Saturday, August 08, 2015

Whatcha e-Reading?

I'm still debating on whether or not to get a new e-reader (or maybe get my old Nook fixed.) I still don't like e-readers, but so many authors I like are indy publishing now and releasing books in electronic format only that I may not have a choice. With the stricter limits on my book-buying budget an e-reader would help me read more for less $.

I think if I do go for a new e-reader I need to get one that doesn't shine in my face like the old Nook did, or that can be adjusted to a lower wattage or something. I'm still sensitive to electronic light, and my eyes get tired more easily since the surgery. I also hate touch screens of any type. Really hate them with a passion that burns ever brighter each time I'm forced to use a touch-only device -- not fun for the arthritic. And yes, I've tried the stylus approach and it doesn't despel my loathing at all. Touch technology is absolutely unforgiving of clumsy users like me. It's also why I don't use that idiot GPS my guy wants me to take everywhere; I know I'll try to program it for the market and end up in the Adirondacks.

While I dither on about devices, here's what I've got on my Kindle Cloud Reader in the computer to read during work breaks this week -- Hero by Elsa Jade, aka our blog pal Jessa Slade, which is part of a big shifter series collection by a bunch of authors. So whatcha e-reading now? Let us know in comments.

21 comments:

  1. The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck...actually a good read, filling in spots in history I didn't know about in between his escapades on the trail.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm reading some history (in paperback) now, too, Judy -- Victorian America ~ Transformations in Everyday Life by Thomas J. Schlereth. Very dense but lovely writing and fascinating information.

      Delete
  2. The windup girl, paolo bacigalupi. I bought it ebook form last year for travel reading and um..finally almost finished on this year's vacation. I like ebooks for the paperbacks and travel reading, we have to pare down the luggage weight these days, but I do wish I had the means for print versions for everything, but that's reserved for a select bunch of work. ( fave authors, friends, and my jewelery books).

    With my own, ebook and print sell 50/50.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been hitting the used book and thrift stores to get print books at cheaper prices. Last week I got a lovely stack of hardcovers and paperbacks for $5.00 at a thrift store sale, which was a nice coup.

      Delete
  3. I understand the glare and brightness issue with a reader.... I had a Nook and a Kindle Fire and both made my eyes feel sooo tired when reading after a full day of working on the computer... I received the Kindle Paperwhite as a gift and its been great! It's much easier on the eyes, I can read it in full sun without a problem if I'm out at lunch or at a park or beach on a weekend and it's much lighter than my original Fire so my purse doesn't feel as heavy and my shoulders are appreciative. The charge also lasts quite some time... I read a cumulative several hours a day sometimes but still only need to charge once a week or so. The pricing is much better than the K/Fire or HD also so is easier on the pocketbook...

    I hope you find something you like. I much prefer print books too but in our small apartment I have no more room so the kindle has been a great joy, plus I've found so many new authors by getting the kindle freebies out there.... I may start with a freebie but have ended up purchasing the whole series of at least 6 authors in the last year or two.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the rec on the Kindle Paperwhite, JLR -- sounds like the kind of e-reader I should look into.

      Delete
  4. I have a Samsung tablet, a bit older model, the 2014 Note 10.1 with an anit-glare screen protector on it. Yes, it has a stylus, but it also has Google Now on it so I can say "Okay Google" and it will let me speak what I need, and Dragon (which I know you use.) The other thing I like is that I can adjust the screen brightness so when my eyes are tired at the end of the day, it's not overwhelming. But the biggest thing for me is that I can read Nook Books, Kindle, Kobo...just about anything. AND, I have Calibre on it so I don't have to lose any of my eBooks because I changed formats. Out of everything I looked at, it was the most versatile and the fact that I could put all those reading apps and such on it has really been a wonderful thing. It's all a matter of personal preference though and though you can get recommendations up the ying/yang, ultimately, it's what will work for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My daughter does that Okay Google thing with her phone, which I never understood until you explained it just now. Lord, I am turning into a complete Luddite. The idea of something that would allow me to use the Dragon as well as read is very attractive. Thanks for the rec. :)

      Delete
  5. Listening to Ex-Heroes from Audible. I'm reading something, but can't remember the title cuz I'm an airhead. O.O Ex-Heroes is awesome, though

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are not an airhead. You'e just busy (that's my excuse, anyway.)

      Delete
  6. Ebook-wise, I downloaded a free copy of Earthrise by M.C.A Hogarth. I'm liking it so far, but will wait until I've finished to blast my good opinion toward the rest of the world.

    As for using a tablet to read ebooks, it's not necessary. I have the free Kindle for PC app on my laptop. For everything non-Kindle, I use Calibre (also free) on the laptop as well. Given what you've said, would that work better?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm using the free Kindle app on the computer now, Amy, but I can't take it out on the porch, which is my favorite reading spot. So that's the one big drawback for me. :(

      Delete
    2. Ah. Then it sounds like B.E. Sanderson's recommendation is what you need. :) Good luck!

      Delete
  7. I love my Kindle Paperwhite (my 2nd, I read the first one to death), and I am currently reading, on my Kindle, for the 5millionth time The Lord of the Rings. It never gets old.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have a simple basic Kindle. No glare. No touch screen. Clicky buttons on the sides for easy page flipping and navigation. I'm reading Caged Magic (the long awaited 5th book in Jennifer Lyon's Wing Slayer Hunter series) on my Kindle between edits. I use the Kindle to edit, too. I read my books on the Kindle, and make notes on paper. It works for me. YMMV.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Clicky buttons are definitely my friends. Thanks for the rec, B. :)

      Delete
  9. I like Jessa Slade books. I'll have to nip this. Have you tried kindle or nook app for the computer with brightness turned down? Otherwise I was going to second the basic kindle before all the new reincarnations of it. my husband has a Samsung tablet because he likes paper books but this does in a pinch. I'm rereading an old Larissa Ione

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kindle Paperwhite. It's a huge change from the glare-y screens.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm currently reading J B Lynn's Hitwoman series. I finished the first book on Saturday and have nearly finished the second. I'm also listening to J R Ward's Blackdagger Brotherhood while I'm sewing, such a lovely way to combine 2 passions. I use my iPad to read ebook, either in iBooks or on the Kindle app. I like that it offers 3 types of screen, normal black on white, a sepia which is black on tea stain and night version with is white on black. It cuts down the glare and makes it easier to read.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Penny Pflager10:55 AM

    Hi,
    I use Kindle in just about every form. I have two Paperwhites, I like that the lighting is a different technology that doesn't glare at you and you have control of the brightness. I also have an old Kindle with all of the buttons on my tread mill. Then I have the Kindle app on my phone, tablets and PC. So I can read where ever I am. I usually have about 3 books going at the same time. For the tread mill I usually have a light hearted Cozy Murder Mystery or Romantic Comedy--might as well have a smile on my face while I'm walking, currently reading Dragon Fall/Katie MacAlister. On my computer at work I usually have some type of action/thriller, dystopian, paranormal type book-- Herculean/Jeremy Robinson. Then on my side table I have my paperwhite for the evenings and I like reading SciFi--Map Runners--Arthur Byrne.

    I understand all about touch screens, we do not get along. I know that there is Google now and voice commands and such, they don't appeal to me either. I just deal with it best I can. I suppose when it comes time that I cant see anymore, or cannot use at least my index finger, I will finally break down and go audio, with my luck at that point in time I won't be able to hear either.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.