Why do/dont you have a "wireless reading device"?

[Windfall]

I changed my mailing address to a US one and I managed to get US-only contents delivered to my kindle without a problem. No need to change the billing address.

 

[Neckron]

I was able to do it for a while with my Kindle - set myself a fake billing address in the US. After about 20 or so books I got an email stating I was in a different country and I had to use that countries version of the site (which was a lot less books). The whole electronic distribution rights thing irritates me - I would have thought a publisher would want to sell copies of a book not block the sale of copies.

 

[Loerwyn]

I was able to do it for a while with my Kindle - set myself a fake billing address in the US. After about 20 or so books I got an email stating I was in a different country and I had to use that countries version of the site (which was a lot less books). The whole electronic distribution rights thing irritates me - I would have thought a publisher would want to sell copies of a book not block the sale of copies.

If it's anything like games, then chances are it's because of publishing rights. Impulse (a games delivery service) can't sell some games in the UK but can in other territories, as an example.

 

[...]

I am vehemently anti-DRM following a lot of recent computer game controversies and the Amazon issue where they stripped people's books away from their Kindles without their permission. As long as DRM remains part of ebooks, I will not purchase them.

I can understand not liking the DRM factor when purchasing a book, but at least with the Nook you can download your ebook to your computer even if you buy it over 3g. Once you purchase the book it becomes part of your elibrary and you can download it as many times as you like onto whatever device you want to read it on. Once you have the book on your computer you can take the DRM off with a program.

Personally, I love reading ebooks. At work when I have time I'll read a book on my computer or phone and when I'm at home I'll read it on my Nook. The hard part is remembering where you left off. At least with the kindle though I believe they have whispersync. Another advantage of ebooks is they are cheaper than hardcover books. If there is a book that I want to read but don't want to spend $17-20 usually there's an ebook for $9-14. Plus, every once in a while you can find really good ebooks for free. Over the past year or so I've been able to snag Dragon Keeper, The Windup Girl, The Best of Robert Howard, His Majesty's Dragon, Sheep Farmer's Daughter, and Perdido Street Station for free that I read on either Barnes and Noble nook/ereader and Kindle for PC.

I also love regular books, I try to switch between ebook and paper books, mostly because my paper book tbr pile is still pretty long and growing. For some books I know I'll buy paper ones, especially the books that are part of a series. I know I'll buy Abercrombie, Martin, Erikson, Jordan/Sanderson paper versions.

 

[ginshun]

I don't know if it is exactly a wireless reading device, but I have read books on my iPod touch before. It seems really small, but you can match the font size and color pretty much exactly to a mass market paperback if you are viewing the text in landscape. I have read a few free books, and ones that I could only find in ebook format this way.

I will probably buy a Nook or Kindle someday.

 

[Random987]

Anyone using an iPad? A friend of mine likes reading on her iPad better that a Kindle. I was all set to buy a Kindle, but now I may reconsider.

 

[Mekrath]

Anyone using an iPad? A friend of mine likes reading on her iPad better that a Kindle. I was all set to buy a Kindle, but now I may reconsider.

I've considered it, but I tried out a friends and found it a little big and heavy for convenient reading. Got an Astak EZReader 5" that came with a case for $195 or so and couldn't be happier.

 

[Quimby]

Anyone using an iPad? A friend of mine likes reading on her iPad better that a Kindle. I was all set to buy a Kindle, but now I may reconsider.

I have an iPad and have Kindle as an app on it. You can also get the mac version (i think it's called iBook). I've yet to actually read any books on it though. I have too many real books I want to read first.

 

[Ash]

The ipad is ok for occasionaly reading a book, but it is in no way better than a full ereader device for that purpose. I use it primarily for pdf files and comic books and web browsing. Novels not so much.

It doesnt use the e ink tech so is noticably harder on your eyes. Its also a bit heavy and awkward for prolonged reading and only has ten hours of battery life.

If you want a device which is not bad for reading novels, but has lots of other uses, then the Ipad is for you.

If you want a book replacement device which is portable and has a battery life measured in weeks rather than hours, then get a ereader.

If you have the money and can figure out how both pieces of tech fit into your life, then get both

 

[Random987]

Yeah, that is the rub, I really don't know what I would use the iPad for other than reading books or "goofing around". I have a Sony Vaio laptop for any heavy lifting meetings and such....

I really hope that Amazon will give out Kindles to Prime subscribers. There was a rumor floating around the tech blogs to that effect.

If you have the money and can figure out how both pieces of tech fit into your life, then get both

 

[DurzoBlint]

I have the Kindle and love it, it doesn't make up for the physical book. However, when traveling there is not better option than an eReader.

Another great option with the Kindle is that I have the option of getting the title instantly and not head to the book store only to find the book has been sold out our is not in stock.

As for Amazon taking certain titles away from you wirelessly, I have solved the problem and back up each of my purchases by saving a copy on my back up drive and extra computer. After I learned of Amazon's behind the back removal I started backing things up.

 

[Loerwyn]

As for Amazon taking certain titles away from you wirelessly, I have solved the problem and back up each of my purchases by saving a copy on my back up drive and extra computer. After I learned of Amazon's behind the back removal I started backing things up.

I looked into one instance of Amazon removing eBooks (The Orwell fiasco a few years back), and I've honestly not heard of anything since. The Orwell one was just a complete mess, I'll agree, but in a way I can't fault Amazon's decision even if it wasn't carried out as well as it should have been.

 

[DurzoBlint]

I looked into one instance of Amazon removing eBooks (The Orwell fiasco a few years back), and I've honestly not heard of anything since. The Orwell one was just a complete mess, I'll agree, but in a way I can't fault Amazon's decision even if it wasn't carried out as well as it should have been.

That's true, to be fair to Amazon it has only occurred during that one instance. They handled that terribly and did their best to make amends. Still wasn't the right answer but considering their options, I suppose they did the best they could.

 

[Werthead]

That's true, to be fair to Amazon it has only occurred during that one instance. They handled that terribly and did their best to make amends. Still wasn't the right answer but considering their options, I suppose they did the best they could.

As long as the capability remains and Amazon continues to show a distinctly childish response to issues (as with their recent tussel with Macmillan), I am not inclined to go for e-books. DRM has brought a poisonous and unpleasant tone to PC gaming, and I'll be damned if I let my book-reading become subject to the whim of some corporation as well.

 

[DurzoBlint]

Well, like I said- I always back up my purchases. Pray for the best and plan for the worst.

 

[DarthV]

As long as the capability remains and Amazon continues to show a distinctly childish response to issues (as with their recent tussel with Macmillan), I am not inclined to go for e-books. DRM has brought a poisonous and unpleasant tone to PC gaming, and I'll be damned if I let my book-reading become subject to the whim of some corporation as well.

When I buy either newer versions of the nook or sony 600 later this summer, I won't have 3G wireless enabled, so I don't have to worry about Amazon or one of the publishers deciding to eliminate my purchased books

They do need some sort of method to make sure the rampant piracy of their works doesn't happen. I'm hoping they don't go down the road that UBISoft has paved lately. I was going to buy Settlers 7, but no way in hell will they get money from me with their draconian copy protection.

At least it's fairly trivial to strip DRM off B&N epub books. And it's still legal to do so here in Canada for personal backup.

 

[Loerwyn]

As long as the capability remains and Amazon continues to show a distinctly childish response to issues (as with their recent tussel with Macmillan), I am not inclined to go for e-books. DRM has brought a poisonous and unpleasant tone to PC gaming, and I'll be damned if I let my book-reading become subject to the whim of some corporation as well.

Only if you let it
I've never been that bothered by DRM, but it always depends how it's done. If you have to connect your Kindle (or whatever you use) to the internet once a week, I think that'd be reasonable-ish. Bit of a bad move, but certainly far from terrible. However, I think a one-off activation is all that's ever really needed.

Not arguing for DRM, I am against it but I can understand why they use it - whether it actually solves the problem or not, which it rarely (if ever) does.

 

[Rilzik]

I use reading as a sleep aid. There is something (maybe just psychological) about reading a screen that won't make my eyes shut, even if it looks like paper.

I have a feeling I'll get a kindle for Christmas, considering my reading reputation, and I'll use it. But who wants a kindle on vacation at the beach, or internet in bed with you (I'd never sleep), let alone a hot tub, pool, or bath. My biggest concern is being able to fall asleep while reading at nighttime.

Free books are always cool. Are new releases hardcover price or paperback price, or just cheaper? For me besides sleep, money is the main concern, in my opinion a kindle should cost around 15 to 20 dollars, $50 at most.

 

[Deren]

I'd buy some device of the sort, but I'm loathe to possessing a book only in this one way. If you would get the right of access to an e-book with buying a physical book, I would only see it positively. It's lighter to carry and easier to hold. You don't need to be as careful with it. But it's also easier to forget and disregard.

 

[Richardb]

I've had a kindle for about a year. It is perfect for travel, and as stated, downloading a book anytime has its advantages! However, it does not in any way replace physical books. I love hardbacks, but like to take good care of them, in fact, for travel I used to buy paperbacks so I don't ruin my expensive hardbacks.

Now, I just buy the ebook.

So, it has added net revenue to the publishing industry in my case. I buy all my favorites in hardback still, and many of them ebook too.
The reading experience is excellent with the e-ink technology. For dedicated reading, the iPad is not in the same category, though it does many other cool things, and as a reading device that does lots of great other stuff, then it would be a sensible purchase.

However, for me, reading is not something I'd ever do 'suboptimally'. I invested in a Kindle because I want to maximize my reading enjoyment. If I buy an iPad, it will be for web surfing, etc, but reading a book to a backlight just is not something I want to do. Too hard on the eyes.