Hi,
So a friend recently lent me their old e-reader (Pico BK7002) and (to my surprise) I actually really enjoy reading using one.
I was looking at the Kindle Paper white ($115) but then I thought- why not get a tab instead?
The main function is as an e-reader, and the 'tab' features are secondary. Any size from 7-9" is good.
Any recommendations? Not wanting to spend much more than $80-$150.
Cheers
Further to that question, do you use a computer all day at work? If so, stick with e-ink readers, your eyes will thank you. The last thing i'd want to do after staring at an illuminated screen all day is stare at a tablet while reading.
Thanks guys.
So it would be a mix of home and outside use- but mostly outdoor use. Does this rule out the Nexus/IPS style tabs?
Thanks for the coles offer, but I thought this Hyundai for $92.11 might represent better value? https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/92566
And yes- I work a lot with computers, so I would prefere a different feeling screen. But does that limit me to black & white (ie e-ink displays)?
If you are really outdoors most of the time, then an eInk will be more practical. The contrast and brightness of all tabs means that in sunshine they become damn near impossible to see.
The Coles offer gives you a MiFi, and the opportunity to see it in the flesh - which is why I suggested it. If you want to order online, there are many, many chinese alternatives around.
It sounds like you'd be better off with an e-ink display, but I'm biased. Personally I'd prefer a specific e-reader and a separate product as a tablet, rather than using e-reader software on a tablet. Protect your eyes, you only get 2!
Hmm i get your point of view.
Can anyone else comment about using e-reader software on android. Is there a particularly good application which handles them well?
Battery life on e-ink is far, far superior. I have enough gadgets to charge so appreciate only having to plug in a Kindle every month or so.
I own a Nexus 7 too, and for books the Kindle is better.
If you are looking for a cheapie, my local Officeworks has a Pico reader for $29. Dick Smith has a Hot Wheels / Glee reader for $30
No idea how good / bad they are, though.
Hmm thanks for the comments everyone.
I was just in dicksmith and had a look at both up close. The e-ink felt a little nicer, but I don't like the way it slowly dissolves the font on each page.
I can't really justify the kindle for $115 now that the nexus can be bought for $205-235 (with price match from Office works). Are there cheaper back-lit e-ink alternatives?
But then again- could I be happy with a cheapie one (Ainol or Hyundai) for around $60-$95? What's the big drawback on these? Having to ship it back for warranty? Not good support for software/app's? Low resolution?
I have a Sony reader, and am really happy with it. The reason that I bought it, is the number of book formats that it can use. I also use the WA state library, for most of my books, as it's free. Most of their books are in epub. As I understand it, if you have a kindle you can only get books from Amazon.
So,
I finally bought the Nexus 7 (32GB) for $204.25 last week.
I haven't really liked it. I already want to return it.
Firstly, it takes a very long time to charge (like 7-10 hours). This might be a fault, but I don't want to deal with returning it to Asus.
Having a powerful PC, and a smart phone phone, I haven't found that much use for this nexus. I think it is overkill.
Yes games look nice- but there aren't that many options, and playing games on a touch screen isn't my thing. Games look fine on my smart phone anyway.
I've rooted my device, played with custom roms, but nothing has amazed me that much.
When I was looking for a tablet- I wanted HDMI output. But I overlooked it, as the only 7" options were Chinese one's. I now realize HDMI is a must- especially for travel.
Screen isn't that amazing, and scrolling/web browsing isn't the best experience IMO.
Can anyone convince me otherwise on what to do with such a powerful device?
I wish i hadn't ordered a case and bluetooth keyboard already! PM me if interested in buying…
Basic question I usually use, do you read in bed/armchair/etc. or on the train/beach/etc. ?
An eInk is best placed for the latter, a tab for the former (because of the self illumination).
As far as a tab is concerned, 7" is fine (it's basically a page of a paperback book sized). I'd tend to try to ensure that the resolution was above the 800x480 resolution of the real cheapies. For using it otherwise, I'd also try to ensure >=1GHz, >=dual core, and >=1GB RAM with Google Play access.
Obviously the Nexus 7, or its May replacement, is the daddy in this area. For a cheaper alternative, you might like to look at this current deal at Coles : http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/97707 - you should be able get a physical look at it before handing over money.