Features - QOTW: What do you think of e-book readers?

[HEXUS]

Do you own one, have they kindled your interest, or are they no match for paperback?

Read more.

[CampGareth]

I own 3, two now deceased (nook simple touch, kindle 1st gen the angular one), Onyx Boox M96 remaining. I'm fine with where e-ink tech is going though I'd like a higher resolution of course, what I'm not fine with is the supporting software. Someone apparently decided that an eink device can only be an ebook reader and must have no other function, which is just ridiculous, here I am doing the bulk of my reading on websites like this one so why not have a device that can load web pages nicely. The OBM96 was meant to be that and probably is the best option but even that isn't just an android device with e-ink because the ROM is a bit messed up. *ugh*

[Saracen]

... have they kindled your interest, ...

Oh, groan.

What do I think? Superb modern use of technology. Great devices, by and large well-implemented.

Do they replace actual books? Not really, and certainly not entirely.

I love books, the physical feel, even the smell. And I have a LOT, hardback and paperback, fiction and non-fiction, dirt cheap and quite valuable, common as muck and pretty rare.

And no, an e-reader doesn't replace that. But it's one hell of a convenience to have as well. So yes, I have one. More than one, actually. And I wouldn't want to be without, now. We haven't stopped buying printed books though, even if we have slowed down a bit.

[cowboysaif]

reading novels,stories, fine. But when you try to read educational books or serious stuff, you need random page flipping, taking notes etc. I know all this things are supported by ebook readers but flipping through the pages physically is lot faster.

[tigertop1]

Kindle installed on my 2013 Nexus 7 is just about perfect as I can always relax with a book when other Nexus work is done--and the Nexus screen is about as good as you could wish for

[Jaffo]

Picked up a Nook last year in one of the many deals that were on at the time. It's a very nice piece of kit that I don't use as much as I should. I just wish the technology would advance to a point where it could replace the displays on phones, just for how much better they are in sunlight.

[Hicks12]

I love my kindle, had the kindle keyboard and that was great used it all the time and havent gone back to paper since (apart from the odd book unavailable in digital!).

Recently just got a kindle paper white and am very impressed, touch screen definitely improves the user experience and I am still going to keep staying with my ebook .

Note that my kindle keyboard didnt die it was just passed to my sister so she could enjoy the ebooks as well.

[krazy_olie]

I haven't got round to getting one.
I was initially a bit harsh on them, my mum uses a mix of her kobo and print works so may join in at some point.
Good if you don't have much space for bookshelves, awful for sharing

[Ttaskmaster]

I was given a Kindle Touch once, but took it back unused. It was just too big and I'd never have used it, really...

Instead, I have Kindle installed on my mobile Smartphone.
I love my old books and collect the WW2 Armed Services Editions... but the Kindle app allows me to carry hundreds of books right there on my phone, so even when I'm restricted on packing space I'll always have something to read at a moments notice!

Furthermore, I can get a brand new book (such as when friends have published theirs) within a minute of it being released and often for the price of a few pennies!!

But when you try to read educational books or serious stuff, you need random page flipping, taking notes etc.

By contrast, the ability to search for specific text is faster on an eBook!
I wanted to quote a whole passage from Heinlein the other day. It could have taken me ages flipping through pages...

Pros and cons, really, but I do like the tech.

[MrRockliffe]

A good concept, but I see many E-Books cost the same price as normal books which I personally think is outrageous since they're not having to pay for the printing.

[Noxvayl]

I like mine, although I read less than I should. Now that Audible is more appealing to me I might stop using my Kindle altogether. I'll keep it in a safe place just incase the word ends, that 2 month battery life is awesome

I'm not a big reader, I read so slowly that I tend not to enjoy as much as others. That is why Audible is so appealing.

Short answer, I like them. Long answer above

[wasabi]

got a Kobo Aura HD. Fantastic bit of kit. Not tiring tothe eyes unlike tablets or phones. Can take a huge range of books on hols. Backlight is very useful. Adjusting font size is great.

[zdn1042]

I think there's definitely a very specific target for these kinds of products, however small. Not for me though.

[aeonf242]

I got a cheap kindle ereader for £50, good, I haven't used it much..I object to paying full price for an e-book when you can get the paperback cheaper (even considering VAT)....so I just buy on the daily deals...

[ET3D]

I still have an e-book reader somewhere, but I prefer reading on my Nexus 7.

[dfour]

I have never owned one and have little interest in them I prefer the feel, touch and smell of a real book. I may buy one in the future when all books are likely to be digital first and print later but until then, no.