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[JCV]

I'm planning on buying an e-reader very soon and from what I've read, Kindles seem to be the best machines to do the job. My problem with that is that I would like to be able to buy books on other stores (in epub/MOBI format) so that I am not tied to Amazon's ecosystem. So my questions are:

- I know Kindles don't natively support epubs, and I know there exist epub-to-MOBI converters, but do these work well? Are there a lot of issues with the formatting and all once the files have been converted?

- Is there a better e-reader on the market than the Kindle? I know Kobo devices are pretty popular too, but my mom had some bad experiences with that them, so I'm kind of not convinced.

Thanks for your help!

 

[old manatee]

calibre converts those files perfectly in my experience. You can download it for free and try it without having an ereader.
https://calibre-ebook.com

Kindle Paperwhite is probably the best value for an ereader right now.

 

[Ultima_5]

calibre converts those files perfectly in my experience. You can download it for free and try it without having an ereader.
https://calibre-ebook.com

Kindle Paperwhite is probably the best value for an ereader right now.

this post is 100% accurate and is what i do. go for it OP. you won't regret it

 

[blame space]

get a load of this guy buying an ereader

 

[DiscoJer]

Amazon should really go by the author of Calibre's house with a truckload of money (and er, give it to him).

Just makes things so much more manageable. And as mentioned, converts perfectly. Can't imagine using a Kindle without it.

 

[redlegs87]

I bought the base model of the Kindle just got it today. Would have gotten the Paperwhite but I'm all about savings and at 79.99 can't pass it up. Will check out calibre for sure though so cheers.

 

[norm9]

Go on ebay and buy a used Sony ereader. E-ink for life. Months worth of battery on a single charge. No eye strain. You'll read almost too many books!

Epub based. Does pdfs but terribly, but who cares.

 

[ibitegirls]

kindle paperwhite is cheapest and best solution

i stopped using my kindle after i purchased the ipad pro. now i read all my e-books on the kindle app using the ipad

 

[TimeEffect]

Kobo is a great ereader. Most popular in Canada. Their Glo HD/Aura models are equivalent to the Paperwhite models, with a few more models like the H20 and Aura One acting as premium devices (waterproof)

Kindle Oasis is the premium Amazon device, and is great, though strangely not waterproof

Ive had 2 Kobos, both have worked wonderfully. I prefer Kobo because there are a lot more fonts, and I believe you can import your own fonts as well. Amazon has a smaller selection. Kobos typography is also a lot better, with Kindle having some annoying gaps in some words. Kobo also has a ton more font sizes while Kindle has presets.

Basically, Kobo has more customization. The hardware itself is comparable and one isnt really superior to the other, though the Oasis is fantastic.

The big difference is the store. Amazon simply has the bigger store

And yes, the caliber software is a must for any ereader

 

[Ashhong]

Go on ebay and buy a used Sony ereader. E-ink for life. Months worth of battery on a single charge. No eye strain. You'll read almost too many books!

Epub based. Does pdfs but terribly, but who cares.

I mean..aren't all e-readers e-ink? What makes a used Sony ereader better than a paperwhite?

 

[TerryLee81]

calibre converts those files perfectly in my experience. You can download it for free and try it without having an ereader.
https://calibre-ebook.com

Kindle Paperwhite is probably the best value for an ereader right now.

This. Get a paperwhite.

 

[PAULINK]

you'll need a gameboy advance though. I reccomend getting a pack for donkey kong jr. too

 

[norm9]

I mean..aren't all e-readers e-ink? What makes a used Sony ereader better than a paperwhite?

Im not sure about other readers. I bought my ereader years ago and haven't looked back. I can only vouch for what I purchased and enjoyed.

I always assumed other ereader were just glorified tablets.

It is the size of a paperback which is a major plus too.

 

[Rocky Raccoon]

Wait for a sale at Amazon. They are usually discounted by $20-$50.

 

[JCV]

Thanks for the answers folks, much appreciated!

I'm still hesitating a bit. I was going for a Paperwhite until I read that it was impossible to turn off the front light on it, which is kind of a bummer (it's doable on Kobo machines). Also, it seems like you can kind of customize the Kobo Aura a bit (by editing config files and such), which is something I do like.

One last question regarding resolution: Is PPI an important spec to consider if I plan on using the reader only for text?
For exemple, the new basic Kindle is at 167 ppi, the Kobo Aura at 212 ppi and the Kindle Paperwhite at 300 ppi. Is the difference in numbers important for text reading?

 

[BronsonLee]

Buy a cheap ass used Kindle for like 20 bucks

 

[razgriz417]

calibre converts those files perfectly in my experience. You can download it for free and try it without having an ereader.
https://calibre-ebook.com

Kindle Paperwhite is probably the best value for an ereader right now.

And dont forget you can email these converted files to amazon and they'll load it in your library

 

[ClayKavalier]

Thanks for the answers folks, much appreciated!

I'm still hesitating a bit. I was going for a Paperwhite until I read that it was impossible to turn off the front light on it, which is kind of a bummer (it's doable on Kobo machines). Also, it seems like you can kind of customize the Kobo Aura a bit (by editing config files and such), which is something I do like.

One last question regarding resolution: Is PPI an important spec to consider if I plan on using the reader only for text?
For exemple, the new basic Kindle is at 167 ppi, the Kobo Aura at 212 ppi and the Kindle Paperwhite at 300 ppi. Is the difference in numbers important for text reading?

Is that true? I don't have my Kindle on me but if the light doesn't turn off it at least gets extremely dim.

PPI is very important. Higher resolution makes the text sharper so it looks closer to a printed page and less like a pixelated computer screen.

 

[Mammoth Jones]

I'm thinking about asking for a Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas. I already have an iPad Mini 2. But I'm tired of charging it all the time and the glare on the train when it's sunny.

How does it work out for you guys? Also, how does syncing books on the thing work compared to an ipad kindle app? With that once I buy an ebook off amazon I simply open kindle and it's in my library. Does it work the same way? Or do I have to sideload via a computer?

 

[GuyKazama]

I'm thinking about asking for a Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas. I already have an iPad Mini 2. But I'm tired of charging it all the time and the glare on the train when it's sunny.

How does it work out for you guys? Also, how does syncing books on the thing work compared to an ipad kindle app? With that once I buy an ebook off amazon I simply open kindle and it's in my library. Does it work the same way? Or do I have to sideload via a computer?

As long as you are on wifi, it works the same way as the app. You can also purchase books from the kindle.

 

[FreddieQuell]

Is that true? I don't have my Kindle on me but if the light doesn't turn off it at least gets extremely dim.

You can turn the light off, but since it's an eink screen you can always see the text if you have ambient light.

 

[PassiveObserver]

One last question regarding resolution: Is PPI an important spec to consider if I plan on using the reader only for text?
For exemple, the new basic Kindle is at 167 ppi, the Kobo Aura at 212 ppi and the Kindle Paperwhite at 300 ppi. Is the difference in numbers important for text reading?

It's kinda like thread count. Not immediately noticeable but it's a luxury over long periods of use.

This photo illustrates the difference between 300ppi and 212ppi.

 

[Palette Swap]

Yeah, I second these Paperwhite recommendations, with the calibre + email to device solution for other formats.
Another thing people often forget about is Whispersync, where your progress is synced between a Kindle book and its Audible version. It's always worth checking the price of the audio add-on when buying a Kindle book as you're getting an Audible book at a (sometimes heavily) discounted rate.

I'm thinking about asking for a Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas. I already have an iPad Mini 2. But I'm tired of charging it all the time and the glare on the train when it's sunny.

How does it work out for you guys? Also, how does syncing books on the thing work compared to an ipad kindle app? With that once I buy an ebook off amazon I simply open kindle and it's in my library. Does it work the same way? Or do I have to sideload via a computer?

If anything, I'd say the syncing is even more transparent than on the iPad app.
My experience with Paperwhite is that I never really think about downloading new stuff, it's just there.

 

[DOWN]

Kindle Paperwhite is the gold standard

 

[ClayKavalier]

You can turn the light off, but since it's an eink screen you can always see the text if you have ambient light.

Right, the second part I know, and I could be remembering wrong but I could swear I've been able to turn the backlight off on every Kindle I've owned.

Have you ever used an ereader OP? Even if the screen doesn't turn all the way off it shouldn't affect anything, you definitely wont be able to tell during the day.

 

[TimeEffect]

I'm thinking about asking for a Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas. I already have an iPad Mini 2. But I'm tired of charging it all the time and the glare on the train when it's sunny.

How does it work out for you guys? Also, how does syncing books on the thing work compared to an ipad kindle app? With that once I buy an ebook off amazon I simply open kindle and it's in my library. Does it work the same way? Or do I have to sideload via a computer?

ereaders are fantastic. Dont know how people read on an actual glossy screen.

e-ink tech is like reading a paperbook. No glare, can read in sun, etc. It's neat tech.

Battery life is always amazing ranging from a month to two months.

With amazon, it should download to your library, its super simple, but you can sideload too.

 

[VistraNorrez]

Right, the second part I know, and I could be remembering wrong but I could swear I've been able to turn the backlight off on every Kindle I've owned.

Have you ever used an ereader OP? Even if the screen doesn't turn all the way off it shouldn't affect anything, you definitely wont be able to tell during the day.

I can't turn the light off on my PW1, but at 0, it means nothing if I have ambient light. I usually read in the dark with light somewhere between 0-3.

I do believe the newer ones allow for the light to be turned off.

 

[Mammoth Jones]

ereaders are fantastic. Dont know how people read on an actual glossy screen.

e-ink tech is like reading a paperbook. No glare, can read in sun, etc. It's neat tech.

Battery life is always amazing ranging from a month to two months.

With amazon, it should download to your library, its super simple, but you can sideload too.

Awesome. Gonna be reading a fuckton of books so I think I'll get one.

 

[DOWN]

I don't understand what you all are reading that requires you to convert it? Can someone give me an example? Seems like any book is on kindle pretty much

 

[entremet]

Kindle Paperwhite is the gold standard

Nah buddy.

That's the Oasis. paperwhite is good tho and infinitely more affordable.

 

[Santiako]

I don't understand what you all are reading that requires you to convert it? Can someone give me an example? Seems like any book is on kindle pretty much

There are tons of free books online (legit free, not pirated) and there are other places to buy books besides amazon for cheaper. Most of those come in epub format, so you can convert to mobi (what kindle uses) on calibre.

 

[ThisGuy]

I love my Paperwhite. In terms of devices I own, the only item I use more is my smart phone.

If you have the money I would buy the more expensive e-reader Amazon offers.

 

[DOWN]

There are tons of free books online (legit free, not pirated) and there are other places to buy books besides amazon for cheaper. Most of those come in epub format, so you can convert to mobi (what kindle uses) on calibre.

Amazon offers those free public domain books too. But where can you buy books cheaper if I may ask?

 

[norm9]

Amazon offers those free public domain books too. But where can you buy books cheaper if I may ask?

The library. Nothing cheaper than free. Though it's a lending system and not buying so that doesn't answer your question.

 

[combine42]

I'm planning on buying an e-reader very soon and from what I've read, Kindles seem to be the best machines to do the job. My problem with that is that I would like to be able to buy books on other stores (in epub/MOBI format) so that I am not tied to Amazon's ecosystem. So my questions are:

- I know Kindles don't natively support epubs, and I know there exist epub-to-MOBI converters, but do these work well? Are there a lot of issues with the formatting and all once the files have been converted?

- Is there a better e-reader on the market than the Kindle? I know Kobo devices are pretty popular too, but my mom had some bad experiences with that them, so I'm kind of not convinced.

Thanks for your help!

I have a galaxy s2 tablet and use google books to read on. I found it better than buying an ereader because it can do a shit ton more things then just display books.

 

[Santiako]

Amazon offers those free public domain books too. But where can you buy books cheaper if I may ask?

I'm not talking free domain, but rather private authors. Also, I've gotten many books from 1libro1euro (Spanish website) where you buy books through donations to save the children.

 

[DOWN]

The library. Nothing cheaper than free. Though it's a lending system and not buying so that doesn't answer your question.

I use the library but they offer things in the kindle format already so no converting or buying involved

 

[Jag]

Kindle with Calibre. Very little it can't handle. I use mine every day.

I did upgrade to the Voyage, but it really isn't that much different from the Paperwhite.

 

[Kittygirl]

Loved my Paperwhite, but when it died, I didn't replace it. My Kindle Fire does e-reading just as well, and so much more. Just turn off the wireless, and you're good to go.

Watch for sales; I now own one for books, and one for media, the net, etc.

 

[Waldo Lydecker]

Kobo's are shit. I worked in a store and these things got returned by the bucketload. Just a white screen, unresponsive, just completely dead. Also the software is slow and unreliable as fuck.

It is a pity Sony doesn't make any E-readers anymore because these things are very reliable, very intuitive and a joy to use.

 

[norm9]

It is a pity Sony doesn't make any E-readers anymore because these things are very reliable, very intuitive and a joy to use.

I love my Sony PRS-T1. It's got a permanent refreshing symbol right in the middle of the screen for some reason but it's still the best most comfortable reading experience you can get that isn't an actual book, imo.

 

[Waldo Lydecker]

I love my Sony PRS-T1. It's got a permanent refreshing symbol right in the middle of the screen for some reason but it's still the best most comfortable reading experience you can get that isn't an actual book, imo.

You are right! These PRS-T1's, 2's and 3's are amazing. Maybe an idea for the TS to start looking for some used models.

 

[see5harp]

Just get a kindle on Black Friday. ePub and mobi are supported.

 

[ThoseDeafMutes]

I have a low DPI paperwhite and the only flaw is that occasionally it still skips forward a bunch of pages for seemingly no reason when I touch it the wrong way. If I could figure out why that sometimes happened I wouldn't have a bad word to say about it.

The High DPI paperwhite is now standard and so is even better in text clarity. You can't go wrong with it.

 

[faceless007]

I have a Kobo Glo HD and love it. It's essentially the same screen as the Kindle Paperwhite but in a slightly smaller form factor, and I actually like the smaller bezel. The killer feature for me is integration with the Pocket app; I already used Pocket to save long form articles and posts from around the web and being able to sync and read them on an e-reader is pretty cool. Also, the Kobo software has much finer customizations for text display (font size, margins, spacing, etc) if you care about that. Aside from that, you'll probably find the reading experience pretty similar on any decent eInk screen.

Just get a kindle on Black Friday. ePub and mobi are supported.

Kindles do not support ePub; they have to be converted to mobi.

 

[see5harp]

Yea sorry I forgot that I do have to run the ePub through a automated converter.

 

[bengraven]

 

[Mascot]

kindle paperwhite is cheapest and best solution

i stopped using my kindle after i purchased the ipad pro. now i read all my e-books on the kindle app using the ipad

I've been looking into buying an e-reader to clear out thousands of paperbacks currently filing my house, but then I remembered I've got an iPad Mini that's surplus to requirements. What's the tablet experience like compared to e-ink? I know with e-ink there's no glare or reflections and the battery will last longer, but with a dim screen in a dark room I can't imagine the iPad will be too far behind?

 

[Morat]

Buy a Kobo Glo, OP. They support most formats including Epub natively, are not tied in to wanky Amazon DRM [although there is a decent Kobo store if you want to use it} and have an excellent backlight.

I bought a new one recently after I dropped my old one down some stairs, finally breaking it after about 5 years of flawless operation.

but with a dim screen in a dark room I can't imagine the iPad will be too far behind?

Not even comparable, the Kobo lasts me for a minimum of 2-3 weeks between charges, and that's with the backlight on.

 

[Mantrox]

calibre converts those files perfectly in my experience. You can download it for free and try it without having an ereader.
https://calibre-ebook.com

Kindle Paperwhite is probably the best value for an ereader right now.

Survey says?! Ding Ding Ding!

Just bought a paperwhite some months ago, and having finished Dark Matter just recently, this e-reader is perfectly balanced. Weight, size, battery, backlight and price, are all excelent.