Kindle or Sony Reader??? What's best....Especially with limited wireless connectivity?
1724380
I'm new to ereaders and can not decide between the kindle vs sony. Of course, I would prefer sony due to netlibrary, but I find that site confusing. Plus you can use sony for the public domain books on google. But then I'm so used to amazon and kindle seems to be so much simpler to use. My question to sony ereaders--how hard is it to get used to using netlibrary and google books? Can you get what you want using the sony? I really can not decide and at this point am about ready to give up and just not get an ereader.
1724381
I haven't used the Kindle, but I have a Sony Reader, and I'm very pleased with it. I did research, too, and the ultimate thing that points me in Sony's direction is that it's an open system--there are more file formats available for it. Also, with the freeware programs on the Web, you can do things the Kindle does (i.e., download newspapers) without getting the more expensive device. Books don't take that long to download for the Sony device, though you do have to plan in advance what you want to read, since you can't download it anywhere. While there are definite advantages to the Kindle (Whispernet), I really like my Sony Reader. I haven't used the Kindle, but I have a Sony Reader, and I'm very pleased with it. I did research, too, and the ultimate thing that points me in Sony's direction is that it's an open system--there are more file formats available for it. Also, with the freeware programs on the Web, you can do things the Kindle does (i.e., download newspapers) without getting the more expensive device. Books don't take that long to download for the Sony device, though you do have to plan in advance what you want to read, since you can't download it anywhere. While there are definite advantages to the Kindle... » Read More I haven't used the Kindle, but I have a Sony Reader, and I'm very pleased with it. I did research, too, and the ultimate thing that points me in Sony's direction is that it's an open system--there are more file formats available for it. Also, with the freeware programs on the Web, you can do things the Kindle does (i.e., download newspapers) without getting the more expensive device. Books don't take that long to download for the Sony device, though you do have to plan in advance what you want to read, since you can't download it anywhere. While there are definite advantages to the Kindle (Whispernet), I really like my Sony Reader. « Show Less
1724382
Can Sony delete books off their e-readers? I don't think they can or do. So that's one major advantage it has over Kindle, sadly. I really wanted a Kindle, but until this mess is sorted out with 1984, I'm going to stick with less controlled systems. I guess I'll have to live without whispernet, which I think sounds like a killer feature if it isn't used against me.
1724383
My library lends Adobe digital editions. So, for me it has to be a Sony e-Reader.
1724384
On the sony website when the e-reader is described they indicate that you can access 500,000 free books from google ebook website. Can you tell me whether you have tried this and if it works?
1724385
sony:) It's lighter and you can (with the firmware upgrade) get adobe digital edition books and several other formats. This means that, unlike the kindle, you are not locked to the sony ebook store, but can buy books from other places.
1724386
I have a Sony 505. I looked at the Kindle, but the "extra" features of the Kindle weren't worth it to me. I really don't care much about the Whispernet, no do I need a dictionary, etc. The real dealbreaker for me was the fact that I can check out ebooks from my library FOR FREE and download them to the 505 and read them. I also have a much wider range of websites to buy books for the 505.
1724387
here is a link to a great forum.......http://www.amazon.com/kindle-vs-sony-reader/forum/FxBVKST06PWP9B/Tx26VMCZ5HOV75O/1/ref=cm_cd_naredir?%5Fencoding=UTF8&cdItems;=25&asin;=B000FI73MA
1724388
I was fairly happy with my Sony PRS-505 until it started locking up on me for no particular reason. I am fairly technical and tried a lot of things to get the unit back in service. No go. I am also very unhappy with the sony reader store web site. Coincidentally I won a Kindle in a raffle and have to say am delighted with both the reader and the content available for it. I had a ton of educational PDF files that I am e-mailing to the Kindle and am overall stunned by the quality of the product and service. It looks like there is some competition on the way with the Archos 9 and other Atom-based tablets, so hopefully that will moderate the price. I was fairly happy with my Sony PRS-505 until it started locking up on me for no particular reason. I am fairly technical and tried a lot of things to get the unit back in service. No go. I am also very unhappy with the sony reader store web site. Coincidentally I won a Kindle in a raffle and have to say am delighted with both the reader and the content available for it. I had a ton of educational PDF files that I am e-mailing to the Kindle and am overall stunned by the quality of the product and service. It looks like there is some competition on the way with the Archos 9 and other... » Read More I was fairly happy with my Sony PRS-505 until it started locking up on me for no particular reason. I am fairly technical and tried a lot of things to get the unit back in service. No go. I am also very unhappy with the sony reader store web site. Coincidentally I won a Kindle in a raffle and have to say am delighted with both the reader and the content available for it. I had a ton of educational PDF files that I am e-mailing to the Kindle and am overall stunned by the quality of the product and service. It looks like there is some competition on the way with the Archos 9 and other Atom-based tablets, so hopefully that will moderate the price. « Show Less
2224599
Dear Xavi,Thank you for your reply. Since my last message I have purchased the Kindle 3 as I was concerned about the difficulty of buying and downloading books within the UK. I am so far very happy with the Kindle although I am very interested in what you think of the Nook. I have relatives in the US who are considering buying an e-reader and so I would love to know what your opinion is. If you get the chance to give me some feedback once you've used it that would be great!Thank you.Sincerely,Michelle
2201584
I know it's probably too late for the person who asked this; but for anyone else with the same question...I think giving any of the Kindle e-readers (not necessarily the kindle fire 'tablets') would be a better idea...they are CHEAPER, and they'll be much more versatile. Not only can you install a Bible on them, they can hold virtually thousands of other books!! I have owned this particular item AND I've had a Kindle touch; the latter was cheaper, lasted longer and was sooooo much more versatile! (I do not have any connection or work with Amazon)
592494
I have no experience the Kindle. I have sent documents to be printed from an IPad and laptop via the wireless network.
160833
This board isn't the best place for questions about Sony readers, I think a better place is MobileRead forums, just search on Google, it'll pop up.
1923687
All you had to say was "not very good with computers." Get the iPad. Samsung devices are generally technically-superior to comparable Apple models but not as simple to use.A word on reading books: don't read books on a backlit screen (smartphone or tablet). It's absolute murder on your eyeballs. Get a Kindle. Not very expensive and you can read it anywhere you can read a paper book with less eye-strain (since you can adjust the size of the text to accommodate a comfortable viewing distance).
589137
I ended up just buying a Sony e-reader. Bit more expensive, but it seems to be much more rugged, and it reads pretty much every format, has library access built in, and whenever I've dealt with Sony customer service, they honor warranties.
1816976
A usb cord to your computer is needed to get the books from the eredaer store. Make sure it is registered also. No wifi, just a simple reader only. My first ereader and still have it.
450816
Not sure about kindle but with my ipad the wi drive creates its own wifi network. This is a great drive especially when you can connect three people to it. Great for client presentations
1658502
Hi. If I understand you question correct it will not help you to connect your kindle had to wifi. For this you will need a wireless router from Netgear or Linksys. This little USB bug will then connect your computer to your wireless network. Your kindle will connect to your wireless network without this devise. Hope this helps.
826192
Amazon e-books are suitable only for Kindle. Sony e-reader works very well for e-pub, pdf formats. Other are also compatible, but don't show as good. Hope this is useful!
1125357
To 5 yorkies and H. Bowman: This should work just fine for the both of you. I've had this a few days, but today was the first time I've really had time to play with it. Its taken all day to get to get an eReader that will work good. This unit comes with Aldiko as the eReader app, but I couldn't figure out how to buy/download books (it comes with downloads to tons of free books, but thats not what I was looking for). Someone else on this site gave a web address to download Kindle for Android and now I have it downloaded (even started reading the book I was looking for). I was able to setup my email right away, although it didn't work very well through the setup wizard (I have yahoo mail). Since I already have an android phone, I checked the settings on my phone and just did a manual setup using the same settings. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will do what I can do help. Good luck to you...I'm loving my new tablet so far.
1132531
Lilly.n Kindle fire is a great product but not for what you want. You are right about the LePan. There is a LePan 2 that I am considering buying myself. I have been researching for months now. When you read the low star reviews and the same issue keeps showing up, I believe it. If the complaints are all over the place I don't take them seriously. Every Android I get my eye on ends up with major issues. I think I am just going to get the apple ipad and play it safe. ps amazon.com is cheaper than hsc. best of luck, God Bless
1567621
I'd agree about calibre. Just google it and you'll find it. It is fantastic and really great at doing the news thing. I wake up each morning, and my Sony reader is automatically synced and ready for me to read the news of my choosing.
173127
Joy, I just tried to see if I could get the e-books on my older Kindle Paperwhite e-reader to come up and it didn't. That doesn't exactly mean it won't. Best to either call the company or just purchase a laptop that does support it. I know my larger heavier laptop does. Sorry I couldn't of been more help.
173128
I have only used Kindle Reader. I Would suppose the Paper white would also connect.
353146
Thanks for the reply. I had read somewhere that not all android based apps would be available. I know there will be a Borders app. I am still trying to decide between a Kindle 3 and this tablet.