Question About EBooks

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/11/11 at 6:21pm

So with my Nook, is there a way to "trade in" my paper books to get downloaded versions instead or anything at all like that? Or do I just need to buy them again if I want them on the nook?
Thanks.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/11/11 at 6:55pm

Nope. There are no trade in programs.

[silversurfer2]

Posted: 8/12/11 at 8:33am

As one who is not very Savy about the E-Readers, I have a question, and please forgive me--do the E-Readers come with the internet? Is that what is called WIFI? Thanks

[madbrian]

Posted: 8/12/11 at 9:04am

With a Kindle, you can connect to amazon.com and purchase books wirelessly. I believe the Nook is similar. With Sony's reader, you have an online library, but you need to be tethered to a computer to transfer books to your device. Similar paradigm to an iPod.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/12/11 at 11:50am

What's the advantage of owning a reader then? If you can download the free apps to your laptop or desktop that can read Nook and Kindle books, what can the reader do that a laptop can't? The only thing I know of is the "pearl" screen for better reading outdoors.

Are there any other device-specific advantages?

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 8/12/11 at 1:49pm

You can find most books online to download. I don't really see the big deal if you already own the book. But then, we know I am a pirate. Arg!

Whatcha lookin' for, Jordan?

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 8/12/11 at 4:15pm

If you can download the free apps to your laptop or desktop that can read Nook and Kindle books, what can the reader do that a laptop can't?

Well, the kindle is more conducive to reading in the way you'd read a normal book. I guess reading a book on a laptop wouldn't be too much of a pain, but I think the disadvantages of settling down to read a book on your desktop are self-evident.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/12/11 at 4:32pm

Benefits:
A kindle (and SOME of the nooks) are not backlit. There is no eyestrain that many people get from reading too long on a computer screen.

Yes, you can read on your computer (see above about eyestrain) and it's not terribly conveneient to read your computer on the train, the bus, in the doctor's office.

Yes, you can read on your smartphone (see above about eyestrain).

For the weight of a single paperback, you can carry your entire collection with you.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 8/12/11 at 4:36pm

Battery time of an e-reader is far superior than a laptop and the device is smaller and weighs less, making it convenient for everyday travel, reading in bed, etc. Now, if you have an iPad or an equivalent tablet, then I could definitely see the e-reader being redundant, unless you prefer the screen and e-ink technology the e-readers have to offer.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/12/11 at 4:42pm

Good point, Mister Matt. Assuming that my wifi/3g is off most of the time (not needed simply to read, only to download new books) I can go approx 3 weeks without recharging.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/12/11 at 6:14pm

Thanks for weighing in, everybody. I appreciate it.

I have a Mac Book and it's pretty light and easy to carry around. But it holds about 4.5 hours of charge time. So I can see a 3-week charge time as a definite advantage.

As for eye strain, I guess I'm used to it, being a writer and graphic designer. Still I can't take my laptop outdoors very successfully.

I was just curious if there were any differences in the programs themselves (Mac app vs. actual device). But other than that you've all answered my questions. Thanks!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/13/11 at 3:03am

Besty -- In case you aree considering one, Amazon's return policy is very liberal -- you have a full 30 days to return it if you don't like it.

That being said...rumor is that a new Kindle is being introduced Sept-Oct. No real info on what is different about it. The rumor is a 2nd kindle will also premier with a touch screen. So...if you are one that want the latest, greatest, you might want to wait a little longer.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/13/11 at 11:06am

Sweet! All good information, and thank you again.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/13/11 at 11:40am

My pleasure!