Robert J. Sawyer looks at ebook readers

Comparing B&N nook, Foxit eSlick, ECTACO jetBook-lite, iRex iLiad, eBookwise 1150, RCA REB 1100, other ebook readers with science-fiction writer Robert J. Sawyer.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• nook
• ereader
• ebook
• sawyer

[robertjsawyer]

I am looking forward to checking out the iPad, but I gotta say the lack of USB or an expansion card slot makes me unhappy; I don't want going through Apple's gateway to be the only easy way to put content on the device.

[robertjsawyer]

"You're looking in aggregate at about $3,000 worth of ebook-reading hardware here, and my own personal almost nine years now of using devices to read ebooks. I'm an absolute convert to the concept of electronic-book readers. I just hope that we actually get the ideal hardware device, a decent price point, and the ability to share the content [between devices]." -- Robert J. Sawyer

[starpolaris1]

I saw your post on FB, and thought I'd check out the link. Informative, yes. But I am still a solid old-schooler. No amount of persuasion will get me to trade in a book for a battery powered device. Very un-sci-fi of me, I know. Would you autograph a Kindle? I'm just curious.

[einhorn303]

Is there some sort of option to disable Up/Down voting comments? It looks odd, though feels good, to read through the comments here and see no green #'s.

[castironlawnbunny]

Thank you very much for this review. I came across it while looking for reviews on the JetBook Lite. Despite the drawbacks you mention in your review, it seems to be the best option for its price range so I bought a used on on eBay last night and am looking forward to receiving and using it.

BTW, I'm sorry FlashForward didn't get picked up for a second season. I enjoy science fiction programming and I really enjoyed the story.

[Ysabetwordsmith]

Thank you for this detailed and insightful tour of your collection. You mentioned points of aesthetics and usage that rarely get attention elsewhere.

[oceanwader]

Interesting! I've the Sony Pocket Edition, PRS300. Have put off going to any ebook sales site because I get my ebooks through the Vancouver Island Regional Library. However, they've nowhere near the selection I'd like. They're total electronic offering, including audio books, is only 2500 titles and they've been very slow to catch up. So... am going to check out Fictionwise.

[AuthorWilliamLK]

Very informative. Thank you for sharing your advice and critique.

[barefoottyler]

Great review. I just bought the sony reader prs-300 for $85(used) on amazon. You make some great points in this video. Your criticism is justifiable and your experience with these products holds merit. I am checking out your site right now. Keep up the good work!

[dabruuzer]

I am really looking forward to getting my first e-reader. We are on a tight budget, so I have been waiting and watching. It looks like I will be giving the Canadian-made (my own home) Kobo eReader a try when it comes out. Had a chance to preview it, Mr. Sawyer?

[lawrenceearle]

Curious that you haven't addressed Kindle, my favorite. With applications like Calibre, it is pretty easy to convert most ebooks to mobi, so you aren't locked in to Amazon for books. Two weeks of reading on a charge, nice e-ink, variable font size, etc. Free 3G wireless, makes it a traveler's dream. Built in Oxford American dictionary. I think it beats anything in your collection.

[villel80]

I really hope these things will make a breaktrough this year. I think right now the prices are way too high for a device that needs to handle only one quite simple function.