Brick and Mortar

hoodaman · 07-19-2007, 03:55 PM

Before I posted, ran a search to see if this has been asked before.

I'm in the central alabama area and I'd like to walk into a store and play with some of these portables that you folks are using for reading ebooks. I don't really know if I want something UMPC, something along the lines of the nokia 770 or an E-ink device. It would help if I could play with them first. Anyone got any suggestions as to what major retail chains might carry something like this?

FYI: I work at Best Buy and the only thing even remotely close is the palm tungsten but it's too small for me. I'd love it if we had a bigger selection since that employee discount is extremely satisfactory in most cases.

I called Circuit City and they don't have that sort of thing. Office Depot doesn't have anything on their website about this kind of stuff. Where else could I check?

Thanks in advance for the info,
Dave

JSWolf · 07-19-2007, 04:05 PM

Actually, best Buy does sell the Sony Reader. But it is an online item only. Borders sells the Sony Reader and you should be able to find a store that has one to look at. Also, if you have a Sony Style store nearby you can play witrh a Sony Reader there too.

hoodaman · 07-19-2007, 04:17 PM

the two closest borders locations are Dothan and Huntsville which are both hours and hours away from me, being just north of Montgomery.

The closest Sony Style is in Florida.

And my discount doesn't work online

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Dave

RWood · 07-19-2007, 04:40 PM

Not sure if there are any in your region; but Fry's carries it. I know that they are a California based chain and have stores at least as far east as Dallas-Ft. Worth. Not sure if they get as far east as you. Some CompUSA stores had them but about one half of the chain has closed.

hoodaman · 07-19-2007, 04:46 PM

RWood,

the closest Fry's Electronics is in Georgia.

I remember there used to be a CompUSA in Birmingham....yep. It's still there. That's only about an hour and a half and I'm actually going up there to the IMAX to see Harry Potter. Maybe I can make a sidetrip. Right now that's pretty much my only option. It's a bummer to live in the sticks

Thanks and keep em coming if you think of anything else,
Dave

EDIT: Ah crap. Birminham doesn't have it in stock. Only Huntsville...

JSWolf · 07-19-2007, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoodaman

RWood,

the closest Fry's Electronics is in Georgia.

I remember there used to be a CompUSA in Birmingham....yep. It's still there. That's only about an hour and a half and I'm actually going up there to the IMAX to see Harry Potter. Maybe I can make a sidetrip. Right now that's pretty much my only option. It's a bummer to live in the sticks

Thanks and keep em coming if you think of anything else,
Dave

EDIT: Ah crap. Birminham doesn't have it in stock. Only Huntsville...

Just take advantage of the $50 credit card offer and just buy one.

hoodaman · 07-19-2007, 05:16 PM

see that's what I was trying to avoid. I haven't experienced the technology first-hand and I wanted to make an educated decision as to whether I should buy something E-Ink based or LCD based. I don't like to "blind buy" stuff like this. I play guitar as well and I NEVER buy before I've played the guitar in the store and found one I've clicked with. As it stands right now however, there's nothing in my area that carries the technology. It may end up being put on a christmas wishlist. That gives me more time to research and the 2nd generation E-Ink stuff should be out by then...

JSWolf · 07-19-2007, 09:05 PM

LCD will drain the battery a lot more. The Sony reader can last like 2-3 weeks depending on your usage. No LCD reading device can go that long.

hoodaman · 07-20-2007, 12:14 AM

Yeah, I knew LCD was a battery killer much moreso than E-Ink but I've got a bunch of american comics and I'd like to read those on whatever device I get which pushes me in the direction of something full color LCD based.

I can see that I've got to figure out EXACTLY what I want this thing to do and what I can live without. There's no perfect device yet from the look of it but there may be something close if I look in the right place.

Thanks,
Dave

hoodaman · 07-20-2007, 12:41 AM

Sorry to double-post but since there seems to be no one in my area that sells this stuff, here's my want list in a reader:

Lightweight
Thin
supports txt, html, rtf and possibly pdf natively (may have to convert pdfs for readability)
good battery life
supports non-drm files, don't care about drm files
sub-350 dollar price
must be able to read from heirarchal folder structure
neat, organized menu for navigating the library
bookmark support
fast software (read: quick page turns, boot-up, shut-down, file loads)
support for a readily available flash-based expansion card larger than 2GB

Note: I would like a color screen if possible but if I have to compromise anything, this would be it. I'll continue to read my comics on the PC if need be.

However, I do NOT want these features included on my perfect device:

internet browser
video playback
audio playback

My mp3 player does all that stuff. It's a waste of money and space.

I'm going to cross reference this list with the matrix and TRY to come closer to making up my mind. But I still wanna see one before dropping a wad

Later,
Dave

guguy · 07-20-2007, 12:55 AM

Considering your budget and the fact you wanna read american comics
you should be happy with the Asus EEE, a 7" laptop which costs only 199$.
With the 150$ left you could buy additional batteries.

This laptop is to be released in a few days.

hoodaman · 07-20-2007, 01:36 AM

I'll keep it in mind but aside from it's initial "ooh" factor I think it could be optimized in a few areas.

Make the screen swivel around so i don't have to sit with it like a laptop.

I'll definitely need a larger drive than the default 4 gb for my comic books plus my ebooks, which drives up the price more.

nix the speakers and fill the space up with screen.

It's a laptop so it's got extra stuff on it I don't need: speakers, wifi, RJ-45 and RJ-11 jacks, optical drive and a keyboard.

Even at 200 for the basic model I don't really think it's what I'm in the market for.

Thanks for looking out though.

Later,
Dave

NatCh · 07-20-2007, 01:51 AM

Here you go, hoodaman: plug your location into this bad boy.

hoodaman · 07-20-2007, 02:11 AM

well now...the sony dealer search comes up with a compusa that's in Hoover but the CompUSA site shows no such store in that location.

Anyway. I did some comparing of what I want to the matrix and the two that I'm sold on for features are the new 3rd gen cybook and the extremely overpriced iRex.

I'm definitely going to be calling that hoover number tomorrow to see if their doors are still open and if so can I play with an E-Ink device just to see. Hoover's about an hour away from me so it wouldn't be too too far to drive...

Thanks NatCh,
Dave

HarryT · 07-20-2007, 06:31 AM

Don't you think you're being a little "over particular" in your specifications? You have to live with what's available if you actually want a "real world" device. Eg, declining to buy a device simply because it plays MP3s seems to be to be a bit daft - if you don't want to play MP3s on it, then don't.

At $49 for a Sony Reader who gives a damn if it's the perfect device or not? You can always re-sell the thing if it doesn't suit you.

Surely it's better to have something to use rather than wait forever for the elusive "perfect device" that you'll never find, is it not?

07-19-2007, 03:55 PM	#1
hoodaman the new guy Posts: 20 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Alabama in a little town called Slapout Device: PRS-505	Brick and Mortar Before I posted, ran a search to see if this has been asked before. I'm in the central alabama area and I'd like to walk into a store and play with some of these portables that you folks are using for reading ebooks. I don't really know if I want something UMPC, something along the lines of the nokia 770 or an E-ink device. It would help if I could play with them first. Anyone got any suggestions as to what major retail chains might carry something like this? FYI: I work at Best Buy and the only thing even remotely close is the palm tungsten but it's too small for me. I'd love it if we had a bigger selection since that employee discount is extremely satisfactory in most cases. I called Circuit City and they don't have that sort of thing. Office Depot doesn't have anything on their website about this kind of stuff. Where else could I check? Thanks in advance for the info, Dave

07-19-2007, 04:46 PM	#5
hoodaman the new guy Posts: 20 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Alabama in a little town called Slapout Device: PRS-505	RWood, the closest Fry's Electronics is in Georgia. I remember there used to be a CompUSA in Birmingham....yep. It's still there. That's only about an hour and a half and I'm actually going up there to the IMAX to see Harry Potter. Maybe I can make a sidetrip. Right now that's pretty much my only option. It's a bummer to live in the sticks Thanks and keep em coming if you think of anything else, Dave EDIT: Ah crap. Birminham doesn't have it in stock. Only Huntsville... Last edited by hoodaman; 07-19-2007 at 04:50 PM.

07-20-2007, 12:41 AM	#10
hoodaman the new guy Posts: 20 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Alabama in a little town called Slapout Device: PRS-505	Sorry to double-post but since there seems to be no one in my area that sells this stuff, here's my want list in a reader: Lightweight Thin supports txt, html, rtf and possibly pdf natively (may have to convert pdfs for readability) good battery life supports non-drm files, don't care about drm files sub-350 dollar price must be able to read from heirarchal folder structure neat, organized menu for navigating the library bookmark support fast software (read: quick page turns, boot-up, shut-down, file loads) support for a readily available flash-based expansion card larger than 2GB Note: I would like a color screen if possible but if I have to compromise anything, this would be it. I'll continue to read my comics on the PC if need be. However, I do NOT want these features included on my perfect device: internet browser video playback audio playback My mp3 player does all that stuff. It's a waste of money and space. I'm going to cross reference this list with the matrix and TRY to come closer to making up my mind. But I still wanna see one before dropping a wad Later, Dave

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07-19-2007, 04:05 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 76,489 Karma: 136564766 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Actually, best Buy does sell the Sony Reader. But it is an online item only. Borders sells the Sony Reader and you should be able to find a store that has one to look at. Also, if you have a Sony Style store nearby you can play witrh a Sony Reader there too.

07-19-2007, 04:17 PM	#3
hoodaman the new guy Posts: 20 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Alabama in a little town called Slapout Device: PRS-505	the two closest borders locations are Dothan and Huntsville which are both hours and hours away from me, being just north of Montgomery. The closest Sony Style is in Florida. And my discount doesn't work online Any other suggestions? Thanks, Dave

07-19-2007, 04:40 PM	#4
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,233 Karma: 1601464 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	Not sure if there are any in your region; but Fry's carries it. I know that they are a California based chain and have stores at least as far east as Dallas-Ft. Worth. Not sure if they get as far east as you. Some CompUSA stores had them but about one half of the chain has closed.

07-19-2007, 05:16 PM	#7
hoodaman the new guy Posts: 20 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Alabama in a little town called Slapout Device: PRS-505	see that's what I was trying to avoid. I haven't experienced the technology first-hand and I wanted to make an educated decision as to whether I should buy something E-Ink based or LCD based. I don't like to "blind buy" stuff like this. I play guitar as well and I NEVER buy before I've played the guitar in the store and found one I've clicked with. As it stands right now however, there's nothing in my area that carries the technology. It may end up being put on a christmas wishlist. That gives me more time to research and the 2nd generation E-Ink stuff should be out by then...

07-19-2007, 09:05 PM	#8
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 76,489 Karma: 136564766 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	LCD will drain the battery a lot more. The Sony reader can last like 2-3 weeks depending on your usage. No LCD reading device can go that long.

07-20-2007, 12:14 AM	#9
hoodaman the new guy Posts: 20 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Alabama in a little town called Slapout Device: PRS-505	Yeah, I knew LCD was a battery killer much moreso than E-Ink but I've got a bunch of american comics and I'd like to read those on whatever device I get which pushes me in the direction of something full color LCD based. I can see that I've got to figure out EXACTLY what I want this thing to do and what I can live without. There's no perfect device yet from the look of it but there may be something close if I look in the right place. Thanks, Dave

07-20-2007, 12:55 AM	#11
guguy Groupie Posts: 191 Karma: 15 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Clermont-Ferrand/Paris, France Device: PRS-505	Considering your budget and the fact you wanna read american comics you should be happy with the Asus EEE, a 7" laptop which costs only 199$. With the 150$ left you could buy additional batteries. This laptop is to be released in a few days.

07-20-2007, 01:36 AM	#12
hoodaman the new guy Posts: 20 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Alabama in a little town called Slapout Device: PRS-505	I'll keep it in mind but aside from it's initial "ooh" factor I think it could be optimized in a few areas. Make the screen swivel around so i don't have to sit with it like a laptop. I'll definitely need a larger drive than the default 4 gb for my comic books plus my ebooks, which drives up the price more. nix the speakers and fill the space up with screen. It's a laptop so it's got extra stuff on it I don't need: speakers, wifi, RJ-45 and RJ-11 jacks, optical drive and a keyboard. Even at 200 for the basic model I don't really think it's what I'm in the market for. Thanks for looking out though. Later, Dave

07-20-2007, 01:51 AM	#13
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	Here you go, hoodaman: plug your location into this bad boy.

07-20-2007, 02:11 AM	#14
hoodaman the new guy Posts: 20 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Alabama in a little town called Slapout Device: PRS-505	well now...the sony dealer search comes up with a compusa that's in Hoover but the CompUSA site shows no such store in that location. Anyway. I did some comparing of what I want to the matrix and the two that I'm sold on for features are the new 3rd gen cybook and the extremely overpriced iRex. I'm definitely going to be calling that hoover number tomorrow to see if their doors are still open and if so can I play with an E-Ink device just to see. Hoover's about an hour away from me so it wouldn't be too too far to drive... Thanks NatCh, Dave

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07-20-2007, 06:31 AM	#15
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Don't you think you're being a little "over particular" in your specifications? You have to live with what's available if you actually want a "real world" device. Eg, declining to buy a device simply because it plays MP3s seems to be to be a bit daft - if you don't want to play MP3s on it, then don't. At $49 for a Sony Reader who gives a damn if it's the perfect device or not? You can always re-sell the thing if it doesn't suit you. Surely it's better to have something to use rather than wait forever for the elusive "perfect device" that you'll never find, is it not?