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Original poster

Kindle or Sony reader?

47 replies

geordieminx · 17/09/2010 19:38

Dh really into books, and has currently nabbed my ipad to read books on.

Its our anniversary in a few weeks and thinking about something like this but I have no idea about them - which is better yadda yadda - can anyone reccomend one or the other please?

OP posts:
ChunkyPickle · 17/09/2010 19:52

I'm on my second sony e-reader and love it (broke the screen on my first) - but it depends where you want to get your books from which you should buy.

I read a lot of free/out of copyright stuff, so it was important to me that my reader could support loads of book formats, and that I could just bung them on a memory card/copy them straight across from the computer (over a lead - the e-reader isn't wireless).

If you want to buy new books on amazon then the kindle is probably a better bet, but I don't like that they control my library rather than me.

ChunkyPickle · 17/09/2010 19:53

BTW - get a separate booklight - if you use the built in screen light then it sucks the battery life right out of it (from weeks, to a couple of nights)

VivaLeBeaver · 17/09/2010 19:54

I've just ordered a kindle. If you go into Amazon a customer has done a video review comparing them both side by side. What swung it for me was the price of the e-books, kindle books seem a lot cheaper.

ChunkyPickle · 17/09/2010 19:55

Oh, and e-ink displays really are worth it if you're a book reader (rather than the ipad, which my boyfriend prefers because he reads comics) - you can read it in direct sunlight, and it's way better for reading in the dark in bed - much easier on your eyes

VivaLeBeaver · 17/09/2010 20:00

Do you need a booklight for it? Would it not be ok with the bedside lamp like a normal book is?

Original poster
geordieminx · 17/09/2010 20:04

He has a head torch for reading in bed... it was that or divorce Grin

So 1 vote each just now then.

He only tends to read lee child/thriller/army type books.. nothing intersting Grin

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SandyisinCaldwell · 17/09/2010 21:24

I've had the Kindle 3 for 2 weeks now - IT IS AMAZING!!! The e-ink is just incredible.

Original poster
geordieminx · 17/09/2010 21:26

oooh tempting - 3g or just wifi?

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VivaLeBeaver · 17/09/2010 21:32

Sandy = how long did your kindle take to come. Amazon are saying expected delivery is 2-3 weeks. I'm going on holiday in 4 weeks so am anxious!

SandyisinCaldwell · 17/09/2010 22:12

Geordie: just wifi, I didn't need 3g.

Viva: I ordered it the day it was put on Amazon - was due for dispatch 31st August, got it 7th Sept - your going to love it! I bought a skin for mine which makes it look great - just trying to decide on a cover now.

VivaLeBeaver · 17/09/2010 22:14

Oh dear, I'm worried it won't come in time.

SandyisinCaldwell · 17/09/2010 22:20

Viva: are you following it on Amazon with the tracking number?

VivaLeBeaver · 17/09/2010 23:05

No tracking number available yet, no estimated delivery date either.

pointydog · 17/09/2010 23:11

Best to wait until there is a standard and then you will be able to buy books from a wider selection of companies. No?

I think it's probably a waste of money to buy one now.

Original poster
geordieminx · 18/09/2010 10:32

so if i bought the kindle would i only be able to download from amazon, but with the sony you can download from anywhere and stick onto memory or sd card?

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Prolesworth · 18/09/2010 10:37

This reply has been deleted

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VivaLeBeaver · 18/09/2010 11:31

I don't think that Sony can accept the Kindle e-books from Amazon. Check the prices of the books out before you buy. You can get e-books for the Sony from Waterstones and WHsmiths

roisin · 18/09/2010 11:45

I am lusting after a kindle.
What's the difference between 3g and wifi? (Luddite)

mspotatochip · 18/09/2010 11:53

some libraries have started an e library (surrey for one). They do books in adobe epub format. The kindle as far asI know won't support that so I think I'm going to get a sony

VivaLeBeaver · 18/09/2010 12:09

Wifi ia wireless broadband. So if you have wireless broadband at home you can connect, or you'd be able to at wifi hotspots such as Starbucks.

3G is the advanced mobile phone network, not the normal basic signal but the faster one for smart phones. Not as widely available as normal phone signal but more available than wifi.

You need one or the other to get purchased books downloaded. I've gone for the cheaper wifi only Kindle as I always have wifi at home where I'd do 99% of purchasing. If on holiday and decide I need an extra book I'm sure I can find a cafe, etc with wifi quite easily.

VoldemortsNipple · 18/09/2010 12:10

I have had a kindle for about 8 months now.

I love the fact that its 3G so I can download books where ever I am.

Even more, I love the fact that you can download samples of books. Usually its is the first chapter. I always download a sample first so I know if I like it or not.

roisin 3G you can download books anywhere. WiFi you have to be in a wireless area. WiFi is fine if you are going to use your kindle mostly at home, but 3G is handy if you use it a lot for traveling. I take mine to work most days. So if I have nothing to read I will quite often download a sample of something on my break. Its very handy, but not essential.

SandyisinCaldwell · 18/09/2010 13:42

I have put a lot of PDF's on my kindle using the software programme Calibre - it is just brilliant. You load them PDF's onto Calibre - convert to Mobi and upload to your kindle which you can mess about with the text size etc Grin.

Original poster
geordieminx · 18/09/2010 15:21

So the kindle is wing then...

OP posts:
VoldemortsNipple · 18/09/2010 18:21

Do you mean vamp porn Sandy Grin

SandyisinCaldwell · 18/09/2010 22:28

Voldermortsnipple: Grin want some?