Need help picking out a e-reader

[thewolfe]

I bought my wife a Nook Color for Christmas and had her not open it until she saw what was available. She was not familiar with the Nooks and Kindles.

She reads books from our local library all the time and rarely buys books.

I have an iPad if she wants to surf but she basically only wants to read books.

I took her to the store and showed her both the Kindle and the Nook and she thought she liked the Kindle e-readers and probably the "touch". She does read outside occasionally.

My wife is now down to a choice between the Kindle ($79) or the Kindle touch, what say you on those two?

Also do they have a built in dictionary?

What about reading lights to attach? How long can you use them before having to change batteries? Any buying suggestions?

[Kathy]

One of the ladies I work with got the $79 Kindle and I got the Touch. So far everyone has liked the Touch better. I've had the Kindle Keyboard, the K2 and K1 and love the touch. If she is used to the iPad she would more than likely like the Touch better. The touch keyboard and other touch functions will be easier to work with.

[Ann in Arlington]

Well, obviously, you have to decide whether you want a touch screen or not.

Next, decide if you are willing to have "Special Offers", which is a way of saying "ads".  But the ads are not in any way intrusive.  If she doesn't want the ads, you'll pay $30 more ($109 vs. $79) for the basic Kindle or $40 more ($139 vs. $99) for the Touch.  

If your home has WiFi, and she doesn't expect to have to buy books when out and about, either will do you.  For more convenience you can also get the Touch with a 3G radio which will allow you to connect via the ATT cell network to download books and magazines when you're out and about or traveling.  That puts the price at $139 or $189 depending on your decision about the ads.

All Kindles have a dictionary in that if you come to a word in a book and are not sure of the meaning you can look it up quickly.

For both devices, there are covers sold by Amazon that have integrated lights.  Or you can get any of a number of clip on light designs.  Check the accessories board.

The batteries are not designed to be changed.  You get a 1 year warranty, and can buy an extended warranty, and if something fails, they send you a new one.  Some folks have replaced batteries on older kindles, though, once their out of warranty.

Both come with a USB micro cord to connect to your computer for charging; many people also like to have the outlet adapter so you can just plug straight into the wall.

My personal preference: the basic Kindle.  I've had a Kindle since the First generation and have no need for a touch screen.  And I rarely used the keyboard or listened to music or audible books.  So not paying for features I didn't care about was the right choice.

[Tripp]

I do not have either Kindle (I have the Kindle keyboard) but I do know they both have built in dictionaries.  I believe that all you have to do on the touch is press on the word and the dictionary definition pops up.
 
Regarding the library features, having had a classic Nook along with my Kindle, I can tell you that the Kindle is much easier of the two.  So, for that feature alone, it is my opinion that you already have made the best decision.

[Kathy]

You can also use any book light that you would use with a regular book. I decided on the Amazon case with the light. It is $59.99 but I liked the fact that it runs off the Kindle battery. It only turns on when the Kindle is not in sleep mode. The convenience of having the light attached to the case and no batteries to worry about was worth the price to me.

[Hoosiermama]

I upgraded from the K2 to the Touch SO with wifi. A coworker has the mini. I love my Touch. I love touch screens and love the lack of buttons. It's sleek and light and fits easily in my purse.

I don't know if the mini has the x-ray feature or not, but I do like that.

Good luck with your decision. I don't think you can go wrong, no matter which you choose.

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

[lindnet]

I have had the Touch since Christmas, and just today received the basic.  I ordered the K4 because I am just not sure I like the Touch as much as I thought I would.  I really wanted a touchscreen Kindle, but found I don't like having fingerprints on the screen, having to move my thumb over to change pages (I know, how lazy can you be, huh?), and having to be careful to not touch the screen accidentally.

Not sure about the K4 yet, I haven't really used it yet.....but it sure feels smaller and lighter.

[PhillyGuy]

The non-touch has a non-replaceable battery that may wear out shortly after the warranty is up. Having a personal thing against planned obsolesce, I would think the extra $20 for the touch (or Kindle Keyboard, if you see it on clearance where you shop) is worth it.

Some pointers assuming that your wife will borrow from public libraries on the device:

Kindle public library borrowing is easy -- if your public library has a good selection, and if your wife is patient, since many or most books have a wait list.

In states like New York and Pennsylvania, any resident can get a library card from the biggest city in the state; big city libraries often have a much better selection of electronic books than small towns.

The Nook Touch, for about the same price as the Kindle, may or may not have a bigger book selection at your public library. You may want to check the local library web site ("EPUB" format for Nook, Kindle for Kindle) before making a choice.

Lastly, if your wife reads classics, the internet has an outstanding selection of free older (mostly pre-1923) books for eReaders -- much better than all but the largest big-city public libraries.

 

[Sean Patrick Fox]

Kindle Touch WiFi w/ Special Offers for $100 is a pretty good deal. I've had mine for almost two months and I love it even more than my K3 (Kindle Keyboard). The Special Offers are not bothersome at all, and it's nice to see a change from the old Amazon screensavers.

[BTackitt]

The non-touch has a non-replaceable battery that may wear out shortly after the warranty is up.

Some people are still using a K1 almost 4 years after launch. Don't worry so much about the battery, it's pretty good. three K2s on my account and they are  all still going strong as well. And I use mine to its limits. 30 hours of reading for me is at most 4 or 5 days. I use the internet on it as well, so am charging it every other day.

[ElaineOK]

One problem with answering your question is that there are people on this board who have tried each and made different choices, and not on the basis of money necessarily.  Usually, it is rare that the more expensive model isn't generally considered more desirable -- although maybe or maybe not worth the price difference.  That really isn't the case with the Baby and the Touch. 

The choice was easy for me, because I am addicted to 3G (had a K2 for 2.5 years).  Baby doesn't offer it.  Otherwise, I don't know which way I would have gone.  I prefer page turn buttons, but I like the Touch interface for other things.  One thing you might look at is whether the 3G connection is useful with library books.  My guess is that it isn't.  So, the 3G option might not be an issue for you. 

OTOH, Baby also doesn't have speakers, so no audio books, mp3's or text-to-speech.  Your wife might not care.  I doubt I would have noticed if not for this board.  Those aren't features I use.  There are others to whom they are deal breakers.  Generally, I hate touch screen keyboards (and you will pry my blackberry with its slideout physical keyboard out of my cold, dead fingers); but I much prefer the on-screen Touch keyboard to my K2's tiny, little button keyboard.  Others mileage varies. 

One nice thing is that Amazon has a no questions 30-day return policy.  So, you an always try one or the other. . . .

Elaine
Norman, OK

[KindleMap.net]

I've tried the new Kindle Touch, Kindle Fire, K2 and K3 (now Kindle Keyboard). My preference is the Kindle Keyboard with 3G. For me the 3G is very handy for spot checking websites (via the experimental browser) as well reading books. Also it fits easily into a pants pocket or purse.

If you consider the Kindle Keyboard I would buy the one with Special Offers to get it at a lower price point. I bought my uncle that one and the ads are not at all intrusive.

-Al, URL now eReaderMap.com

[Hoosiermama]

The choice was easy for me, because I am addicted to 3G (had a K2 for 2.5 years).  Baby doesn't offer it.  Otherwise, I don't know which way I would have gone.  I prefer page turn buttons, but I like the Touch interface for other things.  One thing you might look at is whether the 3G connection is useful with library books.  My guess is that it isn't.  So, the 3G option might not be an issue for you. 

OTOH, Baby also doesn't have speakers, so no audio books, mp3's or text-to-speech.  Your wife might not care.  I doubt I would have noticed if not for this board.  Those aren't features I use.  There are others to whom they are deal breakers.  Generally, I hate touch screen keyboards (and you will pry my blackberry with its slideout physical keyboard out of my cold, dead fingers); but I much prefer the on-screen Touch keyboard to my K2's tiny, little button keyboard. 

Elaine
Norman, OK

3G isn't compatible with the library checkout system. You have to connect to the PC to get your book. That's a BIG reason (or excuse:P) for me to upgrade. I debated on which to get, and like you said, Amazon's return policy is great if you're unsure.

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

[Ann in Arlington]

The non-touch has a non-replaceable battery that may wear out shortly after the warranty is up. Having a personal thing against planned obsolesce, I would think the extra $20 for the touch (or Kindle Keyboard, if you see it on clearance where you shop) is worth it.
 

Actually, no kindles since the first generation have had a user replaceable battery.  And some of those are still going along just fine.  So I wouldn't worry about that, really.  And, even after the warranty is up, some folks have been able to replace the battery themselves and some have had Amazon send them a replacement unit -- even though the warranty was up -- or give a discount on a newer model.  

It probably is the case that the Basic Kindle, just being smaller and thinner, would be a little more difficult to get open and replace the battery.  But it's only $79.  If it fails within a year, I'll get a replacement.  If it fails after that, I'll see what Amazon will do for me and what options are available then.  Not something I really worry about.

[HappyGuy]

I had a K1, now have a K3 - never once used the 3G as I only read on my Kindle. If I'm going on a trip, I load up maybe a hundred books of all different genres so I can read whatever I'm in the mood for. Point being, if all you will do is read on the Kindle (it's not REALLY built for web surfing) WiFi is enough. Also, if you buy the touch and find you don't care for it, you can always return it with 30 days and get a different one.

[BooksGalore]

We have the Kindle Touch and Kindle keyboard (3G) in our home.  I prefer the keyboard because I can hold it with one hand and push the button to turn the page with my thumb.  I don't use the keyboard often, except to order books so I would probably be fine with the version that has the controller at the bottom, buttons on the side, but no keys (the $79 one).  It's a personal choice, just giving you something to consider.  Happy reading!

[history_lover]

We have the Kindle Touch and Kindle keyboard (3G) in our home.  I prefer the keyboard because I can hold it with one hand and push the button to turn the page with my thumb.  I don't use the keyboard often, except to order books so I would probably be fine with the version that has the controller at the bottom, buttons on the side, but no keys (the $79 one).  It's a personal choice, just giving you something to consider.  Happy reading!

I have found I can hold the KT with one hand and turn the page with my thumb, just like my K3/Keyboard. I just touch the screen instead of a side button. I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to do so with my left hand, even with EasyReach because I have small hands. But it works great - I hadn't counted on the cover being so much smaller and thinner.

Anyway, back on topic a bit more, I think the basic/mini Kindle would be great for someone who:
A. Will only be using it to read, not for email/web browsing or for games.
B. Won't be doing a lot of interaction with their books like highlighting, note taking, dictionary look ups, etc.

I read non-fiction so I do use those interaction features and I find it much easier with the touch screen - some people probably find note taking easier with the physical keyboard but with the mini Kindle, you get neither. So if she plans on doing significant interaction with her books, go with the Kindle Touch. If not, the mini Kindle should be a good choice.

The initial set up of the mini Kindle might be annoying - connecting to wifi, getting it registered, setting up collections and adding books, etc. But once it's set up, there won't be much navigation involved if she's not doing note taking/highlighting and doesn't plan to use the web browser so the lack of a keyboard or touch screen shouldn't matter much.

[Ann in Arlington]

The initial set up of the mini Kindle might be annoying - connecting to wifi, getting it registered, setting up collections and adding books, etc. But once it's set up, there won't be much navigation involved if she's not doing note taking/highlighting and doesn't plan to use the web browser so the lack of a keyboard or touch screen shouldn't matter much.

Of course it depends on the person, but I didn't find it appreciably more difficult than doing so on the K3Keyboard.  Of course, I already had some collections that I was able to import from another device. . .setting them up on the Basic Kindle would have been more laborious.  But, to solve that problem, I'd say download Kindle for PC and set them up on it.  Then you can import those collections onto the Kindle Basic.

[mikeschr]

It's easy to use the Touch one-handed, and with either hand.  You can use a quick swipe or flick anywhere on the screen to turn the page - no reaching needed.

As for the K3, it's already a generation old, and how well will it be supported going forward?  Look at how Amazon's handled the DX.

thewolfe, I'd say if your wife is used to a touch screen or wants audio or 3G, go with the Touch.  If not, then go with the smaller K4.

[NightGoat]

I think you're going to bump up against a lot of confirmation bias when asking opinions about which ereader is best for YOU. Of course, everyone wants to affirm their choice is the best. It's going to come down to buying and trying, then deciding plain and simple. You have thirty days to return it, I would just go get one and take it for a spin.

As for reading lights, I would look for one that uses AA or AAA batteries, those coin batteries can cost more than the light your purchased to replace.

[Ann in Arlington]

As for reading lights, I would look for one that uses AA or AAA batteries, those coin batteries can cost more than the light your purchased to replace.

Don't know about batteries, but a light that uses LED lamps will last way longer than anything else. . . .

[thewolfe]

Ask and you shall receive.....thanks so much for all the info and in a timely manner. We decided on the Kindle Touch and my wife has it in her hot little hands.

Now, I'll start the learning process so we can download some books and "see how she do".

Thanks again and Happy New Year.

[NightGoat]

Don't know about batteries, but a light that uses LED lamps will last way longer than anything else. . . .

Counsel my Mini Mighty Bright (with LED) I bought two months back and replaced the batteries two weeks ago at a cost. Tell it... it's doing it wrong 

[NightGoat]

Ask and you shall receive.....thanks so much for all the info and in a timely manner. We decided on the Kindle Touch and my wife has it in her hot little hands.

Now, I'll start the learning process so we can download some books and "see how she do".

Thanks again and Happy New Year.

Congrats, I hope your wife finds her new Kindle to be the bees knees.

[thewolfe]

Bees knees reminds me of the movie I say last night "Midnight in Paris". Not normally my type of movie but it was very good.

Thanks again.

[PhillyGuy]

Actually, no kindles since the first generation have had a user replaceable battery.

Although, as you note, people do it.

My Kindle Keyboard 3G permanently froze about two months ago. After trying and failing with every method of forced reboot I could find on the internet, I decided to do a battery pull, unhooking the battery for about ten minutes. As shown in various YouTube videos, it was easy to gently pry open the case with a small screwdriver. Then it was just of matter of two phillips head screws holding the battery, and, voilà. Went back together fine -- just didn't fix the freeze.

As for buying batteries, go to amazon.com and search for: Kindle replacement battery.

I told Amazon customer service that I had done the battery pull as a last resort. It did not void my warranty.

It is true that the Kindle User's Guide does not explain battery replacement. Maybe this is in the same category as modifying a PC registry. I do that too



 

[lindnet]

Well, I really can't seem to make up my mind between the Touch and the K4.  And no, I don't need to keep them both, you enablers (you know who you are, lol).  They both seem to have good and bad points, and I'm having one heck of a time trying to decide.

I like the smaller and lighter form factor of the K4.  I like the progress bar at the bottom of the page.  You can handle it however you like, with no fear of touching the screen and accidentally turning a page.  The text is darker on this than it is on the KT.

But I like the touchscreen interface on the KT.  I thought I missed the page turn buttons at first, but now I'm not so sure.  The power button is way easier to use on the KT (the one on the K4 is hard to press right, need to use a fingernail on it). 

I think both of them are hard to use one hand to hold and turn pages.  Maybe that's because I don't read them in a cover.

See?  It's way too hard to decide.

[history_lover]

Of course it depends on the person, but I didn't find it appreciably more difficult than doing so on the K3Keyboard.  Of course, I already had some collections that I was able to import from another device. . .setting them up on the Basic Kindle would have been more laborious.  But, to solve that problem, I'd say download Kindle for PC and set them up on it.  Then you can import those collections onto the Kindle Basic.

Well, I just remember finding the set up of my K3/Keyboard a little annoying and wishing it had a touch screen - especially when it wouldn't connect to the wifi at first and I had to keep putting in the password several times which meant bringing up the numbers and symbols pop up screen and scrolling around with the 5-way controller. Since that's how the mini Kindle works for the alphabet at well, I know I would find the initial set up of it annoying.

[authorandystraka]

For what it's worth, I just replaced my dated Kindle (left by mistake in the pocket of an airline seat) with a new K4. I'm loving the product. Have just finished reading my third book with it since Christmas. For my money, the K4 has all the winning features of the original Kindle with a smaller, sleeker footprint. I checked out the Fire and the Nook color and they're great products, too. The K4 is certainly less ambitious but if all your wife is after is reading books, it's the way to go IMHO. I also shied away from the K touch because I'd heard it was too easy to turn pages by mistake. Plus, I already read both Kindle and Nook books on my smartphone (iPhone) as backup to the Kindle. It's hard to beat the price, ease-of-use, and speed of the K4. Like a dependable calculator, I can throw it in a bag, and take it anywhere and it just works. Only one thing: don't forget to retrieve it from the seat back sleeve in front of you when you exit the airplane! 

[tubemonkey]

Only one thing: don't forget to retrieve it from the seat back sleeve in front of you when you exit the airplane! 

Unless you're in the market for a new Kindle 

[lindnet]

I still haven't decided for sure between the K4 and the Touch, but I'm leaning toward sending back the K4.  I really like it, but I think I like the Touch a little better.  It's just so much easier to tap on the menu and go where I want to go without using the 5 way.  It feels a little sturdier and I just like the updated touchscreen interface.

I've gotten used to the things I wasn't sure about at first; I can easily read it with one hand now (either one) and I don't accidentally turn pages anymore.  After I use the Touch for a couple of days, the K4 feels clunky to navigate on.

Just thought I'd give an update.   

[DachsieGirl]

I did what it sounds like you did and tried them both for a while before deciding which one to return. I decided on the K4, but it sounds like the KT is the right one for you. Glad Amazon has such a great return policy and that you came to a decision you feel good about--happy reading!

[lindnet]

Well, DachsieGirl, I think I may have changed my mind!  LOL!  My Touch has been acting up, needing several taps to change pages, slowing down, etc.  I've done a few reboots and nothing seems to fix it for long.  Tonight I took it to the gym...I found out that if you sit it on the shelf on the machines, it sits on the power button and reboots itself.  You can't turn it over and read in Landscape because it doesn't have Landscape capability.

Meanwhile, the K4 just sits there doing what it's supposed to do, has better screen contrast, turns pages faster, and is lighter to boot.  The power button on it is harder to press, so I could probably use it Portrait, but if not....it supports Landscape.

What made your decision for you?

[KimberlyinMN]

I had a K1, now have a K3 - never once used the 3G as I only read on my Kindle.

So very true!  With my K3, one of the ONLY time I used the 3G was at the very first when I was trying to register it.  (And I had to get in my car and drive to the closest Interstate to get connected because our town is in a black hole for most providers.)  I liked knowing that I had the 3G, but I rarely ever used it. (I may have also used it when the power was out during bad weather so that I could check my email.)