eBook Readers

[Belasco]

I think I'm ready to take the plunge and get one of these things. Any of you have one and want to share your experience with it. I'm trying to avoid being locked into either an Apple or Amazon DRM scheme as much as possible, but I doubt that is going to be easy. I occasionally read a book on my iPod Touch and can read them on the Droid so I know I'm not averse to reading on a screen. The eInk thing seems much, much better though.

So, which do you recommend... Kindle, Nook, iPad, or hold out for upcoming Android tablet.

Anyone? Anyone?

[Booze]

I've read a couple of books using the Kindle iPhone app, & found that if the book is a page turner, it doesn't matter that you're reading it on a small screen.

I know a couple of people who bought Kindles & wish they hadn't. For me, any eBook techmology has got to be a feature of some equipment I'd already be lugging about & using for other shit.

[Verno]

I think the iPad makes the most sense. It's more expensive, but does waaaaaaaaay more than the other two. Apple has the Kindle app so you have that benefit as well. And you can always jailbreak it. Oh yeah!

I've contemplated getting an iPad for the Marvel Comics app and the gaming potential. I just can't see spending $300 on a kindle when for $200 more I can have a color screen that can almost* fully browse the web and watch movies on.


*excluding Flash, since King Steve has a hardon for Adobe.

[Dr. P]

My studies show that there is really no way to hold an Ipad, though. I've read a tad on my niece's Kindle, and I guess I get it, but either a book or a computer screen was enough back in my day.

[TheWagesofSin]

A friend of mine has a Kindle, and I've checked it out, and it's real cool, but...can anything really replace a paperback book for sheer portability and ease of use? I can throw it in a knapsack or on the seat of my car, and not worry about whether or not I'm out 500 bucks for abusing my latest toy. I love all of the new technology, and would love to own an iPad, but I sincerely hope that it doesn't take off when it comes to books....and replace something that's already, to my mind, a perfect reading device.

[Verno]

Stan Lee made a great point about books in a podcast I was listening to the other day. People thought that television would put books out of business. Instead, books have never been more popular. The more mediums to promote something, the more it sells across all mediums. Books will be around for awhile.

Maybe it's a sign of getting out of touch and getting older, but I could never see myself reading an entire book on my phone. News, forums, sports, porn... absolutely.

[TheWagesofSin]

I wonder who the hell still buys dirty magazines? Someone, obviously, 'cause I've noticed there's still thousands of titles at the local liquor store, each one sleazier than the next. Maybe it's true that there will always be an audience for the paper format- for readers and beaters alike.

[Dr. P]

I pick up a Hustler every now and then.

[Booze]

I pick up a Hustler every now and then.

Good for you, Russ. I admire your honesty.

And, when you're not playing snooker in gay bars, do you ever buy dirty magazines?

[Dr. P]

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