ebook readers

[Bunnylump]

Dibble's got the standard one without the keyboard and he gets on fine with it. He uses it to read papers (as in scientific ones) on the train on the way into UCL on the train.

[giraffe]

I think I'll get the one without keyboard as it's cheaper and I don't know if he wants one, and then if he would rather have the keyboard one perhaps later we can get the more expensive one and he can have the better one and me or one of the children can have the cheaper one.

[LAT]

Sounds a plan.

[katsmom]

This is just sad. I'm snowed under most of the year and Christmas comes around and I have time to read posts.
I wanted an ebook reader, and spotted a co-worker reading pdf's during a rather tedious meeting. Looked again, and realized he was on an ipad. Now I'm sure many will groan at this, but that's what I went for. I love the thing. Downloaded the Kindle app, and haven't looked back. It's a brilliant piece of tech. I don't know what took me so long to get it.

[Scurra]

My own feeling about the iPad (and other tablets - or even laptops or smartphones come to that) is that they are indeed great pieces of kit as long as you don't want to use them out of doors, or under direct light... Backlit glossy screens just become practically unreadable, whereas e-ink screens (like the Kindle) are usable pretty much anywhere.

On the other hand, if you want to use your device to do anything else other than just for reading a book, then a tablet or laptop is probably going to be better. (katsmom, I'd be interested to know if you use your iPad for creating documents, not just reading them, and, if so, how you get on with it.)

[katsmom]

I use docs to go all the time. I also use iannotate pdf. I love both programs! The latter for reading all those endless articles on, and since I can take it with me I'm in heaven. I highlight to my hearts content with that program, add notes, write all over the documents. The only complaint I have with this one is I can't draw lines from one page to the next. I have to end the drawing tool, scroll the page down and start writing again. But I can live with that until something better comes along. It sure beats carrying around reams of paper like I used to do. The ipad is super lightweight-much more so than my notebook. I don't get shoulder aches from carrying it around.

I use the docs to go for a number of different things. Creating word documents, It has all the basic functions of a typewriter, minus the tab key, but that is a separate button so it's there in a different form. I crate on the go all the time. I have spent what seems like days on end in meetings this past semester and this program has really saved me valuable time. Yes, I had to learn to 'air type', but it hasn't been too difficult a learning curve for me. Although I am slower-about half my normal typing speed. I've used this program to open and read excel files, but haven't created any because I just don't really use excel. I can create Pdfs with it but again, I haven't used that function yet. The powerpoint creator on here is wonderful!

And don't even get me started on the bluetooth hook up to the computer and using my phone as a pointer for the powerpoint slides I keep having to use! I'm slowly becoming an apple girl. Isn't it funny how I learned to do basic programming on an apple 2e and am now going full circle with my choice of equipment. When my netbook dies, or the Uni gives us another computer voucher....I'm going for a macbook air! Bug has a macbook for school and while it takes some getting used to, it's pretty easy to use. I hate to say it, but I'm sold.

I have a glare guard on my iPad, and phone, so I really don't have those issues with reading in the sun. Yes, the film was a bit more expensive than the regular protector but oh so worth it.

For the record, I did buy an attachable bluetooth keyboard, but the weight of it combined with the plug in bit breaking off the first time I charged it and I'm not impressed. Right back to the shop it went. My little toy keeps going for about 10 hours, and I don't know how I managed before without it. Well ok, I used a pen and then typed up all the stuff I now enter into the iPad.

I use these programs in conjunction with dropbox (if you haven't got it and want it, let me know so I can send an invite. I need more space). www.dropbox.com No, I'm not selling, I just love the ability to store and not carry around 50 brainsticks! That is the one downside of the iPad. No USB port.

Honestly, with that glare guard and all the other features and stuff I can do with it...highly recommended!
I can even read this page on there so you know it's good.

[Scurra]

That's very helpful, thanks.
I have been asking everyone I meet who uses a tablet similar questions, and so far there's about a 50/50 split between those that think it's the best thing in the world, and those that think it's just a laptop with pretensions. (In general, the second group have tended to be the ones who have used laptops their whole life, whilst the first aren't. As you might guess, I'm in the second group. )

[katsmom]

I've had a laptop/notebook/netbook since the early 90's. I love the things. And there is no way I would get rid of mine. But, those days when I have to schlep across town and take notes during those insanely long meetings, the iPad wins.
Each has its own merits, and I wouldn't try to get anyone to give up one for the other. I just find for the train rides...its a lot easier to open my iPad than a notebook. When I speak at conferences, I have had major problems with brainstick transfers and cables that don't work. The iPad pretty much hits all the universities I've been in as far as connectivity is concerned (I'm doing a different country each month with this project of mine! ) and I don't need to worry about dead batteries on my clicker anymore because I downloaded an app for my phone iClicker).

The big bust for me is the really bad camera. Not good at all. Lousy photos on it. They are very grainy. Bugs Samsung phone takes better photos than my phone and the iPad combined. But, then there is the ability to run internet off my phone....so a lot of give and take.

Oh, and when we did the family thing to Germany this year, her batteries and mine on the laptop went dead. Since we flew Delta in the cattle car, there was no electrical outlet to be found. But my iPad managed a Duracell bunny stunt. I did my work, played around with some photos, read a few offline pages (another amazing app that I find difficult to live without) and then when all batteries were gone, bug took my toy and played angry birds for the rest of the trip. It lasted from HK to Berlin non stop! Can't go wrong there.