HN: Are you (esp. multilinguals) getting an ebook reader? Which? Why? (sgharms.pbworks.com)

5 points by sgharms 17y ago ↗ HN

Hello,

There are a number of ebook readers out there, although the Kindle marketing campaign might have you thinking otherwise.

But hackers, my people, only here have people weighed the DRM, the text, the technology, and the longevity. Neither Ars nor Endgaget seem to have done a multi-row matrix comparison of the contenders so I'm asking you all.

The URL points to a primitive listing of my concerns. I'm looking to use an e-book reader to consolidate my dead-paper library as I contemplate moving to smaller environs. Any help here would be appreciated, either in comments here at HN or at the linked URL.

Thanks!

5 comments

[ 5.2 ms ] story [ 25.7 ms ] thread

scorpioxy 17y ago ↗

I don't get it. Why ask HN a question on a webpage?

Anyway, to answer your question. yes, get one. I got a Sony PRS-505 and i got it mainly to save cost on the technical books that become obsolete very quickly. Having said that, ebooks are still a bit too expensive considering the distribution medium savings.

On the bright side, some publishers are already starting to see the light and providing their books in some digital format. And the reader devices are getting better and better. If only Amazon would allow international customers(by convincing the publishers) to buy kindle books.

sgharms 17y ago ↗

( link to web page was for context )

Very good factors you've provided here. My main concern is lack of portability of my dead-tree library. If I could save even /half/ the # of boxes to move I'd be much happier.

moe 17y ago ↗

I have a PRS-505 and am quite happy with it.

ableal 17y ago ↗

I'd recommend a couple of days browsing over at http://www.mobileread.com

They've got opinions and facts on all your questions.

My take: for tech/PDFs, bite the bullet and buy the iRex 10 incher; fiction, take you choice of the 800x600 6 inchers (or wait for the new 800x600 5 inch readers: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=588353 )

rksprst 17y ago ↗

I'm getting a Kindle 2 in a few days. Why? I love reading but don't have the time to go to the bookstore or library. I've finished a couple of books on my iPhone Kindle app and want the real Kindle since (1) it's getting hard to read on the iPhone screen (2) you can't "buy" the books from the iPhone Kindle app (you have to visit the website, or use the amazon.com iphone app) and (3) there are a ton of free books that I like and because I read a lot, I might actually save money with the Kindle.