Textbook reader. Searching, quick page change?

solost · 12-21-2011, 03:10 AM

Hi. I am starting the next college semester soon and am considering buying an e-reader for the textbooks that I already have. I was specifically looking at only e-ink devices and saw some videos, but page turning seems kind of laggy.

I will usually read entire chapters and then skim from page to page looking for the information I need when doing assignments. I am used to doing this very quickly so I would be looking for a device that can change pages quickly. I use the search feature a lot when reading ebooks on my pc, so one on a reader would be cool. Is this available?

I do not highlight or take notes so a stylus or a touchscreen isn't a must have.

I would prefer a device that has Wi-Fi just for the transfer of ebooks and such. I saw web browsing on an e-ink device and it didn't seem too good.

Mobile format isn't too important. I have no problem converting books, but most of my books right now are pdf.

Do you guys think there are any e-ink readers that could satisfy my needs? Or should I look at tablets instead? Although I probably wouldn't buy a tablet anyway. They're cool, but I would just buy a netbook or a laptop then for other uses apart from reading.

Billi · 12-21-2011, 06:26 AM

If you go eink you need a big device with a 9,7" screen, as there are Onyx M91/92, Pocketbook 902 or Kindle DXG. But as you've already mentioned it can take some time to turn pages. You must find a balance between fast page turning (and live with a ghosting effect) or slower page turning (and no ghosting effect).

It might be an idea to investigate into convertible laptops like this one:
http://www.amazon.de/Fujitsu-Lifeboo...466550&sr=1-81
I'm afraid this will be out of your financial budget, but maybe you have the possibility to get a used one at a reasonable price. They are very useful for students.

HarryT · 12-21-2011, 06:42 AM

This is an area in which eInk devices just aren't very good due to their slow refresh rates. Yes, they do have search, but the fast response of an LCD screen is a definite winner here. A tablet or, as you say, a laptop, would probably be the best solution.

jojoba · 12-21-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

This is an area in which eInk devices just aren't very good due to their slow refresh rates. Yes, they do have search, but the fast response of an LCD screen is a definite winner here. A tablet or, as you say, a laptop, would probably be the best solution.

I second this. I was going to get an e-reader for academic use but realised that they're just not the right device. Slow, like Harry said, and reflowing pdfs is generally a pain IME, and on many e-readers you can't even see page numbers. I ended up getting an iPad and would definitely recommend that you get some kind of tablet.

ilovejedd · 12-21-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solost

Do you guys think there are any e-ink readers that could satisfy my needs? Or should I look at tablets instead? Although I probably wouldn't buy a tablet anyway. They're cool, but I would just buy a netbook or a laptop then for other uses apart from reading.

For reference material, tablets with LCD are better. Personally, I'm waiting for an x86 (with Llano, Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge) version of the ASUS Transformer Prime. The Samsung Series 7 looks great but the combination of the Transformer Prime + Dock appears to be more laptop-like.

Nexutix · 12-21-2011, 12:15 PM

Go for iPad or Asus Transformer (+prime). If you want open system (but not-so-great hardware); get android. If you want robust hardware (but pain-in-the-ass file system), get an iPad.

Looking for large screen e-ink device? You can get Onyx Boox M92 or Pocketbook 912/902 or Kindle DX (hack Kindle DX with duokan firmware)

solost · 12-22-2011, 02:00 PM

Thanks for the help and suggestions guys. The Asus Transformer seems really cool but out of my budget. Maybe I'll look at the old netbooks and see how much used ones go for. I remember buying the high end Acer Aspire One for $300 a few years ago. I didn't like how the screen was so small, but I saw that there are 10" versions now. I'll look around...

vxf · 12-23-2011, 06:09 PM

I do lots of academic reading and annotating - and I have tried multiple options, both e-ink and LCD.

I still think the best option is an iPad. If you are on a budget - look for a first-gen, 16gb, wifi only - possibly even second-hand.

cHex · 12-24-2011, 02:42 AM

E-readers are really designed for reading a book that is all free-flowing text, from page one to the end. The farther you get away from that model, the less suitable 7" e-readers are. You mention a couple of flies in this ointment: (1) a library of PDF's (page images rather than free-flowing text); and (2) college textbooks (charts, illustrations, multiple columns, flipping back and forth while studying). For college, you'll also probably be reading multiple books simultaneously; while e-readers are good at keeping your place in each book, it can seem so tiresome going back through the menu each time you want to swap to a new book several times a day.

12-21-2011, 03:10 AM	#1
solost Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: E-Reader	Textbook reader. Searching, quick page change? Hi. I am starting the next college semester soon and am considering buying an e-reader for the textbooks that I already have. I was specifically looking at only e-ink devices and saw some videos, but page turning seems kind of laggy. I will usually read entire chapters and then skim from page to page looking for the information I need when doing assignments. I am used to doing this very quickly so I would be looking for a device that can change pages quickly. I use the search feature a lot when reading ebooks on my pc, so one on a reader would be cool. Is this available? I do not highlight or take notes so a stylus or a touchscreen isn't a must have. I would prefer a device that has Wi-Fi just for the transfer of ebooks and such. I saw web browsing on an e-ink device and it didn't seem too good. Mobile format isn't too important. I have no problem converting books, but most of my books right now are pdf. Do you guys think there are any e-ink readers that could satisfy my needs? Or should I look at tablets instead? Although I probably wouldn't buy a tablet anyway. They're cool, but I would just buy a netbook or a laptop then for other uses apart from reading.

12-21-2011, 12:15 PM	#6
Nexutix Reading and reading Posts: 582 Karma: 8250144 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Infibeam Pi, iPod Touch 4G, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 2, Oneplus One	Go for iPad or Asus Transformer (+prime). If you want open system (but not-so-great hardware); get android. If you want robust hardware (but pain-in-the-ass file system), get an iPad. Looking for large screen e-ink device? You can get Onyx Boox M92 or Pocketbook 912/902 or Kindle DX (hack Kindle DX with duokan firmware) Last edited by Nexutix; 12-21-2011 at 12:18 PM.

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12-21-2011, 06:26 AM	#2
Billi Wizard Posts: 3,388 Karma: 14190103 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Berlin Device: Cybook, iRex, PB, Onyx	If you go eink you need a big device with a 9,7" screen, as there are Onyx M91/92, Pocketbook 902 or Kindle DXG. But as you've already mentioned it can take some time to turn pages. You must find a balance between fast page turning (and live with a ghosting effect) or slower page turning (and no ghosting effect). It might be an idea to investigate into convertible laptops like this one: http://www.amazon.de/Fujitsu-Lifeboo...466550&sr=1-81 I'm afraid this will be out of your financial budget, but maybe you have the possibility to get a used one at a reasonable price. They are very useful for students.

12-21-2011, 06:42 AM	#3
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	This is an area in which eInk devices just aren't very good due to their slow refresh rates. Yes, they do have search, but the fast response of an LCD screen is a definite winner here. A tablet or, as you say, a laptop, would probably be the best solution.

12-22-2011, 02:00 PM	#7
solost Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: E-Reader	Thanks for the help and suggestions guys. The Asus Transformer seems really cool but out of my budget. Maybe I'll look at the old netbooks and see how much used ones go for. I remember buying the high end Acer Aspire One for $300 a few years ago. I didn't like how the screen was so small, but I saw that there are 10" versions now. I'll look around...

12-23-2011, 06:09 PM	#8
vxf Guru Posts: 944 Karma: 1490348 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Norman, OK Device: Sony PRS 350, 900, 950; Kindles (ALL of them!); Kobo Aura One	I do lots of academic reading and annotating - and I have tried multiple options, both e-ink and LCD. I still think the best option is an iPad. If you are on a budget - look for a first-gen, 16gb, wifi only - possibly even second-hand.

12-24-2011, 02:42 AM	#9
cHex Zealot Posts: 127 Karma: 2843950 Join Date: Sep 2011 Device: Kindle Keyboard (K3)	E-readers are really designed for reading a book that is all free-flowing text, from page one to the end. The farther you get away from that model, the less suitable 7" e-readers are. You mention a couple of flies in this ointment: (1) a library of PDF's (page images rather than free-flowing text); and (2) college textbooks (charts, illustrations, multiple columns, flipping back and forth while studying). For college, you'll also probably be reading multiple books simultaneously; while e-readers are good at keeping your place in each book, it can seem so tiresome going back through the menu each time you want to swap to a new book several times a day.

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