Recommend me an ebook reader

Cafe Society
1

I have collected quite a lot of ebooks in various different formats, going back over the years from my old Palm M105. At the moment, I’m using Stanza and eReader on the iphone, but with the eye strain beginning to tell, I’m starting to think that it may be time for me to consider a dedicated ebook reader.

What I’d need is something light and capable of supporting ebooks in multiple formats, especially Microsoft LIT, eReader, and PDF. Wireless capability wouldn’t be important to me.

The Kindle isn’t an option as it doesn’t work outside the US. I understand that the Sony ebook reader doesn’t have the format compatibility I want, but I have to admit that I find the range of ebook formats pretty bewildering.

I quite fancy the look and price of the Cool-er, but have read poor reviews of the build quality and user interface.

There are a few newer models on the way, and I like the look especially of the Samsung Papyrus, but it’s hard to find much info about launch dates, price or what formats it will support.

Does anyone have any personal recommendations, or advice as to whether I should hold out for one of the new ones coming out soon?

Also, a related question: do the screens of all these devices continue to show text with the power off?

I’ve posted here as it’s book-related, but if IMHO or somewhere else is more appropriate, mods please feel free to move it.

2

Sure it does, you just won’t have the wireless cell-network connection. But you said that wireless wasn’t important to you.

It will probably cost more than some other options to pay for that feature you won’t be using, though.

3

I’ve tried Adobe Digital Editions on my home computer. I liked the way that it worked, I just don’t like reading in that format. I’m not a techie (at all!) but hope this helps!

4

For the price of a Kindle you can get a Netbook with a full OS like Linux or Windows. Of course they are not as small but that is something to consider.

5

I really like my sony reader. So far, I have had no trouble loading anything. The formats it accepts are:
BBeB (Sony’s own format)
PDF
EPUB
RTF
TXT
JPEG
PNG
BMP
MP3
AAC

6

(My Kindle works fine outside the US. But then again, I used a US credit card and address to get it; they think it is in the US.)

7

Thanks for all your suggestions so far. Bijou Drains, I have a netbook already that’s pretty much become my default PC at home: however, I still find eye-strain is an issue, and have heard that an e-ink screen is much better.

Am I right in thinking that with an e-ink screen, the text image remains visible all the time, without using battery power?