Jun 26, 2010

Reading E-Books Online versus on Kindle, Nook, etc.

Here's a copy of a real book: The Merry Misogynist: A Dr. Siri Investigation Set in Laos (Dr. Siri Paiboun), which I hope to read soon. Don't know if it's been made into an eBook or not, but.....

I don't like reading books online.

Does that mean I definitely wouldn't  like the Kindle Wireless Reading Device,  the Nook, the Sony, or the iPad ? Though I don't enjoy reading books online, I was thinking a Kindle might be nice now that the price has been cut by almost $100, I think.  I'd hate to get one and never use it.

What's been your experience?

15 comments:

  1. I prefer the solid object, nothing beats the feel & smell of a book

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  2. I have a Sony eReader and would like a Kindle, but here's my problem. Most of the books I get are either from PBS (Paperback Swap) or my library. I do have two to four from Amazon Vine and two from a book club, but the first two places really keep me deep in books. If I purchased a Kindle and even went so far as to get books for it, those books would stay on the device unread. How do I know? I bought A BUNCH for my Sony at the beginning of the year, thinking that I'd need them since I was moving away from book reviewing. Those books are still on my eReader and I haven't read them yet.

    I guess when the books at my library dry up as well as books from PBS, then I'll need to look at this again.

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  3. I sold my Kindle and got the iPad. I love the iPad reader option better than the Kindle (backlit is a fabulous feature) and love just sliding my finger to turn the page, but honestly, I'm one of those readers who will always prefer print books more.

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  4. Parris and Diane: I agree - the paper book is the best, much more personal to my way of thinking, though eReaders are more convenient.

    J.Kaye: I can understand how you would choose the library books or PBS to sitting with your Sony. I think the same thing would happen with me.

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  5. I so love the feel of turning one page after another and I love going to the bookstore and perusing the shelves, picking up a book, putting it down, looking at another one. I'm not sure if I can switch to an e-book world yet, since I think of books as cozy, and I can't imagine curling up with my Nook on a cold and rainy day. However, I travel so much for work that I have really begun to entertain the idea of getting a Nook. I nearly accosted someone at the San Diego airport when I was flying back to Florida last year and asked him if I could take a look at it -- it's so nice and light! All I could think was how much easier it would be to cart that around instead of a hardcover!

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  6. Coffee and a Book Chick: I totally agree an eReader would be great for trips, waiting in line, sitting on a crowded airplane. But I'd love the real thing once I arrive at my destination, even on the beach!

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  7. Well, I have a few eReaders (I'm a gadget nerd, ok), and I think my preferred choice is the Kindle 2 overall. I LOVE my iPad, but it is a bit heavy. (I do like being able to turn the pages just like a book though and the colorful screen which seems easier to read on)

    One other thing to consider about buying an eReader is that there may be some books you don't necessarily want to keep as a paperback, hardcover. And the eReader makes it nice to save a little space. My hubby would like me to save space by never buying another physical book,but that would NEVER happen! :-)

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  8. I use my Kindle (or rather I did before my dog broke it -- but I'll replace it shortly) for travel. I take a regular book to read in a plane, the car, whatever, then download other books to read while I'm away instead of carrying a lot of books with me. I prefer the real thing, but I must say, the Kindle is so handy when you want to travel light. And I know I'll never run out of something to read.

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  9. Thanks for all the input, everyone! Seems the Kindle is a favorite, with the iPad aclose second. I guess this means the new Kobo eReader is not that great or well known??

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  10. I just wanted to chime in here... I've had a nook since it first came out and I take it everywhere with me. Barnes and Noble has been really great about giving away free books on Fridays, in store deals, and keeping their software updated. If your library has overdrive access, then you can check out books for nook or sony reader. Oh, and Barnes and Noble also has a first look book club just for ebooks. Using the swipe to turn the page on nook's touch screen is a lot like turning the page in a real book. Anyway, I now have a hard time picturing my life without the nook. I even read on the beach in direct sunlight.

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  11. I love my kindle, LOVE IT. As much as I do love a book the kindle is my new favourite.

    I have seen the ipads and they are to big for my liking regarding reading from.

    Here is a post I did if interested. I say get yourself a Kindle.

    http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-confess-love-my-kindle-more-than.html

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  12. The Kobo just came out last week so it may be a while before you find a lot of reviews. I got one because I wanted to try an entry-level e-reader and so far I am digging it. It goes with me wherever I go, but I also take whatever print book I'm reading at the moment, too. I'm finding I'm able to balance a nice blend of both, and I love downloading free ARCs from NetGalley and being able to read that book "I've just discovered and have to have right now" right now!

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  13. I have an Ereader and I enjoy it when I'm travelling but I still prefer paper books most of the time.And because my tbr pile is overwhelmingly paper, I don't get around to the ebooks much. and I don't know what to do with them when i'm done- can't sell 'em to the used bookstore! :-)

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  14. Thanks for this post because I'm tossing around the Kindle or Nook idea right now!! Still don't know which way to go though!!

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  15. I have the nook, but I still love reading proper books more than on a screen. I think half the problem is the book choices I have on my shelf are appealing more to me than the ebook choices I have. So I should spruce up my shelf?

    I think in the end it is a matter of getting used to something. Books will probably always be the better medium. I hate reading on computer. I'm with you on that. E-reader experience is totally different, I won't put both in the same pool. I never felt irritated reading on my nook, in fact, I love it.

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I appreciate your comments and thoughts...

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