Getting an ereader

burntheladle

So, I have decided that this summer is going to be my summer of Reading Important Books. As much as I love reading physical books, they're expensive, and since I'm only in the US for a year, acquiring a large amount of them is not really a good plan.

Enter, the e-reader. I know nothing about these devices, but I suspect it would make my life easier. I also hear that many of the classics are technically out of copywrite, so you can get free copies for ereaders.

Which should I go for? Kindle, or the Nook? (Ipad is far too expensive). Ultimately, I'd like it to be something I can take back to Australia with me and use there, is that going to be an issue?

Any advice?

TychoCelchuuu

http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=106342

It's mostly personal preference if it comes down to Kindle or Nook.

PolloDiablo

You could check out the ereader thread. Lots of good info there. I'd also recommend checking out the Sony readers. They've been in the game longer than Amazon or B&N, and I feel theirs are generally the best at the moment.

Bionic Monkey

It's largely a matter of personal choice, and what features each one offers that you're particularly interested in. I have a couple days off later this week, and will probably update the OP in that thread to include the iPad, the Kobo and a couple others that people have been talking about.

kaliyama

burntheladle wrote: »

So, I have decided that this summer is going to be my summer of Reading Important Books. As much as I love reading physical books, they're expensive, and since I'm only in the US for a year, acquiring a large amount of them is not really a good plan.

Enter, the e-reader. I know nothing about these devices, but I suspect it would make my life easier. I also hear that many of the classics are technically out of copywrite, so you can get free copies for ereaders.

Which should I go for? Kindle, or the Nook? (Ipad is far too expensive). Ultimately, I'd like it to be something I can take back to Australia with me and use there, is that going to be an issue?

Any advice?

You'd have to figure out which kindle to get - the american one is going to charge you roaming fees via the bookstore when you go back to australia. i think you need to get the kindle DX. Though if you're just here for a summer but won't be mobile, you could always just hit up the library.

Bionic Monkey

kaliyama wrote: »

You'd have to figure out which kindle to get - the american one is going to charge you roaming fees via the bookstore when you go back to australia. i think you need to get the kindle DX. Though if you're just here for a summer but won't be mobile, you could always just hit up the library.

Actually, the Kindle 2 is international now, whether you buy it in America or otherwise. Australia is included in the coverage map.

burntheladle

From looking, I think I will buy a Kobo. It's a great price, I don't want anything fancy, and I really like their international bookstore...

now, do I preorder from borders or order directly fromt them??

Daenris

Keep in mind that the Kobo doesn't have wireless at all to purchase books directly on the device. You need to use either a supported bluetooth phone or a computer to purchase books and then transfer them to the ereader. Not sure if this matters to you, but it's worth pointing out in case you missed it.

burntheladle

That's okay, once I take it home (to Australia) I won't be able to do that with most of the others either. Thanks though

Klingers

A friend of mine recently had another mutual friend bring him back a Sony Reader from the States (we're in Aus too) and he swears by it.

I've handled it a few times and it's pretty good.

Spam

I've had a Sony Reader (PRS-505) for the last year and a half, and I absolutely adore it - it's rock solid, battery lasts for weeks and I use it daily.

Saying that though, when I bought it the Kindle wasn't available in the UK unless i got one off ebay for extortionate prices. If I was buying a new one now, I would definately go for the Kindle.

DHS Odium

I have the Sony Pocket Reader (PRS-300 I think), and I love it. It's bare bones but that's exactly what I wanted, and has good support for a variety of formats. I've been reading a ton of free books on it, and I picked it up for about $160.