Comments for eBook Reader Reviews

Comment on Ectaco JetBook by Jon Lumsden

Jon Lumsden — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:12:16 +0000

I had been a die-hard paper book guy, but finally decided to give Kindle a try after reading the User’s Manual online. I must say, it is one well-designed device. The screen is very easy on the eyes and Amazon has done a great job putting the technology in the background so that you get that much-loved “lost in the book” feeling when you read. I don’t know how they did it, but I absolutely do not miss the paperback. In fact, it’s more immersive than a paperback since you’re not having to constantly fight the book’s desire to spring closed. I can read for hours (when I have time) without eye strain. And changing the text font size is a huge plus for avoiding eye strain or adjusting to your reading environment on the fly. I can also share books with family members that have a Kindle, an iPhone, or an iPod Touch (up to units are allowed on the account). My favorite features:

> Wireless downloading of books (GREAT feature. No need to wait to grab something to read while on the plane or just out and about!)
> Syncs last page read with my iPhone and vice versa, so I can read off my iPhone if that is what’s handy, and then pick up again on my Kindle later
> Electronic library and notes backup on Amazon.com
> Coworkers can email me .doc and .pdf files directly to my Kindle while I’m on the road
> The awesome screen – just can’t say enough about the quality of the reading experience
> The ability to bookmark, highlight, and take notes
> Built-in dictionary and Wikipedia access
> Access to my entire eBook library, all the time
> Mobi has many full collections available for under $5.00 (e.g., Mark Twain, Sherlock Holmes, etc.) – And they ALL fit on the Kindle!

There are a few cons:
> PDF documents do not convert terribly well, and you cannot create a live table of contents for PDFs and DOC files sent to your Kindle
> Many books I would love to have on the Kindle are not available, but a few surprise books have been, so I guess it balances out
> Cannot create Word or PDF documents with Table of Contents that the Kindle recognizes and makes active.
> Family will need their own Kindle or Apple device to access your library. This is a downfall of any eBook setup, but it’s the way of the future. Get ready to convert your stuffy home library space into a movie or game room!
> Would love a book checkout option so that I’m not having to actually buy everything I read. Maybe libraries will get there with Amazon, much like they let you check out audio books online. A subscription-based system (like Netflix for books) would also be a great idea.

When my kids get older, I will be getting Kindles for them too. They can read wherever they are. What a great way to develop the love for reading!

Kindle is a great device, and like it or not, it’s the way of the future.

Comment on Sony Readers by Sanjaykumar Patel

Sanjaykumar Patel — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:19:35 +0000

I really like the new look and feel of K2. Unlike K1, it’s thinner and consistent in size; nice brush steel look on the back. The plastic seems better quality and more sturdy, although I wish they offer other colors. The K2 seems heavier. The side buttons depress inward thus preventing from inadvertent page turns when handling. The screen does refresh faster, the screen is crisper. I just sold my K1 today to a friend after he noticed my K2. I am very happy with the purchase. I still buy physical books sometimes, but nothing beats this for function, especially for travelers like me. Hope this helps.
david

Comment on Amazon Kindle 2 by Michael LaBossiere

Michael LaBossiere — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:19:19 +0000

First of all… I want to address some of the negative reviews coming in for this device.

If you read them closely, most of the reviewers do not even own the item, nor plan to buy one. A product review is not a forum for opinions without actually having used the product. This goes both ways… I’m looking at you, 5-starrers with no Kindle!

The other negatives almost exclusively blame backlighting.
I have one irrefutable response to this:

DO ACTUAL PAPER BOOKS HAVE BACKLIGHTING? NO.

The Kindle is not designed to be the same as other e-book readers. The screen is a new technology, and most likely can not support backlighting, simply because of it’s E-Ink.

Now, I could go on and on about how great this thing is, all of the features, ease-of-use, etc… But there’s no need. Everything you see on the product page and video demonstrations is true. It works flawlessly. It’s a great replacement for traditional paper books. Seeing one in my hands, I can’t help but predict in about 25 years we’ll be in a place where our kids will be using similar devices in schools for textbook downloads or businessmen and women will be using them for training and reference.

Amazon has stumbled upon something big here.

Keep it coming.

Comment on iLiad 2nd Edition by Peter Katy

Peter Katy — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:45:39 +0000

I resisted buying a Kindle when it first came out because I LOVE bookstores – and I love the feel of a book in my hands. Because I am a voracious reader – my books are overtaking my home. So, I took a long and careful look at the Kindle 2. I have been using the Kindle now for almost a month and I wonder why I waited so long! It is wonderful – easy to hold, convenient to carry – and books are not piling up all around me. I still go to the bookstore – browse, pick up and hold books, look through them – and then go to have coffee and download them on my Kindle! The best of both worlds!

Comment on Nook from Barnes & Noble by tubaboy

tubaboy — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:20:20 +0000

I hear they are completely sold out:

“In what may remind many consumers of the Amazon Kindle’s early days, Barnes & Noble expects shipments of its nook e-book reader to be delayed. On Friday, the giant book retailer said it has sold out its first batch of nooks amid high demand — and new shipments won’t be available until after the holiday shopping season ends.”

Comment on Amazon Kindle 2 by tubaboy

tubaboy — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:19:47 +0000

Amazon has upgraded its Kindle 2 e-book reader, bringing the device more on par with its Kindle DX. Amazon’s improved Kindle 2 features a longer (85%!!) battery life, wide-screen viewing and a software upgrade that supports PDF viewing and rotation. Hard to beat…

Comment on Nook from Barnes & Noble by Bobby Griswold

Bobby Griswold — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:56:20 +0000

This looks like a Kindle-beater to me….but I’m waiting for the Apple ebook to come out. Anybody hear anything?

Comment on Amazon Kindle 2 by Judy Boucher

Judy Boucher — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:57:29 +0000

I’m on my second Kindle, the first one was stolen, I reloaded all my books and I’m back to normal

Comment on Astak EZ Reader by Ernie Butcher

Ernie Butcher — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:54:51 +0000

It has an 8,000 page turn battery life. I bought an extra battery for my briefcase.
Also SD cards ard cheap I stuck a 2GB battery in and I have room for a shelf full of books.

Comment on iLiad 2nd Edition by Richie Witt

Richie Witt — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:49:14 +0000

Here is a youtube.com review.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdlPHxPNw-Y