Kindle Touch or Nook Simple Touch - General Questions and Answers

I was about to purchase the Nook Simple Touch, I wasn't liking the rubberized feel and I also don't like the Nook book store (pricier).
I saw they had an amazon touch there and It felt really good in the hand. Amazon has a great book store and the kindle has audio and text to speech etc ( the ads are kind of lame)
I'm really torn between the two— which one would you guys lean towards?
Anyone own any of these? how has your experience been?
Thanks in advance.

Well...
I'm no expert, but I decided on the Nook Simple Touch. I bought them both, sent the Kindle back to Amazon.
If you're willing to root your Nook, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck. Rooting isn't hard (I figured it out, and I've never done techy stuff like that before) and it turned an $80 eReader into a 'just-shy-of-full-fledged' Android tablet in about 15 minutes. I don't know how much rooting a Kindle would improve it (or if it's possible).
Also, I like the form factor of the Nook way better than the Kindle; but that's just me. The Nook has four physical page turn buttons, the curved back, the rubbery texture (which I like, some [you] may not), and a less-obtrusive bulge at the bottom since there's no headphone jack and the power button is up top. Plus a few other small things. Nook just wins me over on looks; Kindle seems pretty generic-tablet-esque.
Books are a different story. I, like you, prefer the Amazon ecosystem. I'm already pretty heavily invested in it, to the tune of over a thousand dollars in digital content. That said, you can convert your legally purchased books to ePub files (which the Nook can read; rooted or not) fairly easily with programs like Calibre (free). You'll need to remove DRM sometimes, which can also be done easily with programs (costs a bit) or plugins for Calibre (free, but too complicated for me to figure out). Or, if you've rooted your Nook as recommended, you can just view Kindle books via the Kindle for Android app -- though it's kind of limited in its options. No DRM/conversion hassles at all with the Kindle app, though.
I convert all my Kindle books and read them on my rooted NST with an Android app called Cool Reader, which I just love. It give me way more control over my reading experience than any other device/app that I've found. Blows the Kindle away, and this is what ultimately made me decide to return the Kindle.

Related

can anyone suggest a decent 7" tab for my son?

looking for a cheap 7" tab for my son. zt 180? any thoughts. Just looking for something to put kindle on and allow him to play some games and music.
thanks
zt 180?
I would reccommend the NookColor($250), I'm thinking about getting one after I sell My GTab. Want to see about the Flyer as well.
Nook Color also has a good developer community backing. Pretty easy root from what I've heard.
The Vpad7 is pretty good. It received some crap reviews but only because its an older arm processor and not Tehran based. It is one of the most functional devices I have used out of the box and has very little bloatware installed on it. Over all its a sound device and very functional. I gave mine to my dad for use as a book reader and it is perfect for what he needed.
I've been meaning to ask the same question myself.
The Viewpad 7 seems ok, but it costs more than a Gtab doesn't it?
The Nook is a little tempting, but I think I'm a little spoiled by the Gtab ...
Would be interested to see what others suggest/recommend.
Jim
I can appreciate what you're saying. The NC, to me, just "feels better constructed" than some others I have handled. Solid. Add in that there is an excellent developer base and active community and it would be an excellent choice for now and into the future. ("Future" being a relative term for tech!) Much would depend on what the intended use would be of course. The dual boot Viewpad is great IF you absolutely need windows. (Note I said "need" and not "want"). I suspect the NC would serve your son well and provide him a nice "starter platform" as he grows and wants to move up.
HTH
+1 on any Nook Color recommendations. Well constructed, SDmicro slot, and we already know its capable of honeycomb. ***Deleted 3G incorrect info ***
i was asking about cheapo china ones. I realize they aren't up to gtab specs but just wanted something basic for him.
gpzjack said:
i was asking about cheapo china ones. I realize they aren't up to gtab specs but just wanted something basic for him.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense to China but don't do it! haha. At least get him something where you can return it easily if it's defective.
Get the Coby Kyros 7015 for your son. You can find it at retail stores like Frys.
Velocity Cruz any good? I can get one for $100
I do believe that with the Cruz you're starting hobbled in a way. The Reader and the Tab run 2.0 and not Froyo so flash would be just one thing missing. I know only one person who got one and returned it same week. And if you "choose" (read: fall for) ordering direct from China be ready to wait.....and wait.......and wait....for delivery. I ordered a replacement AC adapter over a month ago...guess? Waited over a month then cancelled. Seems it's ALWAYS Chinese New Year there slowing the mail.
Edit - Spring for the NC. You (and son) won't be disappointed I'm betting.
I was also in your shoes - wanted a 7" device for my father while he was doing his dialysis treatments. Basically I was looking for something a little better than just a reader. I was in Kmart and saw the Coby 7015 and got it for about $150 on black friday. I thought it was a cool little box it ran about everything, had HDMI out and good battery life. The downside - resistive touch screen. Resistive touch will have you begging for a capacitive touch screen. Resistive touch is okay for a mfg environment or a GPS device - but for a daily tablet NO. You keep wondering if you pressed hard enough. Also Angry birds runs but screen fonts are broken - meaning they do not display correctly. I rooted the thing with Z4root and loaded just about everything and used Zeam as desktop. Because of the liberal return policy during the holidays I un-rooted it and brought it back to stock state and then returned at Kmart with no restocking fee.
Velocity Cruz - This is a joke. The app store is not even an appstore but a website. It has 2.0 and no chance for 2.1 based on lack of Arm processor. I cruised forums for a hack or roms - none. Good thing about it - it has a capacitive touch screen. Returned to Best Buy and no restocking fee.
Barnes and Noble Color Nook. Bought rooted and kept for my dad. Great little cool design and battery life is great. Used nookie boot image to root it and loaded Zeam for the desktop and a bunch of apps for my dad besides ereader apps. Other positives for the NC is has support here at XDA and the NC wikis out there.
Bottom line NC is the best deal for $250. Sure I got a chance to play with others and learned what I liked and what I did not like - but the form factor, weight, and size are good for a android device that was just suppose to be a reader with some other light functions. You will not be disappointed with this device.
PS - also tried like hell to get Archos 70 but you could never get stock. They sold out or never had inventory. The Archos 7" tablets in store were with the "home tablets" versions with Android 1.5. The Archos 70 would have been easier to hack but the NC was available with inventory at launch. I personally own 2 gtablets in my family and with the support of XDA - they have become great devices. Also have an IPAD(jail broken) - love and hate it - especially hate having to use iTunes to get content on the thing.
I would check craigslist for the NC as well you may find someone who bought one thinking it was going to be better than the kindle and wants to get rid of it.
Another positive for the NOOK is accessories, that was one thing with the GTab, hard to find accessories. I mean the nook color is for sale at walmart and is from a big mftr so accessories should be easy to find. You might read up on what apps it comes with too, it seems like I remember some stock apps geared towards kids.
lol...can i run kindle on NC? I really want kindle because my wife has an account and i want my son to be able to use her account to buy books.
gpzjack said:
lol...can i run kindle on NC? I really want kindle because my wife has an account and i want my son to be able to use her account to buy books.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - Market is there and therefore the kindle app is there as well.
Check HH Gregg, I saw a 7" tab there as closeout for $99.00 can't remember what the model was.
For the Money, I'd have to agree that the Nook Color is the best deal in 7" right now...
The IPS screen is lovely and it is fairly simple to hack and get the Market on it...It's even been overclocked...
Nook Color is hands down the best 7" tab option simply because of the ips screen. Name another sub 400$ device with an ips screen?
I want a Nook Color so bad, does anyone know if it runs Honeycomb well? the only reason i want Honeycomb is because Nookiefroyo doesnt have softkeys.... Or does it?
MikeTheSith200 said:
Nook Color is hands down the best 7" tab option simply because of the ips screen. Name another sub 400$ device with an ips screen?
I want a Nook Color so bad, does anyone know if it runs Honeycomb well? the only reason i want Honeycomb is because Nookiefroyo doesnt have softkeys.... Or does it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the Nook Color has only one button on the face (beside the Vol Up/Down on the edge), I believe it is all soft buttons and not re-mapping...
fyi. If you have decided to buy the nook color, it is on sale in Ebay only $199.
http://cgi.ebay.com/$50-Coupon-on-B...Reader/290535929095?_trksid=p1468660.m2000036

E-reader on G-tab.

Colleague of mine asked me about E-readers as Nook or Kindle.
He wants to get one for his wife, but does not like the screen size.
If I remember correctly I read somewhere that G-tab can be used as an E-reader.
Tried to search the forum but didn't come with any answers.
If anyone using G-tab as a reader, could you please let me know if there is some specific app that can be installed on G-tab to use Amazone or Barns$Nobel.
Greatly appreciated.
I have used Barnes & Noble Nook eReader application, Amazon's Kindle eReader, and the Google eReader and all worked great for me. I'm settling into my favorite being the Google reader because it syncs what I'm reading across multiple devices. That works well for me because I tend to read on my Motorola Droid X phone sometimes and on the GTab other times. The Google eReader keeps my place no matter how many times I switch devices.
These eReader programs are all free so you might want to check first for the price of the ebooks. I found B&N to be most expensive but not by too much. Google and Amazon are about the same and pretty cheap, cheaper than buying paperbacks.
Good luck.
Kindle. Kobo. Barnes and Noble. Google Books. All of them work; all of them are on the market - and on the Viewsonic Favorites page if you're still on stock.
I'll add that I've used Kindle app with about 20 books on this tablet and had no issues whatsoever.
btw, I think the screen for the gtablet would kinda suck for an e-reader. Bad angle and because the home buttons aren't lit, you need a light on.
if you have one already, lots of options. But if you are looking for a new tablet. I would go color nook, or spend a bit more and go with a xoom or wait for a few weeks for the a few others coming out.
Moon reader is my favorite.
Not sure if it's relevant, but the reading app Aldiko has direct access to numerous free (public domain) book catalogs. It's super-easy to download and then read them in the app.
Lilwolf2000 said:
btw, I think the screen for the gtablet would kinda suck for an e-reader. Bad angle and because the home buttons aren't lit, you need a light on.
if you have one already, lots of options. But if you are looking for a new tablet. I would go color nook, or spend a bit more and go with a xoom or wait for a few weeks for the a few others coming out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As he said, it is quite hard to read. I have serious back injuries and at times have to lie on my sides with pillows between my legs and such. With my new tablet, I can lay it flat on the bed near my head and read it no problem. I'd guess maybe at a 50 degree angle to my eyes. With the gtab I'd have to wedge a piece of cloth under the far side of it to bring it up to a smaller angle. It's not impossible to use, you're just going to be more limited where you can place or hold it and still see it.
Yeah, gTab is a pain to use as an eReader in bed. I eventually just had it propped up on my bed in my M1 case, and read laying on my side. Reading on my back, with gTab propped on my chest didn't work so well, as any slight tilt made things tough on the eyeballs.
I use the Nook app, which should also sync across devices. They just released an update yesterday which makes it more tablet friendly. it is pretty nice.
No worry about the buttons, really, as you can swipe to turn pages. I don't do a lot of reading in bed, so the angles don't both me.
Pretty sure they all do that (Google Books, Nook and Kindle), sync across multiple devices.
I have all installed but primarily use the Kindle app and I know it keeps my place when I read something on my PC, then later go to read it on my Droid or Gtablet.....and then back to the PC. It's always putting me where I last was no matter which device I am now using.
MSU_Sparty said:
I have used Barnes & Noble Nook eReader application, Amazon's Kindle eReader, and the Google eReader and all worked great for me. I'm settling into my favorite being the Google reader because it syncs what I'm reading across multiple devices. That works well for me because I tend to read on my Motorola Droid X phone sometimes and on the GTab other times. The Google eReader keeps my place no matter how many times I switch devices.
These eReader programs are all free so you might want to check first for the price of the ebooks. I found B&N to be most expensive but not by too much. Google and Amazon are about the same and pretty cheap, cheaper than buying paperbacks.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly recommend http://www.smashwords.com/ to buy your ebooks. You don't have to deal with all the drm crap. When you buy your ebook, it's really your ebook. You don't have to jump through hoops to read your own goddamn book.
TheKaz said:
I use the Nook app, which should also sync across devices. They just released an update yesterday which makes it more tablet friendly. it is pretty nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new Nook app is great. I really like the magazine option. It's kind of awkward to read some of them due to having to magnify a bit, but still cool.
Perhaps not the best e-reader
I bought a gTablet for my mom. It's working out well for her, but I don't think I'd recommend it as an e-reader. Besides the poor viewing angles, it's a bit "heavy" at 1.8 pounds. Not something many would feel comfortable holding with one hand, etc.
I don't have a problem using the G Tab as an ebook reader. The app I like is Moon+Reader Pro, it will do Text to Speech and it will link up to Calibre network.
You can use more than one reading app
Maybe it makes sense to have most of your content for one app because it makes it easier to find content, but keep in mind you can have more than one reading app on a device.
FIY Kindle APP also lets you use content on more than one device i.e. I have the same content on my PC and my Kindle. I would definitely say the Kindle's screen is not too small to read on, but to each their own. Also, you can kind eBooks on other sites, paid or free.
If you want a tablet and your wife wants an e-Reader, by all means get a tablet. If you're not thinking of buying both then you're probably (like me) on a budget, so maybe the Nook Color would fit the bill. It's marketed as an e-reader so it would be an easy sell to the wife, you can dual-boot so you can add roms without messing up your wife's reading experience, it's cheap at $250; and since it's android, you can add other e-reader apps.
I managed to grab an almost-new Galaxy Tab off Craigslist for $250 today to replace my gf's busted Sony Pocket Reader. Figured I could just get her another reader, or something that does a hell of a lot more. The GT is really nice, perfect size and weight for reading, very solidly built too with a great screen, might be a better fit for an eReader.
One of the reasons I bought this was to use as an e-reader and it fails miserably. The screen is just terrible for it, especially in portrait mode.
I decided to buy a kindle and it is much better and doesn't give you "black dots" in your eyes when you read it before bed.
I know it is possible, but imo it is very unpleasant to use this device as an e-reader.
Tester30 said:
Colleague of mine asked me about E-readers as Nook or Kindle.
He wants to get one for his wife, but does not like the screen size.
If I remember correctly I read somewhere that G-tab can be used as an E-reader.
Tried to search the forum but didn't come with any answers.
If anyone using G-tab as a reader, could you please let me know if there is some specific app that can be installed on G-tab to use Amazone or Barns$Nobel.
Greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just about any mainstream device can be an ereader, since it's just software. Google Books, Nook, and Kindle apps on Android (or iOS) will give you full access to those bookstores.
I read mostly in the Kindle app, and frankly reading on an iPhone4 is more pleasant than reading on the g-tab. The screen sucks (which, hopefully you really understand by now, because when we say it sucks we mean it really really sucks) and it's uncomfortable to hold for extended periods of time, and it weighs a ton compared to a dedicated reader, or even to a 7" tablet.
Battery life is acceptable (but nothing like a kindle) and it's not horrible for reading in the dark, while seated with a desklike surface in front of you. Basically, you can use it as a reader if you're going to have it with you anyway, but buying it as a reader first and foremost wouldn't be my first choice. Or my second.

[Q] Tablet for Notetaking?

So, the way school has been going, I've decided that I need to copy my notes down by hand more. It just helps me remember things better for some reason. I currently have a LiveScribe Echo pen that I use to transfer what I write on paper to my computer. That has worked well, but I'd rather not have to worry about buying ink refills and new notebooks with the special paper I need every semester.
So I've been thinking about getting a tablet and just using a capacitive stylus. The only thing close to a tablet I have is a Nook Color that I've run CM on before. The only problem is that there's so much work in updating a rooted device. So I'd rather just have a tablet that I could run stock on since I'm quite the update whore.
What I need this tablet to do:
*Be compatible with apps like AntiPaper and LectureNotes so that I can take handwritten notes during class.
*Be $300 or lower
*Be able to run Evernote so I can save my notes online
*Be a decent ebook reader (I plan on selling the Nook Color to help pay for it)
What I've been looking at is an Asus Transformer (TF101), but I'd like to get some input! Is there anything out there that will run well and do all the things I want but might be cheaper?
The other thing I'm considering is just rooting a Kindle Fire. I know the NC has an issue with screen sensitivity, but would the Kindle work well? Can it be rooted for ICS?
There is the HTC Flyer\EVO View 4G.
Used they Are going for about $190 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0053RJ3F8/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

Do you REALLY need a tablet?.. why I sold my Nexus 7 (2013, 2nd gen, Wifi version)

There was some weird voice in my head when I saw the new Nexus 7 (2nd gen) coming out: "buy it, you need it, you want it, you deserve a new toy". I have a few friends that were really happy with the 1st gen Nexus 7, so I was tempted to buy the 1st Nexus7, but didn't.
I should have really thought it through before buying the 2nd gen Nexus7. After having it for 4 months I concluded that the only reason to have it is if you like games.
Downsides and reasons I decided to sell:
- portability. Even thou its portable enough, i found that my old HTC Desire Z has the same functionality and use as the Nexus7 for daily tasks, plus also offers the portability of fitting into a pocket without tearing it.
- no vibro. I am used to have tactile feedback when writing messages, getting alerts and such
- no 3G/4G LTE The whole thing about the tablet is using it to consume stuff online and the 3g version costs 50-100 pounds extra. That's unfair
- influences to play games. Having something as powerful as it and not playing games seems like a waste of money and the crisp clear screen
Why would I want something as powerful as the Nexus 7 just to check my email, read news, e-books and the like? I can read mail and news on my phone and read books on my Kindle.
Don't get me wrong, the Nexus worked really smoothly and with just an occasional hiccup. But before getting it I would look at girls in public transport awkwardly and sometimes even get enough balls to actually say "hi" to them instead of turning my eyes red in that 7 inch, 50Hz shining light-bulb that seems to exploit my brains psychological fallacy to stay "on top" of (not important) news, games and apps.
I decided to get a Asus EEE for work and learning, Linux my Kindle and read PDF's on it (the battery holds in the count of weeks not days) and use my phone for android and stuff on the go.
After I built a desktop just for gaming I replaced my laptop with an ASUS Transformer - it's lighter, the battery lasts longer and I like it a lot better than a netbook. I still use my e-ink Kindle because I much prefer reading books on e-ink. My phone is pocket sized but isn't the best when I'd rather have a keyboard to type with.
For me, this is what works. It's all about arranging the tools in your life to work best for YOU.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
There is nothing better than hardware keyboard and mouse in notebook or PC. In most cases tablets are running Android, so they can't run programs like PowerPoint or Excel.
I use it mostly for watching videos... Works great for that purpose. Still prefer reading on my kindle though. Also browsing the web is a little easier on the larger screen.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
- no 3G/4G LTE The whole thing about the tablet is using it to consume stuff online and the 3g version costs 50-100 pounds extra. That's unfair
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about tethering then?
I wanted to buy tablet for myself for few times, but i dont see point now with my phone. Almost all that i can on tablet, i also can on my phone. And for some serious work i need keyboard and thats that. My wet dream is ultrabook but i cant justify cost
Pennycake said:
After I built a desktop just for gaming I replaced my laptop with an ASUS Transformer - it's lighter, the battery lasts longer and I like it a lot better than a netbook. I still use my e-ink Kindle because I much prefer reading books on e-ink. My phone is pocket sized but isn't the best when I'd rather have a keyboard to type with.
For me, this is what works. It's all about arranging the tools in your life to work best for YOU.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Transformer is only called tablet, but it is much more
A tablet has no advantages.
1) The main thing I use my Galaxy Tab 3 for is reading e-books.
It's pretty cool having a portable library where you can change the text size and color (red is easier on my eyes).
I really like to read, both fiction and non-fiction, and a phone is too small for that, even my Nexus 5, it's just too small. 7" is perfect for reading, as is 10"
2) Also, I have taken some vacations this year, and took a bunch of pictures that my family wants to see. Very easy to just bring a tablet if a family member is in the hospital (I have such a person) or if I go somewhere else, and I can show them come pics and videos right on the 10" tablet.
3) Work. Some of us work in fields where we would like to show pictures of things we sell or explain things to customers, and this comes in handy as a tool.
4) Games. I play chess and checkers on the 10" tablet sometimes and it's pretty fun. Some games really shine on a bigger screen.
Now what I find ridiculous, and I have seen this recently at a concert and at the zoo, is people taking pictures with their tablets, namely iPads. It's pretty crazy that you brought a tablet to that venue, and you're using it as a camera?
Really don't get that.
Lamalord2 said:
A tablet has no advantages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIZE. Bigger than a phone, smaller than a laptop.

[Q] Cover suggestions for e-reading?

I ordered the Tab S as a replacement for my Kindle Paperwhite. Although the price difference is nontrivial, I realized a tablet would probably make a better e-reader for me than the Paperwhite does. So after a lot of research and comparison, I decided the Tab S (while not-cheap) is the overall best tablet out at the present moment.
Most of the covers I've looked at are foldable and thus seem to be aimed at those who would want to prop the tablet up on a flat surface at varying angles. But I see myself laying on the couch, or curled up in bed sideways.
I like the case that I have on my Paperwhite (I attached it because I'm not allowed to link). It distinctly makes it more book-like to hold. I'm not one of those purists that I feels the need to imitate the book-reading experience, but it does seem to be fairly ergonomic. I'm worried about the "flaps" of the Tab S cases I've seen making it difficult to hold in the same way, which I feel like is something I've experienced with iPad covers of a similar design.
I'm not necessarily looking for a replica of the aforementioned cover. I guess I'd like to hear from people who have a case and if they feel that it's comfortable for the kind of horizontal e-reading that I'm describing, or what other options there might be.
I guess I'm talking to myself here, but for now I'm going with the "FYY® Ultra Slim Magnetic Smart Cover Case" that I found on Amazon.
It's under $6, which actually kind of worries me, but it looks like what I would want.
I considered the official Samsung case, but I like the design of this more -- being book-like but also having viewing angles, and not leaving the bezel exposed -- and it's significantly cheaper. It's not that the Samsung case is expensive, I just don't see how the price is justified for what you get. I've seen it for as low as $45, but I feel like $30 is the most I'd ever spend on it, and even that's a stretch.
At least with this one, if it turns out to be junk, I only lost $6. I'll probably go for the Samsung cover if this doesn't work out.
Self-replying again. (The reason I bother is so maybe people Googling something on this topic will find my posts.)
This is a pretty good case. It's aesthetically pleasing, minus the FYY logo on the front. I like that it protects the bezel and has a magnetic closure.
The solid front cover makes it more book-like to hold, but you can still prop the tablet up at 3 different viewing angles.
It looks and feels somewhat cheap in the hands, but at the price point $6 there's not a lot of room to complain.
Sadly, the tablet being somewhat tall, holding it one-handed from the bottom of the cover is kind of awkward. Due to the weight and height of the tablet, he only thing stopping it from doing a backflip out of my hand is my thumb holding it down. This puts a lot of stress on one's thumb and would probably contribute to fatigue over time. Additionally, given the fairly small bezel, you don't have a lot of room to put your thumb to begin with. This is something that one doesn't experience with the Kindle Paperwhite, since it's lighter, more square, and has a huge bezel (probably intentionally).
My biggest problems with the Kindle Paperwhite were that it supports limited formats (no epub support??? come the heck on), taking notes with it sucks due to the screen's low sensitivity and responsiveness, and I feel limited to using the Kindle store. The lack of formats makes it feel like. So I wanted something that would allow me to use any format or any vendor, as well as take notes with whichever keyboard I choose, on a display that is visually responsive. I factored weight into my decision.
I knew the Tab S would be heavier but I didn't think it would be too heavy. I'm imagining how painful it would be if I were reading while on my back and accidentally dropped the tablet on my face. The Tab S is also the lightest and thinnest tablet of its size. In fact, the Nexus 7 is 1g heavier. So it doesn't really get much lighter than this. A 7in tablet might have better weight distribution for the purpose of reading though.
The Kindle software on Android is great, though (and if it wasn't, I can always use Google Play Books) which is how my tablet-search started.
All in all I think this experiment shows the Tab S is not for me.
I'm using the book cover as I like the option of a stand for videos. When holding in portrait you can fold back the magnetic part of the flap and then hold like a book. It is nice and firm just like the paperwhite cover.
There's also the simple cover if you don't need the angled stand.
Leonart said:
Self-replying again. (The reason I bother is so maybe people Googling something on this topic will find my posts.)
This is a pretty good case. It's aesthetically pleasing, minus the FYY logo on the front. I like that it protects the bezel and has a magnetic closure.
The solid front cover makes it more book-like to hold, but you can still prop the tablet up at 3 different viewing angles.
It looks and feels somewhat cheap in the hands, but at the price point $6 there's not a lot of room to complain.
Sadly, the tablet being somewhat tall, holding it one-handed from the bottom of the cover is kind of awkward. Due to the weight and height of the tablet, he only thing stopping it from doing a backflip out of my hand is my thumb holding it down. This puts a lot of stress on one's thumb and would probably contribute to fatigue over time. Additionally, given the fairly small bezel, you don't have a lot of room to put your thumb to begin with. This is something that one doesn't experience with the Kindle Paperwhite, since it's lighter, more square, and has a huge bezel (probably intentionally).
My biggest problems with the Kindle Paperwhite were that it supports limited formats (no epub support??? come the heck on), taking notes with it sucks due to the screen's low sensitivity and responsiveness, and I feel limited to using the Kindle store. The lack of formats makes it feel like. So I wanted something that would allow me to use any format or any vendor, as well as take notes with whichever keyboard I choose, on a display that is visually responsive. I factored weight into my decision.
I knew the Tab S would be heavier but I didn't think it would be too heavy. I'm imagining how painful it would be if I were reading while on my back and accidentally dropped the tablet on my face. The Tab S is also the lightest and thinnest tablet of its size. In fact, the Nexus 7 is 1g heavier. So it doesn't really get much lighter than this. A 7in tablet might have better weight distribution for the purpose of reading though.
The Kindle software on Android is great, though (and if it wasn't, I can always use Google Play Books) which is how my tablet-search started.
All in all I think this experiment shows the Tab S is not for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I share your concerns...have you taken a look at the just announced Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact? It's an 8 inch tablet and weighs 270 grams....(not sure, but the wifi-only version might even be just 260 grams). Besides, the Huawei MediaPad X1 is a very competent 7 incher that weighs 239 grams, although not sure if it's simple to grab one of those.
guga124 said:
I share your concerns...have you taking a look at the just announced Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact? It's an 8 inch tablet and weighs 270 grams....(not sure, but the wifi-only version might even be just 260 grams). Besides, the Huawei MediaPad X1 is a very competent 7 incher that weighs 239 grams, although not sure if it's simple to grab one of those.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad thing is I don't think any tablet can manage to be as light as the Kindle Paperwhite, which weighs 170g. I will check out those devices, though; thanks for your suggestions.
I also think weight distribution is playing a role. Because the Tab S is so tall and skinny, it wants to tip out of your hand when holding it from the bottom. The Kindle Paperwhite display is almost 4:3 where as the Tab is 16:10. Since the Paperwhite device is closer to square, I believe that the weight is more evenly distributed in the palm of your hand. But it's also not as big or heavy overall, so that probably plays a more important role.
I have the book cove from samsaung and it is great based on quality and different angles it offers.
But I have a question for you all, How are you holding the tablet in portrait mode.. I always have my palm pressing the back or multitask button.. IT is such a ache..
Any suggestion please how to hold or avoid such issues while being comfortable.
Any app to disable those buttons etc..
Leonart said:
I ordered the Tab S as a replacement for my Kindle Paperwhite. Although the price difference is nontrivial, I realized a tablet would probably make a better e-reader for me than the Paperwhite does. So after a lot of research and comparison, I decided the Tab S (while not-cheap) is the overall best tablet out at the present moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Leonart,
why are you replacing the Paperwhite?
I do own them both.. but I would never replace the comfort of reading on the paperwhite (or any self illuminating e-ink readers).
I love the SuperAMOLED screen on the tab S but it performs poorly in bright sun light compared to the e-ink screen.
Anyway I do own the 10.5 version and I agree that it would be impossible to use it in bed to read ebooks.
Cheers
dREI
drei666 said:
Hi Leonart,
why are you replacing the Paperwhite?
I do own them both.. but I would never replace the comfort of reading on the paperwhite (or any self illuminating e-ink readers).
I love the SuperAMOLED screen on the tab S but it performs poorly in bright sun light compared to the e-ink screen.
Anyway I do own the 10.5 version and I agree that it would be impossible to use it in bed to read ebooks.
Cheers
dREI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's several things I dislike about the Paperwhite. It's great for reading, but all of the functions around reading aren't that great in my opinion.
One thing that I hate trying to do with the Paperwhite is take notes. On a tablet, I can swipe, and the keyboard is responsive, and it's learned words in my personal vocabulary, and so on. On the Paperwhite, the keyboard and display is not as responsive, I have to type each letter, the screen sensitivity isn't amazing, and I just find typing on it to be a chore.
The other thing that bugs me is it doesn't support epub, which is just absurd. I know I can do a conversion in Calibre, but I also shouldn't have to. Google Play Books, Nook, iBooks, all support epub. And they should, it's an open format.
Overall, the Kindle isn't very friendly to books acquired outside of the Kindle store. For example, if I upload an epub to Google Play books, I can access that book from any device. Also, if I take notes in that book on the Kindle, those notes aren't synced. Google Play Books will also sync my notes across to devices, even with books that I uploaded instead of bought.
Sometimes the Kindle version of a book is inferior to the versions from other stores. For example, a book I just finished had an irregularly sized right margin on the Kindle store, so the entire book was off-center. This is something that a person less OCD than I could probably just ignore, but the same book on Google Play Books didn't have this problem. So I ended up buying it from there.
There's also PDF support, which the Android version of Kindle has but the eReader obviously doesn't. I don't want to read PDF if I can avoid it, but for certain books, you can't avoid it.
Overall, a tablet gives me more options on where I get my books and how I read them. I can get them from Google Play Books, Amazon, Nook, or any other merchant. Taking notes, highlighting, looking up words or locations, is much easier, and more responsive and interactive. I can use the full Android Goodreads app rather than the severely stripped down version on the Paperwhite, or, hell, I can just go to goodreads.com in the browser.
The Paperwhite's main advantages over a tablet are that it's extremely light, a perfect size of reading, has a long battery life, and is readable in all lighting conditions, and is cheaper than just about any decent/current tablet. But I feel like I'm locked into Kindle's ecosystem, which makes the Paperwhite feel more like a $120 cable box than an eReader in its own right. The lack of epub support in the year 2014 is the biggest indication that they really want you to buy all your books from the Kindle store...I don't like that. A tablet has its own drawbacks, like weight, but it's much more versatile.
I guess it depends on what's important to you.
Leonart said:
There's several things I dislike about the Paperwhite. It's great for reading, but all of the functions around reading aren't that great in my opinion.
One thing that I hate trying to do with the Paperwhite is take notes. On a tablet, I can swipe, and the keyboard is responsive, and it's learned words in my personal vocabulary, and so on. On the Paperwhite, the keyboard and display is not as responsive, I have to type each letter, the screen sensitivity isn't amazing, and I just find typing on it to be a chore.
The other thing that bugs me is it doesn't support epub, which is just absurd. I know I can do a conversion in Calibre, but I also shouldn't have to. Google Play Books, Nook, iBooks, all support epub. And they should, it's an open format.
Overall, the Kindle isn't very friendly to books acquired outside of the Kindle store. For example, if I upload an epub to Google Play books, I can access that book from any device. Also, if I take notes in that book on the Kindle, those notes aren't synced. Google Play Books will also sync my notes across to devices, even with books that I uploaded instead of bought.
Sometimes the Kindle version of a book is inferior to the versions from other stores. For example, a book I just finished had an irregularly sized right margin on the Kindle store, so the entire book was off-center. This is something that a person less OCD than I could probably just ignore, but the same book on Google Play Books didn't have this problem. So I ended up buying it from there.
There's also PDF support, which the Android version of Kindle has but the eReader obviously doesn't. I don't want to read PDF if I can avoid it, but for certain books, you can't avoid it.
Overall, a tablet gives me more options on where I get my books and how I read them. I can get them from Google Play Books, Amazon, Nook, or any other merchant. Taking notes, highlighting, looking up words or locations, is much easier, and more responsive and interactive. I can use the full Android Goodreads app rather than the severely stripped down version on the Paperwhite, or, hell, I can just go to goodreads.com in the browser.
The Paperwhite's main advantages over a tablet are that it's extremely light, a perfect size of reading, has a long battery life, and is readable in all lighting conditions, and is cheaper than just about any decent/current tablet. But I feel like I'm locked into Kindle's ecosystem, which makes the Paperwhite feel more like a $120 cable box than an eReader in its own right. The lack of epub support in the year 2014 is the biggest indication that they really want you to buy all your books from the Kindle store...I don't like that. A tablet has its own drawbacks, like weight, but it's much more versatile.
I guess it depends on what's important to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, my needs are quite different.. i do not take notes and i rarely use the search function.
I do rely on Calibre for my format conversion, as I mostly own only epub files, like the rest of the world. ..
I know, it is a pain. .. but I did a jailbreak and now I work almost entirely with kindle collections created in Calibre.
I almost read only SF, and lots of it
dREI

Categories

Resources