Electronic Readers

[V8Ian]

What hardware do you use? I am considering a Kindle Paperwhite. Anybody using one and is there any benefit in shelling out the extra thirty bills for the 3g model?

[Dizza]

The 3g models are usually worthwhile when it comes to E-book readers. Put yourself on a non expiring prepaid plan and you can download books, newspapers etc. on the go. And considering your average E-book works out to be less than 1mb you shouldn't need to get more credit for a while. (Its especially handy if you get yourself a subscription to the local paper, have it download on the way to work or whatever )

Thats what i say to customers anyway You probably already knew that much.
Dizza

[V8Ian]

I only envisage downloading books but like so many gadgets, once one discovers all the features and capabilities, one could find other uses for it. I went and looked at one at Dick Smiths today but didn't purchase as the assistant was very sneery when I asked questions about it. The 3G model comes with free wi-fi for the life of the device. If I subscribed to a newspaper, how well would this model cope with picture files? Do you sell these toys?

[Chops]

I bought one of these for Leeanne last Xmas, she loves it. It has the permanent WIFI, so whenever we're in range she can scrounge for another book if she wants.
She doesn't do the paper/magazine thing though, so I cant comment on that side of it.

Annnd soo, having said all that, she bought an actual book last week, , as it wasn't available on the e-book sites anywhere,, well Kindle anyway,,

[V8Ian]

Do different brands of readers restrict one to specific sites for downloading?

[Dizza]

I only envisage downloading books but like so many gadgets, once one discovers all the features and capabilities, one could find other uses for it. I went and looked at one at Dick Smiths today but didn't purchase as the assistant was very sneery when I asked questions about it. The 3G model comes with free wi-fi for the life of the device. If I subscribed to a newspaper, how well would this model cope with picture files? Do you sell these toys?

Dick Smith is a bit like that And their prices tend to be pretty average.
It does but obviously you need to be within range of a wi-fi network for it to work. The advantage of the 3G is that you can do that anywhere. which is handy when you are on the road.
Obviously the picture files are in black and white but you would be surprised at the quality of the images on e-readers in general.

Typically each device is limited to its specific e-book store (Kobo connects to Kobo store, Kindle connects to kindle store) but they tend to have similar content.

The newspaper subscriptions are very handy. They automatically download the latest paper for you when its released. Great for travel as you can get the news without having to grab a paper from the newsagents and drag it around in your car for the rest of the trip. (though an e-reader makes terrible kindling )

[Chucaro]

What about the option of purchasing a samsung 7" pad for less than $200 and read ebooks in pdf format?
Is a good option?
There are plenty sites like THIS with ebooks

[V8Ian]

So Booktopia, Bookworld etc, who sell downloadable books (eBooks) sell different formats for the various brands?

[sheerluck]

So Booktopia, Bookworld etc, who sell downloadable books (eBooks) sell different formats for the various brands?

Most of them will be very clear about what format they're selling, and what devices they are suitable for.

I'm not sure where you are, but the local libraries down here have e-book copies to lend out.

[digger]

Ian, with your trade I thought youd prefer talking books!