silverthunder | (no subject)

So, who all has a Kindle? Is it any good? Easy to use? Durable? How do you think it holds up against Sony's new PRS-600?

I really hate the touchscreen Sony loves so much (particularly since it makes the screen reflective and that would bug the crap out of me), but their non-touchscreen models apparently aren't as good (someone correct me if I'm wrong about this). However, Sony has the advantage of supporting the format used for library books (Kindle does not). I also don't care about wireless networks and downloading books immediately to the device, so that feature doesn't give Kindle any particular advantage in my opinion.

I don't know if I'd actually end up using up the space on the Kindle (3GB is a lot for books, and I can always keep a backup on my PC and swap books in/out if I somehow end up with that many of them), but the Sony has SD slots that allow you to expand the memory, which is another plus. Unfortunately, Sony starts out with only 512MB.

Another nice thing about the Kindle is the price. It's about $60 cheaper than the Sony. Even with the shipping cost added to that, it's still going to be less expensive.

Small instant-gratification issue: I could buy a Sony from Future Shop and have it immediately, but Kindle is temporarily sold out and won't be shipped before Sept 20th according to Amazon. I am not a patient person. It is tempting to go with Sony just so I can have it now.

One of my co-workers just got the new Kindle and loves it, and one of my friends has a Sony PRS-700 (very similar to the 600, I understand) and loves it. I'm kind of wavering between them - which would I like better? I don't know.

Any thoughts or insight?

Threaded | Flat

I have a Kobo (http://yukinoomoni.livejournal.com/tag/oh%20kobo), and so far it's great. The battery life is really good, it's light and durable, and it's easy to use. Like I say in my review, it's got its flaws, but for the most part it's not bad.

The Kindle is fine if you just plan on purchasing things from Amazon or what have you from what I've heard, since it's lame and only supports specific formats. That and I think that some publishers won't permit them to use their books on it because of that feature or something else that's silly. (These are things I heard from the 2nd in command @ work. She has a Sony, and kept telling us about the new Kindle, Sony, Kobo stuff.) But ya, if you don't mind those couple of downsides then maybe the Kindle is right for you! :D

I've only personally seen the Kobo up close and personal. It's purdy. But ya, lacking a few features, but for $150 what can ya do?

Damn I'm out of the loop then! Didn't know it was that easy to convert the files! But ya, and I didn't realize that they were so inexpensive now! But yeah, good luck! (I still say go with Sony! Cause well.. it's sony! ;P Mwah hahah!) but ya! :D

Sometimes conversion isn't that easy if it requires DRM stripping (which can be complicated).

In my case I actually got a Sony e-reader a year back, realised I just couldn't get used to e-ink (the black flashing when changing pages) and gave it to a friend. Then I went the way of LCD e-readers. If I could have afforded it I might have gone for an iPad but it kinda sucks in daylight and I probably would get minimal reading done since I'd get distracted by other options like video (unlike with a dedicated e-reader). I guess ultimately it depends on what you're looking for in an e-reader and what your priorities are in buying one.

My one bit of advice is to go cheap for now since in a few years, there'll probably be something a LOT better out - the market is still pretty new.

Edit: *facepalms* Oh and I ended up with the Jetbook Lite haha

Edited 2010-09-03 01:17 (UTC)

All this talk is getting me tempted to buy something like that now. I love science books, and I especially love new science articles and magazines.

You must keep me informed of what you decide to do! :D