http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 4:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 4:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/I own one, and it is one of my favorite purchases. Highly recommended.]]>Nov 16th 2009 4:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 4:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 4:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 10:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
I have personal collection of thousands of books. Will they work on an ereader? Not yet. I'm sticking with a long battery life laptop/netbook until there is a discernible reason for an ereader.
]]>Nov 17th 2009 7:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 4:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 4:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
Like almost all gadgets, e-book readers are not for everyone, but don't act like they're no good for anyone.]]>Nov 16th 2009 5:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
The price point for the technology received is laughable for ebook readers. I cannot envision a single case where it is justifiable to spend $200-$300 on a product, unless you're looking to condense your entire book collection into a single device. If it were $50 to maybe $100 it could be justifiable, but these devices have no other value or capability.

If you're looking for something to use on the train, there's no reason this is any more convenient than carrying another book or two and saving yourself $200. If you're looking for something to use on the beach, I would hope it doesn't rain/is humid. If you're in a car or a place with power, is it really worth the threat of eye strain not to just use your laptop or netbook?

Out of all the ridiculous gadgetry that comes out of the oughts, nothing will seem as stupid as ebook readers. Maybe when they're folded into functional devices for an acceptable cost they'll be usable, but right now the only people buying are idiots who like setting fire to large piles of money.]]>Nov 16th 2009 5:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
It can also be about book storage. I have about a hundred paperbacks and hard bound books stuffed in boxes; not enough shelf space. A PIA when you move (with the military) every 2-3 years. Ebooks? All in one place... never have to go hunting through boxes to find that one book that I want to read again.

Your comment tells me that you are not a reader, and you don't understand the concept... so why are you trolling here? Go find some post about xbox/ps3 games and clutter it with your unrelated diatribes.]]>Nov 16th 2009 8:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
Do you really have all the books you need on your reader? And is it really worth $260 and the cost of rebuying all of your books, while also carrying around a dedicated device with you whenever it's necessary? And is it worth being limited by where you're able to use the thing?

I simply cannot understand the appeal of the thing. I guess if someone only reads the latest popular fiction then it's useful, otherwise it makes no sense at all.

Are we really that lazy of a country that the thought of carrying a few books is so dispiriting? Throwing hundreds of dollars to replace a book that can be had for $3 is ridiculous. Just carry a damn book.]]>Nov 16th 2009 8:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
Reading a book on a single slate that automatically saves your place in as many books as you want (I usually skip around between 3 or 4 books at a time) just makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

Plus, my Sony reader _does_ serve multiple purposes, as its touch screen lets me take handwritten notes at work and at home. It's not the most perfect solution in the world for note taking, but so far it has proven a lot more successful than carrying around a notebook and pen all the time.]]>Nov 16th 2009 9:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
Likewise, I rarely read (1-2 books a month) but when I travel, especially on business, I will go through several books.

Oh, and when you fly... Packing a bag full of books makes for heavy (slow) travel through air ports, still limits you, and is done right insane (again, heavy travel, one more bag to worry about, etc). An ebook reader would be essential to anyone who reads a lot and flies frequently. ]]>Nov 16th 2009 9:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
Apparently, a lot of people liked the idea of having all of their content with them at all times. And E-readers may not be for you, but they're fantastic for a lot of folks out there.]]>Nov 16th 2009 9:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
You evidently haven't used one. Leaving how uncomfortable it is to read an actual paperback on the go, think of the trees. Reading is great, I LOVE it, but if a new technology lets us stop using so much paper, what's the problem? I love my sony reader :D]]>Dec 21st 2009 12:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://consumerist.com/5404447/you-cant-use-a-barnes--noble-gift-card-for-ebooks

As the link's name suggests, you can't use B&N gift cards for ebooks, but you can for Amazon/Kindle.

In fact, as has been brought up on the B&N boards, there is currently no way to gift an ebook to a nook user. You can't give them a gift card to buy an ebook, and you can't buy an ebook and register it to their device. You just have to give them cash :(]]>Nov 16th 2009 4:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
A Gift Card or Online Gift Certificate currently cannot be used towards an eBook purchase. Please check back for updates.

]]>Nov 16th 2009 4:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
"More good news on the eBook front: We'll soon accept Barnes & Noble gift cards as payment in our eBook store."

They claim it will work directly on your eBook reader or online starting in November (?)

]]>Nov 16th 2009 6:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/I've heard that you can take the free Google stuff and convert them with a free app (Calibre) to a Kindle friendly format. Haven't tried that myself and of course, that's an extra step that you may or may not be ok with, but just figured I'd throw that out there in case that's important to anyone.]]>Nov 16th 2009 4:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 5:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 11:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 4:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
When was it funny?]]>Nov 16th 2009 4:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 4:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 5:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 5:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 5:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 17th 2009 4:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
So, with that in mind, I wanted the Kindle, but I waited. I wanted to see how well Amazon would support it. I read a lot of business columns, where it was mentioned, and I happen to know someone pretty high up at Amazon. He would not break any rules, but he did say that it was certainly safe to purchase a Kindle.

Instead of buying one, I received one for my birthday. It is fairly easy to give it as a gift. The giver buys it and has to register it at purchase time, they can even set up a My Account page. However, once it is given to the recipient, the receiver just goes and registers the device. I believe, but I don't remember, if the giver had to first delete from their "Account." Which would only make sense. So, maybe it is a bit more complicated than giving a gift certificate with a picture of the Kindle.

For me, and I travel about two weeks about out of every month, it has worked out wonderfully. To do my job, we ship out what we call an "on-site" office. This means all of my scripts, set designs, everything is there, plus placed in two FTP sites. The Kindle allows me to get reading done, in the short time I actually can do so, but more, it allows me to take all sorts of former print materials. There are other e-book readers, I feel it really comes to what the user is comfortable with and how they want to use it. For some, it would just be one more item, for me, I like it better than reading on my tablet PC. There is something for everyone, especially a book in print.

Have fun reading no matter what you use or decide to use.]]>Nov 18th 2009 1:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 5:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/but still, just GO AWAY!!!!!!]]>Nov 16th 2009 5:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
Though i think neither deserves to get ban, but we should have the ability to downrank to the point where they can get completely minimized. ]]>Nov 16th 2009 5:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 5:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 6:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
/s]]>Nov 16th 2009 5:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Oddly enough that will be a stocking stuffer in our family. One of my sisters bought this liked it but decided to upgrade to the 600. So while she was trying to figure out what to do with it, I suggested she give it to our other sibling. Sure it's slightly used but they don't need to know that!]]>Dec 8th 2009 12:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
the only downside is that portrait mode isn't supported by default, you have to jump through a few hoops.

I still use my old Palm T3 for ebooks, 'cos of the DRM, but in general I avoid buying/downloading such things unless the book is hard to get hold of (at least with paper books you can sell or give them away).]]>Nov 16th 2009 5:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/]]>Nov 16th 2009 6:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 8:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 17th 2009 12:15AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
Also, at this point in time, we have a subscription way to get music (Rhapsody, Zune Pass, etc) and subscription way to get movies (Netflix, kinda Hulu). However, I looked around (albeit very quickly) and I canNOT find an all-you-can-eat form of getting e-books. Can anyone point me in the direction of one if they indeed exist?]]>Nov 16th 2009 6:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 6:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 9:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.ebookmall.com/ebook-club.htm#4
I gave the list a quick look and seems ok
hope that helps :) I'm getting a new
eReader very soon so might give this a try.

]]>Dec 1st 2009 8:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/
The Touch edition comes in better colors, but has it's own problems. The 505 really was a wonderful device, I don't know why they couldn't have focused on improving that, instead we got a retool of the PRS-700, a feature-burned version of the 505, and an awkwardly-sized wireless device. After waiting a month to see what Sony came out with, checking it all out in the store, I bought my Dad a 505 that was on sale at Fry's.

The Nook, I will be waiting to see for myself on the 30th. If I like it, sign me up for one, Otherwise, I'm going to send my wife out to get another 505 for me. It continues to impress me for being a 2 year old device. It turns out I don't need wireless to read books...]]>Nov 16th 2009 7:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 8:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 16th 2009 10:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/Nov 17th 2009 8:51AM