01-18-2011, 05:54 PM | #1 |
Reader EZ
Posts: 49
Karma: 274
Join Date: May 2010
Device: √NC, √NST, Sero Pro
|
Which e-reader would you buy to replace your EZreader?
Ok, I must admit I haven't been here a while, but I read this forum all the time.
I bought the EZReader PocketPro about a year ago, as a gift for my mother. I spent just enough time with it to set it up for her, and really enjoyed its features. Mostly the variety of formats it supports. Now that I want to buy one for me, I can't for reasons I still haven't figure out yet (haven't read that far back in the posts). And I don't really know I want to know. Having said this, I would like to know from all more experience users such as yourselves, Which reader would you buy to replace the EZReader? Please take into consideration all the formats the PP supports, since I have books in many formats (mostly FB2 and mobi). Thanks in advance for your assistance. Chikwako |
01-18-2011, 06:24 PM | #2 |
Groupie
Posts: 161
Karma: 2670
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Mead, WA, USA
Device: Sony 650, Basic Kindle 7th generation
|
Please add what country you live in. This is an important bit of information needed to best answer your question. For example, the Austrailian badge for Hanlin Jinke devices, Eco Reader, still sells the V5 and V6+ devices. Some of this is being covered in the "Rest in Peace" thread that Dr. Drib started a few days ago and at only 3 pages it is not too bad to read through from the beginning. Also try the "What do I buy" sub-forum for more ideas.
Good luck! |
Advert | |
|
01-18-2011, 07:46 PM | #3 |
Ticats win first!
Posts: 7,607
Karma: 31484197
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Raleigh, NC
Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite
|
Chikwako, I suggest that if you want a permanent battery like the Pocket Pro has, that you consider the Ectaco jetBook and the Aluratek Libre, both of which use the same Dr. Yi hardware with different firmwares.
If you would prefer to use (rechargeable) AA batteries, look into the jetBook Lite which I have. I also have an Astak EZReader. In my opinion, the reflective TFT screen of these three is superior to that of the EZReader. All three offer a wide choice of formats, as you request. |
01-18-2011, 09:07 PM | #4 |
reader
Posts: 6,975
Karma: 5183568
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Mississippi, USA
Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD
|
If you want a lot of DRM-free file formats, then PocketBook is a viable alternative to Hanlin. It has FBReader for multiple format support. However, all E Ink PocketBook's are using the old Vizplex screen.
I am still using my EZReader, but if I was buying today it would have to be a Pearl screen and most likely I would get a Kindle 3. The K3 is inexpensive, has the new Pearl screen, and has collections (as an alternative to folders). It only natively supports MOBI/AZW, so you would have to use Calibre to convert all your other ebooks (and strip DRM from ePubs). Alternatively, you can install FBReader (FBreader & fbKindle). |
01-18-2011, 10:22 PM | #5 |
Treasure Seeker
Posts: 18,708
Karma: 26026435
Join Date: Mar 2010
Device: Kobo HD Glo, Kindles, Kindle Fires, Andriod Devices
|
Once I got my Kindle 3 my Pocket Pro is collecting dust. I haven't turned it on since November. I could never go back to a non pearl screen. Kindle 3+Calibre=Win!
|
Advert | |
|
01-19-2011, 06:03 AM | #6 |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 44,878
Karma: 55647515
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Peru
Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One
|
Chikwako is asking for a reader that reads different formats, so the Kindle 3 is out, even though the screen - as pointed out - is great.
So, getting to the OP's concern and specifically going to the question, I can wholeheartedly endorse the PocketBook 360. It's an incredible Reader. I like it better than Astak, and the PocketBook is more intuitive and more modern-looking and more elegant in the way it does things. It's also as versatile a file-reader as the PP and does it better and in a more seamless fashion. Now, keep in mind, these are my opinions, and someone else's opinions can certainly differ from mine. The Astak was great in its time and it's still fun to kind of play around with; but the fact is, I don't use it due to my great pleasure of owning and reading from the PocketBook 360. Don Last edited by Dr. Drib; 01-19-2011 at 06:10 AM. |
01-19-2011, 06:42 AM | #7 | |
Wizard
Posts: 1,434
Karma: 1525776
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: TAS, Australia
Device: Astak Pocket Pro (Black), 2 x Kindle WiFi (Graphite), iPod Touch 4G
|
Quote:
But if the OP wants a 5"....hmmm that is a tough one. Great reviews on the PB360, but the Sony 5" has a pearl screen. God knows which one I'll get when I need to replace the PP. |
|
01-19-2011, 07:23 AM | #8 | |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 44,878
Karma: 55647515
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Peru
Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One
|
Quote:
I don't - and won't - write off the Kindle. I own a Kindle 3 and 2, and use the Kindle 3 daily. However, the Kindle cannot read multiple file formats. One must use calibre first. Calibre translates the file formats into what a Kindle can read, but - to reiterate - a Kindle cannot read a variety of file formats, which is what the OP was asking about. To summarize: A kindle and calibre software will allow file translations so that a Kindle can read it's native format. A PocketPro or a PocketBook 360 can already read a whole host of file formats without having to use calibre. On another note: I would imagine (and hope) that the Pearl screens will be trickling down into the smaller companies soon. I wouldn't, however, hold my breath for anything from Astak. There are no signs from the heavens that I can see to dispel my personal belief in this thinking. Don Last edited by Dr. Drib; 01-19-2011 at 07:26 AM. |
|
01-19-2011, 10:48 AM | #9 |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 11,470
Karma: 13095790
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Grass Valley, CA
Device: EB 1150, EZ Reader, Literati, iPad 2 & Air 2, iPhone 7
|
The new Sony products also have the new brighter screen. And there is now a third party software package that can be loaded on it for more format support. Personally I have been quite satisfied with Astak's book readers although I must admit I prefer the 6" plus model.
Dale |
01-19-2011, 05:57 PM | #10 |
Zealot
Posts: 119
Karma: 46
Join Date: Jan 2010
Device: Kindle PW
|
like i mentioned before, i am very happy with my Sony 350. There is no book i havent been able to load on it, even if i might need to use calibre first.
The screen is exceptional, the hardware in general is superior to PP (IMHO). If i was more concerned about file formats and firmware fliexibility etc, i would have gone with PB 360. One think i dont like about Kindle is that huge keyboard. And the fact it doesnt come in 5" size! |
01-19-2011, 09:53 PM | #11 | |||||
Reader EZ
Posts: 49
Karma: 274
Join Date: May 2010
Device: √NC, √NST, Sero Pro
|
OK, many thanks to all of you for your kind replies. I will take some of your answers for comments.
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Thank you, I will take your comments into consideration, the thing is the TIME we have to spend researching. And also hoping to get a good price while you're looking. I have so many books I can't wait to start reading them. BTW, does the Ipad read all the format we're talking about here? Just asking. |
|||||
01-19-2011, 10:04 PM | #12 |
Ticats win first!
Posts: 7,607
Karma: 31484197
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Raleigh, NC
Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite
|
|
01-21-2011, 01:36 AM | #13 |
Madman With A Box
Posts: 115
Karma: 324
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Western Oklahoma
Device: Kobo Clara HD, Nook Glowlight, Nook Color, Kindle 4, Astak Pocket Pro
|
I don't know what I will replace my PP with but I know it won't be a sony. I have spent the last week playing with and setting up a PRS-600 for my daughter and while I kind of like the hardware I can't stand the software. One of the greatest things I liked about the PP was I could just drag and drop my folders from the desktop to the SD card and be reading in seconds.
|
01-21-2011, 02:28 AM | #14 | |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 44,878
Karma: 55647515
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Peru
Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One
|
Quote:
Then you may possibly love the PocketBook 360. Don |
|
01-23-2011, 10:22 AM | #15 |
Wizard
Posts: 2,302
Karma: 2607151
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Toronto
Device: Kobo Aura HD, Kindle Paperwhite, Asus ZenPad 3, Kobo Glo
|
I'm not crazy about a 5" screen ... so I'd opt for the Pocketbook Pro 902 which is $199 and available direct from PB or through the Amazon e-store (!) including to the nether-regions (like Canada).
I may also be the only advocate for dual devices: I have both a Kindle 3 and a Kobo and each does its own thing very well, giving me native non-DRM access to mobi and epub and DRM of each as well. This gives me the flexibility to shop for commercial titles and stick to the lowest price; borrow library books; and still have Calibre in the background for "other" choices. Schlepping two devices on holiday is virtually the same as carrying one; and then the other half always has a choice, too. |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
PRS-500 Is it possible to replace built-in battery in Sony Reader? | basil_555 | Sony Reader Dev Corner | 8 | 04-02-2011 11:19 AM |
Reader to replace my trusty Palm T5? | Kameli | Which one should I buy? | 6 | 04-12-2010 01:26 AM |
Which product to buy as Manga reader and ebook reader only. | Renji | Alternative Devices | 9 | 01-16-2010 10:42 PM |
What do you do about ebooks you buy to replace paper books? | ficbot | News | 6 | 09-16-2009 01:11 PM |
Will This E-Reader Replace Papers? | hidari | News | 0 | 09-26-2008 07:38 PM |