movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Nov 15, 2012 11:52:03 GMT -5
I have been debating on getting an e-reader since the selection of e-books at my library has greatly improved. Maybe I am being too analytical about this but I am kind of confused about all the different kindles available. I have borrowed my friend's whitepaper kindle from time to time and it is pretty easy on the eyes and has no problem with glares when I sit outside to read, but I am liking the Kindle Fire. Then there is the Nook option as well. Then, of course, there is always the question of is it worth the money. I generally get my books from the library, Goodwill or Half-Priced Books so I typically don't spend a great deal on my reading. Who here has a kindle? Do you have Amazon prime as well? Are you able to borrow many books? Do you think your e-reader was worth the money?
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Green Eyed Lady
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Nov 15, 2012 11:53:42 GMT -5
I have a Kindle Fire. I love it. My sister has a Nook. After playing with my Kindle, she wishes she had bought a Kindle instead. Lots and lots of free books to choose from. I'm an avid reader so it's worth it. It fits wonderfully in my purse so it's always available when I have time to read.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Nov 15, 2012 12:11:24 GMT -5
We've had a Nook for a long time. We like it. I am able to get books from the library through it for free, which is great. They disappear after 14 or 21 days, with no re-up period, so I have to be on-task with the reading. We have gotten a bunch of free books, too. All the classics are out there, plus people make them free to get press. The Fire has a bunch of other features, but it is back-lit. I thought the whole purpose of the Kindle was that it wasn't back-lit so it was easier to read from for long, long periods of time. We haven't tried reading off the iPad or anything, so I can't speak to that. It just seems odd that they undid the big feature.
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imawino
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Post by imawino on Nov 15, 2012 12:12:17 GMT -5
I have a Kindle Fire and I do love it. But if you do a lot of outside reading it's not the best choice. It's very difficult (for me, anyway) to read in the sun....tons of glare. I debated getting another old-school Kindle before my last vacation but it really just seemed like such an excessive thing to do. Who needs 2 e-readers, right? But when I was on vacation I kinda wished I had.
Oh, mine is the regular Kindle Fire. I have not seen the new HD version.
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Green Eyed Lady
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Nov 15, 2012 12:13:29 GMT -5
Nor have I seen the new HD version. And I should have posted that I don't read outside, so I can't speak to the ease of seeing the screen outdoors.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2012 12:14:04 GMT -5
I have a nook. But I actually do my reading on my mp3 player (Samsung Galaxy 4-inch media player). Most libraries use overdrive, easy to download the app (nook and kindle have apps too). I like it better because it is lighter and smaller (fits in a normal size purse can be held very comfortably with one hand) and I can change to color scheme to night (black background with white letters) which is much easier on the eyes.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2012 12:15:30 GMT -5
I'm not sure B&N and the Nook are going to make it in the marketplace long term. I'd hate to buy into their format. My mom loves her Kindle Fire and my wife uses the Kindle app on our Galaxy 10 tablet.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Nov 15, 2012 12:21:01 GMT -5
I would agree. I suspect that everyone will just read on their tablet. No need to carry your iPad (or your Surface) AND your phone AND your Kindle AND your laptop AND whatever else we have.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Nov 15, 2012 12:22:33 GMT -5
I have a 2nd generation NOOK Simple Touch. I love it. I check out books from the library on it all the time and in 2 weeks it disappears back to the library on its own. At the time I was given it I asked for a NOOK because Kindle wasn't something I could use on the library's system.
I find it worth the money because I check out way more books now that I can do it at home on my computer rather than having to load up the kid and take her with me to the library.
It depends on the books you want to buy if it is worth it. My NOOK books are books I really wanted to read but didn't want to wait on hold at the library or for a used copy to become available. The NOOK versions were still cheaper than a new copy of the printed book.
I really like the fact that I can have dozens of books on my NOOK but it doesn't take up anymore space than it did before.
You can also get tons of free books and books for as little as a $1 on B&N.com.
I still buy and read books in print too.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Nov 15, 2012 12:39:17 GMT -5
I have the non HD Kindle Fire. I like it. I have books and apps I've gotten for free. Maybe this is a Kindle deal or just the books I tend to read but the Kindle version is very rarely cheaper for me. This is especially the cases with new releases. When the new Stephanie Plum book comes out this month, I'll be able to get a much better deal on the hardback than the Kindle version.
I have a bunch of used books I bought from Amazon sellers while I still had the one month Prime trial. They were much cheaper than the Kindle version of the same book.
For example I recently bought Good Christian Bitches after the show came out. Still pissed they cancelled it! Anyway right now the paperback goes for $6 on Amazon and the Kindle book is $8.54.
I also don't like that a lot of publishers prohibit you from lending the book. If I buy a physical copy, I can lend it to whoever I want. If I buy a Kindle copy, I may or may not be able to do that and in many cases that Kindle copy isn't discounted from the physical book price!
I do enjoy having multiple books on one little thin device.
My brother uses the Kindle app with his iPad 3. I used the app on my phone before getting the Kindle as a Christmas present last year.
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susanb
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Post by susanb on Nov 15, 2012 12:59:50 GMT -5
I have a kindle and Amazon prime through work. The borrowing is limited, but I am able to get a lot of the books I need for work for free.
As far as bargain books.....there are about 100 titles that are 3.99 or less, and the selection changes each month.
Also, if you like to read classics, you can get ridiculously good deals since those books are no longer under copyright. For example, you can get Anna Karenina for 99 cents.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Nov 15, 2012 13:03:19 GMT -5
I use my iPad as a ereader, but it really is not optimal for that. My sister has a Kinde Fire and loves it. Her kids do to because she has to fight her kids for her toy!
We're getting our dad one for Christmas.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Nov 15, 2012 14:57:38 GMT -5
I have a Kindle Fire, but mostly use my iPad for reading Kindle books. I can't remember the last time I've paid for a book. There are so many free books out there.
I will not be buying a Kindle Fire HD.
The only hard cover books I will be buying is photo books. eReaders do not do them justice.
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ontrack
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Post by ontrack on Nov 15, 2012 15:37:45 GMT -5
I have the nook tablet. I like it, but am a little disappointed in how pricey the ebook prices are. Oftentimes you can find them on sale in hardback for cheaper than the ebook version.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Nov 15, 2012 15:42:19 GMT -5
I have the nook tablet. I like it, but am a little disappointed in how pricey the ebook prices are. Oftentimes you can find them on sale in hardback for cheaper than the ebook version. That and the inability to lend certain titles are my complaints.
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nogooddeed
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Post by nogooddeed on Nov 15, 2012 15:45:42 GMT -5
I'm a Kindle Fire user and like it so much, I would buy it again. I also have Amazon Prime. Prime is worth the cost for me since I tend to order items through Amazon. Prime also sends me codes every once in a while for a free video/movie download for the Fire. The Fire also works well with my library's e-book system.
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Nov 15, 2012 15:57:33 GMT -5
So, those that use the back lit Fire, is it hard on the eyes?
I'm already on the fence about buying one, but I'd rather have something that multitasks. I'm just afraid the backlighting will be hard on my eyes. I already quit reading paperbacks because the print is so tiny in some of them.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Nov 15, 2012 16:00:04 GMT -5
So, those that use the back lit Fire, is it hard on the eyes? I'm already on the fence about buying one, but I'd rather have something that multitasks. I'm just afraid the backlighting will be hard on my eyes. I already quit reading paperbacks because the print is so tiny in some of them. This what I am afraid of as well. I read that they added an anti-glare screen to the Kindle HD so I might end up getting one of those.
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Nov 15, 2012 16:05:38 GMT -5
So, those that use the back lit Fire, is it hard on the eyes? I'm already on the fence about buying one, but I'd rather have something that multitasks. I'm just afraid the backlighting will be hard on my eyes. I already quit reading paperbacks because the print is so tiny in some of them. This what I am afraid of as well. I read that they added an anti-glare screen to the Kindle HD so I might end up getting one of those. It's too bad I don't know anyone with one I could borrow for a couple of days to test drive it. Glare/backlighting and font size are my 2 concerns. Of course, if it was a Fire, my kids would get use out of it if I couldn't.
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Post by illinicheme on Nov 15, 2012 16:12:38 GMT -5
I have a Nook Color that DH bought me for my birthday about 1.5 years ago (the Kindle Fire wasn't available at the time). I really like it, and make extensive use of my library's e-book collection. Fortunately for me, you can check out books repeatedly, so if you don't get it read within 3 weeks, you can check it out again (whenever it becomes available, which can be a REALLY long wait time for the very popular books).
Before DH got my the Nook, I was worried about the comfort factor when reading (hard on the eyes, heavy to hold, etc.) Turns out not to be a problem at all. Not that there is never fatigue, but it's nothing worse than what you feel if you're holding a book all day. In some ways, it's much easier, because you don't feel any strain trying to hold a stiff spine open or anything. And I like having a backlit e-reader, because I can read in the dark (can adjust the brightness way down as necessary).
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justme
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Post by justme on Nov 15, 2012 16:15:08 GMT -5
I have a Kindle, I got it when someone here posted they were 40% off (I signed up for their CC so I got it free with the giftcard I got as a reweard for opening the CC). I have read a lot more since I got it, but that's 100% because my library has such an extensive selection of e-books. It's a lot easier to read when you don't have to make a trip to the library and the book is automatically checked back in. I previously have borrowed my brother's Nook and liked it just as much (having read on it it prompted me to jump on the Kindle deal when I heard about it).
ETA: The trick with at least the Kindle is to turn off the wifi before your loan ends. The book still gets returned so someone else can check it out, but your Kindle doesn't know it was returned until it gets back on the wifi. I was 75% done with a book and it was due back, turned off the wifi and had no problem finishing it. Which is good since I waited over a month to get it in the first place!
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justme
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Post by justme on Nov 15, 2012 16:19:26 GMT -5
I have the nook tablet. I like it, but am a little disappointed in how pricey the ebook prices are. Oftentimes you can find them on sale in hardback for cheaper than the ebook version. That and the inability to lend certain titles are my complaints. From what I've heard the Nook suprasses the Kindle on the ability to lend titles.
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sbcalimom
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Post by sbcalimom on Nov 15, 2012 16:20:52 GMT -5
I have a Kindle keyboard and LOVE it. The library has a decent selection of ebooks to check out though usually not all that I'm looking for. I do have Amazon prime though I hardly every use the free book option because it only lets you take one a month and for whatever reason, I never remember until I already have one waiting for me to read. My latest obsession is the Paperwhite but I really haven't been able to justify getting it since I already have one that works perfectly fine. I just think having the backlight would be super helpful and the screen is supposed to be even easier to read. We'll see how long I can hold out. Several people have said I should just buy it and then sell my existing one on CL or something. Doesn't help my resisting either that my screen is a tad scratched.
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justme
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Post by justme on Nov 15, 2012 16:24:48 GMT -5
I would agree. I suspect that everyone will just read on their tablet. No need to carry your iPad (or your Surface) AND your phone AND your Kindle AND your laptop AND whatever else we have. But their format is PDF & ePub - the same format that any other non-Kindle ereader uses. Also, B&N spun off their ereader into a separate company and partnered with Microsoft so maybe they're doing positioning in case the brick & motor stores keep doing bad?
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t-dog
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Post by t-dog on Nov 15, 2012 16:55:09 GMT -5
I too have the original Kindle Fire. you can change the screen brightness, so reading outdoors at DS sports practices has never been a problem. DS loves the dang thing as much as I do and I often have to fight him for it. I get an email blast that often has links to free kindle books and as others have said, I rent em from the library for 21 days easy peasy. The classics are free to very low cost. I love having access to 45 books in one device. If you have an android phone you can download the kindle app and read your books on your phone too - have done that when stuck somewhere I didn't plan to be and without my Kindle. I actually have the kindle app on my work iPhone too.
ETA - I am going to check out the HD Fire as a possible Christmas present to me and just give the original fire to the DS.
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nogooddeed
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Post by nogooddeed on Nov 16, 2012 8:30:48 GMT -5
This what I am afraid of as well. I read that they added an anti-glare screen to the Kindle HD so I might end up getting one of those. It's too bad I don't know anyone with one I could borrow for a couple of days to test drive it. Glare/backlighting and font size are my 2 concerns. Of course, if it was a Fire, my kids would get use out of it if I couldn't. You can adjust the font size on the Fire.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2012 9:38:24 GMT -5
I keep talking myself into upgrades. Everyone I know with a Kindle loves it (and I trust Amazon to stick around longer than the Nook).
But then for $100 more you could get a Kindle Fire and I wanted that. But now you can also get a tablet for $200, so I could download the free Kindle app and also make video calls and all that...
I can't talk myself into an iPad for $500, but a $200 Nexus 7 is looking better and better.
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teen persuasion
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Post by teen persuasion on Nov 16, 2012 10:11:06 GMT -5
I've had the kindle keyboard for almost 2 years and I use it nearly every day. I was excited when Overdrive finally got kindle format ebooks, but I've since found that I download mostly free books from amazon.
When the kindle fire came out, I wished DH had waited before getting me my kindle - DS2 had an ipad, and I could see how the fire was much more useful than my e-reader-only kindle.
If I had it to do over, I'd get a tablet and use a kindle app.
On nook vs. kindle, it is much easier to download books thru overdrive to the kindle by wifi. I work in a library, and some patrons and I were struggling to get library ebooks to their nook. The nook needs to be connected by usb cord, and the process seemed convoluted.
Just yesterday, the library director told me of a discussion at a materials acq. meeting regarding ebooks. Libraries are noting a decrease in overdrive circs vs. last year. They are also wondering if e-readers like kindle and nook will be flash in the pan - everyone will eventually just use apps on their phone, tablet, etc.
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Regie
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Post by Regie on Nov 16, 2012 11:38:19 GMT -5
I just use a Polaroid tablet that I got for less than the kindle or nook. I can get books from just about anywhere but Kobo. I can play angry birds and everything else as well.
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jitterbug
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Post by jitterbug on Nov 18, 2012 21:18:47 GMT -5
Former Nook Color owner here...now an ipad2 owner. My first Nook lasted 6 months and then pooped out, but was replaced under warranty. 9 months later, the replacement Nook won't hold it's charge, so I can't use it unless its plugged into the wall...and if I move it, it completely reboots. Barnes and Noble's best offer was to sell me another reconditioned Nook for $65, but I figured why buy another when I can't get them to last a year? So I switched to an iPad 2 for $399 and I LOVE it! I'm writing this from my iPad...and then I can switch to reading my book or play a game or check my email.
I read about 2-3 books a week and I borrow every one from the library. I frequently read or play on the ipad in the car and have had zero problems. Reading in direct sunlight could be a problem.
I can't recommend an iPad enough...it's a lot of bang for your buck.
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