2009, 04:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
purpleangel Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 97	I'm lurking on this thread to hear opinions, recommendations, etc. We're thinking of getting some kind of reader for my mother. But I just don't know if she is technical enough to download books or want to. The concept is similar to an iPod, correct? You go to certain sites and download books for a fee? What is the average cost for a book? __________________ Darlene

11-06-2009, 04:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
kthy66 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manchebo Eagle Beach, Oceania Residences, Occidental Posts: 187 Images: 19	Hi Cindy, I got the PRS-505. I did a lot of research and thought that it was the best bang for the buck. It doesn't have the wireless capability like the kindle but they are coming out with one. Personally I didn't really care about the wireless. The wireless provides the ability to download without having to plug into a computer. The Sony reader came with the data cable and it worked great transferring from my computer to the reader and it also charges when you plug it in. I also purchased an AC charger for short money just in case I need to recharge while away from my puter. The resolution is real easy on the eyes and I do love that I can make the print bigger. Sometimes at night I can't put the darn thing down and I need the bigger print because my eyes are half shut. You can take a look at the sony store http://ebookstore.sony.com/.. gives you an idea on how their prices are and such... plus you can order books through other service as well like ebooks.com I don't think you can go wrong with either the Kindle or Sony. I heard that borders is coming out with one as well. Hope this helps.. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.. Ill answer as best I can. __________________

11-07-2009, 10:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
SanNic44 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Savaneta Posts: 727	I have a Kindle, one of the first version. Works very well. Reading is easy. Toting dozens of books in that little gadget is also better than literally toting dozens of books. In Aruba, the whispernet function doesn't work. No worries. I download the books to the computer, drag them onto the Kindle, and you're good to go. Plus, the prices for books are significantly less. If you read steadily, you'll use up the price of the Kindle in savings on the cover price. Enjoy. 44 __________________ Aruba's Novelist in Residence (sometimes) http://www.bentpage.wordpress.com/