This is really what would get me to buy into the whole thing and would pretty much end me buying used books. If I could buy a new book from Amazon and also get the DRM-filled Kindle edition for a small fee then I would be all over it. It would allow me to keep a big hardback at home and have the same thing on a Kindle for going to work, traveling, etc. I would absolutely buy into the whole thing at that point.

eReaders have just popped into my radar, and I am seriously thinking about getting one for Christmas (or asking Santa for one). Being in Canada, the Kindle isn't available, so I was looking at the Sony eBook readers, the PRS-505 and the PRS-700. Since the 700 just came out recently, it's $100 or so more expensive than the 505, and from a couple of reviews that I've read, it has more issues with glare. Are there any other eReaders that should be on my radar, or are these pretty much the best out there? I've read about some others, but they seem to be a bit more obscure.

Alright whick one of you kindle buying bastards kidnapped Deb?

__________
If this is intended to be a witty continuation of an earlier thread in Other.... let's just leave it. I believe that thread was already closed and we don't really need a "part two" IMNSHO. [Benedict]

If the Kindle (or any eBook reader) was Backlit I'd own one by now.

it doesnt need to be backlit unless you plan on reading in the dark

I do.

This has always been my issue with them and why I have stuck with PDAs and my laptop. I read mostly at night and need light up screens. I'm now using my iPod Touch and eReader. That said though the new version of the Sony ebook reader is supposed to include a side lit screen though I have no idea how well that will work with the eink screens.

My one complaint with the iPod Touch is no Mobipocket reader. The Mobipocket forums have users that say the program was done and Amazon blocked Mobipocket from releasing it. They don't want the iPod as a Kindle competitor I guess. However, the wonders of Linux made using the Mobipocket books on my iPod possible and on a Kindle or Sony reader if I ever decide to get one.

then i guess a real book is out of the question too then..

Personally I flat out cant read on little screens like on a PDA or Ipod ..the e-readers at least are the same size as real book page and more closely emulate reading a book .I do see people at work reading on PDA's though The small size lets them get away with reading instead of working
as far as reading at night i have a small lamp on my nightstand that works just fine with my kindle and and regular books..

I have a sidelit accessory for the Sony 505 and it works great. I've used it to read while waiting on poublic transportation, and waiting between sets at concerts, as well as in bed at night.

My wife and I don't always go to sleep at the same time so a lamp is completely out of the question. We both use our iPods and those are dim enough not to bother the sleeper.

I totally understand the screen size complaint, but I have been using PDA size screens for so long I am completely used to it. I bump up the font to a comfortable size and read away. I never notice the small screen once I'm in the grove of reading. My big complaint with a kindle is its too big to easily carry with me. An iPod or PDA can go in my pocket, but with a Kindle I need a backpack. Might as well carry the laptop. I take a quick read whenever possible and that works great with a pocketable device.

To each his own I guess. I can't stand the eye strain using a palm device. I have the Sony ereader and carry it easily in either my cargo pants or coat pocket. I have 1200 books on a 2 GB SD card, and have nothing but nice things to say about it. It has been my favorite gadget of the last 3 years.

can you post a link or picture of the light??

Sure...

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665480080

I've been DrMoze everywhere online since the early-mid 90's (back in the days of text-based bb's).

And yes, mobileread is a great site!

Also, the Sony Reader (which is extremely thin and fits easily in coat/cargo pants pockets) has an optional cover with built-in frontlight (a light wedge) that works great. [EDIT: this is the one linked in the previous post; the 'sidelit' description threw me, because light wedges provide light from the front onto the screen, even if the original source is off to the side.] The new 700 has a built-in frontlight and touchscreen, but I've read that the touchscreen makes the text slightly more blurry. I don't need/want a touchscreen, personally.

i think i'm gonna go ebook soon... i lost my balance again this morning on the subway car when turning to the next page

Check out mobileread.com for LOTS of info on the different ebook devices, sources of books (many free!), hacking, issues, file conversions, etc. It is THE ebook website.

As a bonus, you can put a Reader/Kindle/Cybook in a large ziplock and read in a steambath.

Definitely a great site, but I find it a bit overwhelming. As a new PRS-505 owner, is there any links in particular that you can direct me to? I've been using calibre and have been in the various forums, but if you have anymore specific suggestions, let me know.

I would not have the guts to do that.

So I got the PRS-505 for Christmas and I love it. I've already read about 4 or 5 books on it, and it's only been a couple of weeks. So what other accessories are available, besides the one from above, especially in terms of cases/protection? I've read on mobileread I think that some have had issues with the book cover/light, as the placement of the light can damage the screen, so I am a bit nervous to use it. I can't seem to find a thread or page that details all of the accessories that can be purchased for the reader (the forum on mobileread seems to be all over the place).

Also, what can be used to clean the screen? I am nervous to touch the thing. I've also got to decide on the warranty, but I am leaning towards getting it.

I've had no problem with the Sony lightwedge cover, and it works great. I also have a "Z-light" which is very thin and clips on. (It is used with the old 500 mostly these days.) I use the stock Sony cover, and just put the Reader in my backpack, coat pocket, cargopants pocket, etc.

As for Mobileread, yeah, there is a lot there! The subforums are pretty well organized. Check the Sony Reader Uploads subforum for tons of free books.The main Deals and Freebies forums has lots of good stuff, much of it for the Reader. And then there's the Troubleshooting (obv) and Developer (for hacks/mods) subforums.

One goodplace tostart might be the wiki at the top of the page: go to 'dedicated ebook devices' under 'technology'and the Sony 505will have a good overview of info.

Don't forget to check out e-library options (thru the Adobe Digital Editions format/software).

I guess there's no real shortcut.Just search for what interests you!

http://i.gizmodo.com/5148568/kindle-...on-february-24

PWNED?

Kindle 2

http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/a...be-there-live/

I'm eagerly awaiting the official announcement Monday from Amazon about the Kindle 2. I think I may have to break down and order a Kindle 2 whenever it becomes available. It might not be the prettiest eReader but its good enough (at least for me). I love the idea of being able to buy a book whenever I want to via Whispernet (and at $9.99 for most books that I've seen) and switching to ebooks will cut down on the clutter around the house with books piling up. Being able to put RSS feeds on it is an added bonus. Hopefully, no big disappointments in the official announcement.

I was right. Deb, when can we start the week of fun?

Start? Deb's threads have been the source of ridicule for years now...

I'll buy an e-reader when I can get a high quality one for $100 and ebooks for $5. Until then it's easier and cheaper to buy used paperbacks on Amazon or used book stores.