Should I buy a Kindle?

Question

I get most of my books from my local library. It's free, but most books I'm interested in aren't on the shelves. And If I hold them, it will take weeks for them to come in. I know that Kindles and other e-readers are nearly instant, I can keep them forever, and they hold thousands of books. But I'm worried about buying all of those books. It seems pretty expensive compared to just getting them from a library. Should I buy an e-reader? If so what kind? I know there's the kindle, but what about the Nook, or one of Sony's readers?

Answer 1

hey, EpicGuy, the only models I would take into consideration are Nook Simpletouch from Barnes & Noble and the new Kindle Touch (non-ad-supported) that both cost $139. Ad-supported Kindle models show full page ads to you (and everyone around you) every time they go to sleep mode and also show 2 line ads right there at your home screen - so annoying that Amazon even released a software that for $30 can convert ad-supported Kindle into non-ad-supported one. Non-touch screen Kindle models are such basic stone age devices (with page turn lag, buttons, and black blinks/flashes on each page turn) that I would not even speak about them. Nook (unlike Kindle) supports eBooks in ePub format that is the universal format most used in the world. Current e-Ink Nook Simpletouch has the latest generation touch screen display, no page turn lag, it weights less, its battery lasts twice as long (two months on one charge), it has microSD slot and it doesn't blink on each page turn - much better than current Kindle 3 or Kindle Keyboard. Nook Touch is still better designed than even the new Kindle Touch with battery lasting two months with ONE hour reading a day with Wi-Fi off thus it's still twice as long as new Kindle's two months with HALF and hour a day with Wi-Fi off. It looks like Kindle didn't get any battery improvement in the new model, they only changed the test condition. More, Kindle Touch still flashes black on each page turn while Nook Touch reduces the flashing by 80%. Nook Touch and Nook Color (unlike Kindle) have microSD card slot to take a card (class 6 or above) up to 32 GB. If you walk in with the Nook to Barnes & Noble store, you’re allowed to read ANY available eBook for free while in the store via free provided in the store Wi-Fi.

Also, no point in getting 3G Kindle now as they limit what web sites you can access (only Amazon store and Wikipedia are allowed.)

Answer 2

I think the kindle is totally the way to go - since the new kindle fire is way better then the color nook (it's a complete tablet), and the monochrome kindles offer more features for less then the monochrome nooks. You can get a good deal on kindle ereaders here:

http://www.shoppersource.net/goto/kindle_store



I wouldn't worry about the cost for two reasons - most commercial books are between $2-10 - so they are pretty affordable. But Also, amazon is rolling out library overdrive support within the year, so you will be able to borrow new kindle ebooks from most libraries soon.. so your going to get the best of both worlds on a kindle.



Which model you should choose really depends on your needs.

The basic monochrome e-ink kindles are best if your primary goal is ereading only since the screen has no backlit and you can read for hours at a time with no eye-strain.

You might consider one of the 3g e-ink kindles if you love the web, since with those you can browse blogs/news/facebook etc anywhere (vs just wifi hotspots on the basic wifi only kindle).



If your primary goal is a color tablet for web browsing and software (and only secondarily an ereader), then the new kindle fire is the best choice. On the con side it has a regular laptop screen, not e-ink, so not as easy on the eyes for long term reading, but the kindle fire web browsing can handle flash & youtube & you can run thousands of google android software apps on it, in addition to accessing moves/music and ebooks. The kindle fire is very much like an ipad functionally.



I personally have the 3g keyboard kindle, which I love since I can store hundreds of ebooks on it, has great battery life, can browse the web to read news/blogs/facebook etc anywhere, and has a backlit free screen so it is comfortable to look at all day:

http://www.shoppersource.net/goto/kindle_3g_keyboard

Answer 3

I just love my new kindle

Answer 4

The Reader Touch Edition features a 6"display with simple, easy-to-use touchscreen navigation. Turn pages with the swipe of a finger and enjoy fast and intuitive navigation of your favorite books. Take freehand notes and highlight sections of text you want to revisit later, just as you would in a real book, using the included stylus. If you prefer, a virtual keyboard is also available for entering quick notes or searching your eBooks. If you want, you can even export your notes to your computer using the eBook Library software.

Answer 5

Kindle yes