Hi
I'm after an e-ink reader but don't want to fork out $120 for a Kindle. Can anybody recommend some super cheap ones (or offer me their second-hand ones at a super cheap price :D ) that will get the job done? Preferably they should be able to render PDFs as that is primarily what I will be using it for.
Cheers.
How much does the Kobo Glo usually go for?
I picked mine up for $50 from Cashies. They were $100 new recently.
720p e-ink is pretty good overall.
I just splurged on a 1080p e-ink reader. So much sharper.
People are right when they comment on the clarity over a tablet (I have damaged eyes, and need all the clarity I can get). and the GLO having a 'front light' (shines into the paper, not at your face) means you can read in bed.
the 1-3 month battery life is a godsend too.
upside to kobo's is they can use open source ebooks (epub). But Calibre, a free program, can convert almost any format, to any format.
For something that will last you the next 7 years, minimum, you might as well just cough up the $120 and get a Kindle. I still have an old Kindle Keyboard lying around from 2010. It'll definitely last a few more years. Apart from the missing backlight, there's nothing wrong with it at all compared to the latest Kindle Paperwhite.
Kindle is $99 at DSE, and often cheaper elsewhere.
I love mine!
Preferably they should be able to render PDFs as that is primarily what I will be using it for.
I bought my Kindle 3rd gen for the express purpose of reading scientific journals (academic papers for university). It sucked terribly and I sold the Kindle 4 months later on.
Becase most PDF files are formatted for 8.5 x 11 or A4 page sizes, you'd have to do a lot of scrolling. The typical ebook reader is 6 inches and when viewing a PDF at 'fit to width' setting, the text is too small and the resolution too low for any text to be readable, and when reading at 100% zoom the viewable area is too small/narrow and you'd have to repeatedly press the D-PAD right/left to scroll the page.
For PDF reading I highly recommend using a 10 inch tablet.
I don't know if the situation has changed now, because current ebook readers now have increased resolution and a better processor meaning the scrolling is now faster (also made easier by touch panel rather than having to push a DPAD repeatedly) some people may find PDF reading on a 6" ebook to be much easier than before. BUT try it out before you buy.
After owning both long term, I'd highly rate Kobo over Kindle.
Though I will admit kindle has the better store.
Keep an eye on the cash converters website for a Kobo Glo.
Dont go below 'HD' screens, you'll miss out on the quality everyone loves e-ink for.