~ archived since 2018 ~

Input needed : buying e-books and reading them on android.

rtahkwa · 2018-05-26T00:54:50+00:00

In my quest of self improvement, I want to read more. Due to bad eyesight and lighting in my home, reading actual books is pretty much out of the question....

rtahkwa

May 26, 2018

11 upvotes

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Post Information

Title	Input needed : buying e-books and reading them on android.
Author	rtahkwa
Upvotes	11
Comments	74
Date	May 26, 2018 12:54 AM UTC (8 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MGTOW
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MGTOW/comments/8m6ldj/input_needed_buying_ebooks_and_reading_them_on/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MGTOW/input-needed-buying-e-books-and-reading-them-on.552111 https://theredarchive.com/post/552111

Comments

[–]dogwoodcat4 points5 points6 points 8 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa3 points 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]Logoz7 4 points5 points6 points 8 years ago (30 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (29 children) | Copy Link

You'd opt for a kindle instead of a general use tablet? I'm not averse to the idea, I just wonder about the reasons for it. What can it do that a tablet can't?

[–]Logoz7 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (14 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (13 children) | Copy Link

Those are great tips, thanks!

Being easy on the eyes is a priority for me, so I'll be taking your advise and going with a kindle.

[–]Logoz7 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa3 points 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]DWShimoda1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago* (10 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (9 children) | Copy Link

Thanks for the tip!

I'm a bit worried about too much white light before going to sleep. For reading in daylight the PaperWhite does seem to be exactly what I had in mind. I'm assuming the backlight would help with glare when reading outside?

[–]DWShimoda1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (8 children) | Copy Link

I'm a bit worried about too much white light before going to sleep.

Backlight can be turned down VERY low... and it's "color" is such that it doesn't seem to cause problems.

For reading in daylight the PaperWhite does seem to be exactly what I had in mind. I'm assuming the backlight would help with glare when reading outside?

With the Kindle "e-ink" screen,well generally speaking in daylight/outside there's no need for the backlight at all; oh and (unlike tablets) the "e-ink" screen has a satin/matte finish, and is basically "no glare" (see this photo - and while I can't attest to whether they {Amazon} altered the pic or not, I can tell you that my personal experience with the devices matches what is shown there: both the glare on std "tablets" and the "no glare" of the Kindle; IMO it's not exaggerated).

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (7 children) | Copy Link

Sounds like they really made Kindle the perfect device for reading digital books. I can't imagine the work and research that went in to it.

The picture you compared to your own experience seems pretty ideal. I already imagine myself sitting on my patio with it.

It's true what they say, happy customers make the best representatives! :)

[–]DWShimoda1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (6 children) | Copy Link

Sounds like they really made Kindle the perfect device for reading digital books. I can't imagine the work and research that went in to it.

Well, the first one came out in like 2007, and present models are all like the 8th or 9th generation since that. (You can see the various MAJOR iteration changes on the wikipedia article.)

The picture you compared to your own experience seems pretty ideal. I already imagine myself sitting on my patio with it.

It really IS like that. Here... took a couple of pics for you just now: NOTE the same "light" settings on both devices in both pics -- Kindle is eminently readable both inside and out in bright sunlight {that's the "e-ink/e-paper" tech} -- whereas the tablet is basically useless outside, and has a tendency to be too bright inside {though that is at MAX}.

Also apologies for the "fuzziness" of the photo quality, lens on phone camera is obviously dirty/oily.

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (5 children) | Copy Link

I don't really get why they offer an ad supported version and a no-ads version. The price difference seems so low that I can't see many people opting for the ad supported one.

Don't worry about the fuzziness! I'm grateful that you took the effort to take a picture. It really shows that the kindle remains usable outside. I'm not able to take a laptop or tablet outside and expect to actually see anything on the screen.

I've looked in to it, and it's not possible in my country to get a Kindle directly from amazon (No idea why... it ships fine to other EU countries). There are a few shops that have it, but they don't mention the generation or version. So I'll have to do some manual shopping at some of the bigger electronics stores.

[–]DWShimoda1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

I don't really get why they offer an ad supported version and a no-ads version. The price difference seems so low that I can't see many people opting for the ad supported one.

Well, the "ads" (so called) are really UNOBTRUSIVE -- basically they are only seen when the unit is off or first turned on (like a screen-saver) -- they don't interrupt your reading.

And for some people, well money is tight, and in many cases this is a "tentative/speculative" purchase (i.e. they're not sure they will like/use the device) -- so the perception that they're getting a discount (especially for something that -- if they DON'T use the device -- won't bother them), is a selling point.

BTW, the same is sort of true on the opposite end with the bigger memory capacity of the top end models -- unless you were to xfer some insanely HUGE .pdf files to the thing -- well just loading ebooks, it's virtually impossible to exceed the capacity of even the lower end models, and I can't imagine anyone getting anywhere near filling up 8Gb, 16Gb, much less 32Gb with ebooks files. So again, it's a "selling" point -- some people just HAVE to have the "biggest/best/moar-moar-moar" -- even if it serves no purpose... they simply CANNOT be stuck buying the basic "plebian" models (heaven forbid!)*

Don't worry about the fuzziness! I'm grateful that you took the effort to take a picture. It really shows that the kindle remains usable outside. I'm not able to take a laptop or tablet outside and expect to actually see anything on the screen.

Yeah, same experience here. Only laptop I was ever able to use outside (during sunny daytime anyway) was my old Apple Mac Powerbook 100 (with a backlit LCD screen) -- but that was like 3 decades ago -- otherwise modern laptops & tablets & such are really only usable if it's overcast, or else early morning/late evening.

But the Kindle? I can take that & read it anywhere -- from a pitch-black room -- to the brightest sunniest day at the beach or pool-side -- and likewise everywhere around my home or away from home (even waaaaaay off-grid in some backwoods hiking location, with no "recharge" location in sight for a week!)

I've looked in to it, and it's not possible in my country to get a Kindle directly from amazon (No idea why... it ships fine to other EU countries). There are a few shops that have it, but they don't mention the generation or version. So I'll have to do some manual shopping at some of the bigger electronics stores.

Ah, shit. Hadn't really thought of that, guess I think of Amazon as being just about everywhere.

-- As to version/generation... maybe print out that "Kindle" wikipedia page as a "guide" & take it along when shopping/looking at models -- I'd say basically any model that is 6th generation or later will be a good device that will likely last you several years.

-- I've had that PaperWhite one I took a photo of (6th gen of Kindle, 2nd gen of the "Paperwhite" series) for about... jeepers, I think it's 4 going on 5 years now... still strong in all regards. (Oh BTW, it's a 4GB memory, and even though I have a shit-ton of books on it, I still have 2.79Gb free.)

[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]DWShimoda2 points 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

Amazon in Europe is pretty disappointing. I don't really blame them, pretty much each country having its own language doesn't make things easier. Though, if there's one company that can create a localized version of its site, it should be Amazon.

-- Seems to me that might be as much Europe just being "Europe" -- i.e. throwing up barriers to American based companies -- as anything else.

-- Well even if you can't get an Amazon branded device; as others have noted the passive "e-ink" displays units are unquestionably THE way to go with an ebook-reader.

I think all of the devices listed here use "e-ink."

But of course I can't tell you what the experience is like in terms of obtaining books on those (the Amazon ebook/elibrary system -- despite what it's detractors may claim -- is really VERY well done; and pretty darned accomodating*).

-- * And not just in that there are several "optional" ways of adding books (and docs, i.e. non-Amazon sourced) to any device -- but that the elibrary content can be easily/readily shared with multiple devices (and if you have "family" members, "kids" as well as another adult, shared with several people as well {notably without loss of the ability to read the same books at the same time}).

[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]DWShimoda2 points 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

The funny thing is, I can order anything from the Amazon US site. It just ends up being more expensive due to transport costs. :-/

Whereas I get "free" 2 day shipping... America FTW!

;-)

Thank you for all your help. Next time I'm at an electronics store I'll have a look around to see what's available. If they only have other brands, I'll have to research those specifically.

Just from quick glance at the specs & websites, it looks like the Kobo and PocketBook brands have units that are functionally & design-wise pretty much identical to the Kindle -- and other brands may be very similar as well -- just without the Amazon Kindle ebook/elibrary system part (and I have no idea what they have as alternatives, if there is some similar "cloud" based library technology available for them or not; haven't looked at them in that depth).

-- Cheers! And best of luck in getting a unit.

[–]DWShimoda2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (13 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (12 children) | Copy Link

Do you have external reasons for preferring a kindle? For instance, the tablet making it easier to distract yourself from reading? (which is my main worry, I need to learn to concentrate again.)

From what I've heard so far (and your other posts are really helpful as well!), I'll definitely go for a kindle.

[–]deebodeezo2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa2 points 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]DWShimoda0 points1 point2 points 8 years ago* (9 children) | Copy Link

Do you have external reasons for preferring a kindle? For instance, the tablet making it easier to distract yourself from reading? (which is my main worry, I need to learn to concentrate again.)

Yes, that is indeed one of the "benefits" -- if you think of it from that perspective -- since the Kindles are ONLY an "e-reader" (text and simple B/W dithered illustrations), and the devices cannot do "video" or animation (although some limited "browser" ability is possible, trust me you WON'T use it often)... it does help keep you "focused" on whatever book(s) it is you are reading. (Even with the{limited} web-browser capability -- and an active WiFi connection -- you will NOT even be tempted to "surf Reddit" or to "check your email" or "see what's on YouTube"... cause that just don't work.)

At the same time, though you really only need it for certain features (the device works just fine OFFLINE) it has really good WIFI capability... and again the battery-charge-life (and battery management) is excellent (you almost have to remember to charge it).

Plus, even the low end models have the ability to store (local on the device) a rather insane quantity of books... more than most people could read in a year. (The think is a "dream" tool for backwoods backpack/tent style hikers & campers -- not only gives you a library, but you CAN also send/xfer PDF files to it {i.e. maps & lists & such} -- and it also serves {turn backlight to MAX} as a convenient "tent glow light" ... i.e. where ARE my shoes & socks again?)

From what I've heard so far (and your other posts are really helpful as well!), I'll definitely go for a kindle.

Only downside is that -- somewhat ironically -- they're a bit more expensive than the tablets... but if your goal is READING then they are well-worth it from just about every perspective (and again, if you do go the Amazon "Kindle" ebook route, there's nothing preventing you from getting & using a tablet when and if it suits you; but I think even if you own both, you'll still PREFER the Kindle for nearly all of your actual reading).

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (8 children) | Copy Link

(The think is a "dream" tool for backwoods backpack/tent style hikers & campers -- not only gives you a library, but you CAN also send/xfer PDF files to it {i.e. maps & lists & such} -- and it also serves {turn backlight to MAX} as a convenient "tent glow light" ... i.e. where ARE my shoes & socks again?)

We might have a shared hobby here!

they're a bit more expensive than the tablets...

The Kindle Oasis E-reader comes to €250 for the 32GB version. That's about the same you'd pay for a low end toy-like tablet here.

Thank you for all of your help, it looks like you made this a very easy choice. :)

[–]DWShimoda1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago* (7 children) | Copy Link

The Kindle Oasis E-reader comes to €250 for the 32GB version. That's about the same you'd pay for a low end toy-like tablet here.

Oh jeepers, the Amazon "Fire" tablets are like $50 to $100 USD here... whereas the Kindle e-readers are all in the $100+ to $200+ USD range.

EDIT: Also, personally I prefer the smaller models-- I know the temptation is for the BIGGEST screen possible -- but the small models (i.e. the 7" Fire Tablet, and the Kindle "Paperwhite" e-reader) well, they fit (quite nicely) in a standard shirt-pocket (and also suit jacket pockets, etc); whereas some of the larger models ... don't.

Oh, and while the mantra "more is better" is a common default when it comes to device memory... the plain truth of the matter is that you really do NOT need that 32GB memory (most of it will just sit empty... forever). Why? Because e-book files are TINY, and any unit with even just 4 GB of memory can hold more frigging books than you're gonna read in an entire YEAR, even if you were to read constantly... 16+ hours a day.

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (6 children) | Copy Link

they fit (quite nicely) in a standard shirt-pocket (and also suit jacket pockets, etc); whereas some of the larger models ... don't.

I didn't consider this! I'll have to take it into consideration. Usually I bring my laptop everywhere, but with the kindle that wouldn't be necessary.

[–]DWShimoda1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (5 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (4 children) | Copy Link

Well, the 32GB version also does audio. So it could be used to store some music or audio books as well. I generally like sound in the background, so that's a bonus for me.

[–]DWShimoda2 points 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]DWShimoda1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]smflow 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (7 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (6 children) | Copy Link

Oh wow. I heard of the technology but wasn't aware it was already on the market.

Would you want to share the brand you're using? Seeing how happy you seem to be of it and its features, it seems like a good brand to use as a base for research.

For normal paper, reading is easier with white light. What's your experience with light color on the e-ink reader?

Do you put books on it manually?

[–]smflow 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (5 children) | Copy Link

It's on the market for, like, ten years or so.

I use Pocketbook, but can't be sure it's the best option. In Russia, where i live, it's like a standard for e-books, so i didn't have too many options. There are a lot of differend brands out there with similar functionality. Like Kindle from amazon, for example.

E-ink is created to imitate normal paper in different lighting conditions but with perks of electronic device. So, you need a light source for it like you need it for normal paper book. Some readers have a build in lights, but mine doesn't. During a day sunlight is enough to read on mine, at night i use bedlight. There are no screen glare at all (perks of e-ink technology) and it's really easy on the eyes.

Downloading books depends on the device you using. Kindle created to be used with amazon book store, so you can buy something there, then connect your book to the internet and download your book on device. Pocketbook has same functionality (with a different store), but i don't use it. I download books on my PC, then hook up ebook to it (via usb cable which doubles as charging cable) and then transfer books to it.

Modern readers understand almost all modern formats (pdf, doc, epub, fb2 - you name it).

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (4 children) | Copy Link

Guess I'm really out of touch with technology! Thanks for explaining. :)

It's certainly something I'm considering. Not having a backlight could be an issue, but I could look for models that added lighting. Alternatively, I could re-arrange my living room so the sofa's back is facing the window. For reading late at night, not having a bright backlight is a bonus to get better quality sleep.

Seems most people are advising to get a kindle. So that's probably what I'm going to do.

[–]smflow 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link

You're welcome :) I can't say much about built in lights - never hold'em in my hands. But, basically, ebook screen looks like a book page. Not emitting light at all. So, think of it as a normal book and arrange your reading environment accordingly. And if you have such option, you should hold it in your hands and check out how comfortable it will be for you.

For myself it was an easy choice: good for eyes (i wear glasses, so it's important), no need for daily recharges, i can cram my whole library into it and take it with me wherever i go.

P.S. It's also will be good to personally check out different models for input options. Some books have normal buttons for menu navigation/page turning, but there are modern versions with touchscreen. I can't give advice for that: my book is pretty old (so, buttons) and i don't know how good e-ink technology meshes with touch input.

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (2 children) | Copy Link

You make a good remark. Before buying one I really should handle it first. I'm not a big fan of buying stuff and sending it back. Reviews are nice, but in the back of my head I'm always wondering if they're shilling or not.

I now know what I'll be doing this weekend. Reading and crosschecking reviews and comparison on kindle/e-ink devices and see which best suits me. :)

[–]smflow 1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]JStheHammer 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (2 children) | Copy Link

It's a good tip, but I just can't just listen to something. And as soon s I get distracted I stop processing what I'm hearing. So reading really is the better option for me.

[–]JStheHammer 1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago (8 children) | Copy Link

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[–]DWShimoda1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (6 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago (5 children) | Copy Link

[deleted]

[–]DWShimoda1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (4 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link

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[–]DWShimoda0 points1 point2 points 8 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link

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[–]DWShimoda0 points1 point2 points 8 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]Space_Wolf25 1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (6 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (5 children) | Copy Link

Can you fit entire lines on the screen when zoomed in? I have a oneplus one, this has a pretty big screen, but doesn't fit lines well when zoomed.

And a more personal preference, I like more of my view "obstructed" by the screen I'm reading.

[–]Space_Wolf25 1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (4 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (3 children) | Copy Link

The app might be the difference. I just have a standard pdf reader on it at the moment. When zooming in, it basically acts as if zooming in on a picture, making me move the text to the left to finish reading a sentence.

[–]Space_Wolf25 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago* (2 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link

That's pretty great! Kindle & the app seems to be general favorites.

Do you notice much impact to the battery charge on your phone?

[–]Space_Wolf25 1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link

[deleted]

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (2 children) | Copy Link

Ah, undernet... Been years since I went there. Currently I'm torrenting just about everything that's media. I tend to download books I'm unsure of, but fully plan to support the authors whose books I enjoy.

[+][deleted] 8 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link

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[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]Mecha_Hobbit1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa2 points 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[–]DWShimoda1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link

Thank you again for your insightful replies!

The more I look in to it, the more I like the idea of getting a Kindle. From what I'm reading here and on review sites, if reading is my goal, these devices have everything covered.

[–]DWShimoda1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link

[–]trailnwire11 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link

[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link

[+][deleted] 8 years ago [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link

Get a Kindle. The cheaper models are like $60 usd. Great one-time purchase. You can torrent all the books pretty easy.

[–]rtahkwa1 point 8 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link