E-Book readers forum: Need the Best E Book Reader

not sure what you are talking about regarding "the gorilla in the room."

Have you used the iPad2? How is the learning curve for this? I am pretty stupid when it comes to computers like the MacBook Pro so I am concerned if I would figure out how to use the iPad 2.

My learning curve does not count here. I programmed a GE 210 to present day computers with many things in between.

At the Apple Store they have then out for you to play with.
Bob

I am aware they have them out to play with. I have played with them but now it is time to come here and not play but get a bit more serious.

I have a hard time understanding your sense of humor. what do you mean by, "my learning curve does not count here. I programmed a GE 210 to present day computers with many things in between?"

Any suggestions on the ipad1 or ipad 2? do I need a contract for the wiFi and 3G functions?

I've run into folk that expect the iPad to be a replacement for some laptop. Such hope is dashed against the rocks of reality in about a day.

Does that help?

My comment about my learning curve is that I can't use my time to learn the product because of my background of programming from the 70s to present day. For me, things like the ipad or ipad 2 (so little difference on the surface) just work fine.

As to the contracts, wifi is free to use if you go to your home and you have wifi or those free hotspots.

3G is a pay per month, and I can't tell what deal you can strike because each country, town, time of day the deals change. The place you are getting the pad from should answer this question or you should frown and shop elsewhere.

Hope this clears this up for you.
Bob

doesn't wifi have a dangerous lack of security component to it? Does the wifi on the ipad2 have a way to add security to one's wifi connections when out and about? I have an old MIFI2200 3G which I could use but it would be nice to use it in my teaching position and have the internet available.

Here I don't check email, bank, purchase stuff. I use it strictly for a check on the news and things like this forum.

I added the security by choosing how I use it.

Wifi at home is WPA2 which is as good as it gets so no issue there today unless you want to dig deep and there are neighbors that want to use my wifi.
Bob

you had mentioned that the wifi is free. I was just asking if one does use the ipad2 at a ho spot does the iPad provide any type of security for that connection-do you know?


Thanks.

Open wifi is unencrypted. While it gets better if your web page is HTTPS or your email is over a VPN, that is NOT A FUNCTION of the iPad.

Again, that's a function/feature of the web site or email services.

Bob

not following what you are saying.

I am asking for "personal opinions" not specific ones, not a price range, not anything that you apparently were looking or. Purely personal opinions and personal experiences. The rest, I will take into consideration when that time comes.

...your 'tone' IMO, or perhaps the way you write/think/or expectations in general about how someone should help you in a public forum like this one. Understand, most folks won't go into the level of detail you are asking since most is freely available online already.
I told you which e-reader I like, and partially why. I suggest you peruse a more detailed forum than this one if you want more info.

I would definitely have to agree with you Pepe7.

I don't think Kooler needs that kind of reaction.
It's a forum, he is asking the questions it's not a arguement.

"You no make-a no sense, mr.kooler.

get a some kool aid." - Bulgarian accent, something Russian sounding

haha

..is that for more extensive reading it tends to strain the eyes. Even with the best LED-LCD it's the case. That's why for heavy users the black & white e-readers using e-ink technology are more ideal.
My only gripe about the pocketbook 360 is price/performance. The new Nook has much better contrast IMO and is snappier for less $. YMMV, I suppose.

Where would you recommend getting the new Nook? Have you been satisfied with the customer service? (I Have been away for awhile, so I got behind on reading the posts and my brother decided to "play me," so I apologize for any rude replies.)

With the Nook you are talking about do you download the books via wifi? Is there one place you have to go to or can you get the ebooks at iTunes, Amazon, other online book websites like B& N, etc.?

Again, I realize I am asking your opinion and that is OK. coming to these forums I can only expect to get the people's opinions who respond to my post. I am only looking for anybody's opinion who wants to share it.

And can attest that the BN ebook prices are on the high side compared to, well, everyone else.

I found customer service to be OK but only in dealing with THEIR PRODUCTS and WHAT THEY SOLD ME. If I have any issue with the PC, some PDF they are as good as a dead duck at solving that.

But wait. I had enough of BN to take the leap and install Gingerbread so now I get my Kindle books, the BN app works along with everything else.

Yes I read you not asking about the Nook Color but hope this helps you see the issues.
Bob

I suggest either B&N, Best Buy, or another reliable e-tailer online. That's just for price, returns/exchanges if needed. FWIW, I've bought ebook readers using 10% off coupons @ Best Buy which do not specifically exclude ebook readers from being eligible for the discount. YMMV, it will most likely vary by store/location.
Sometimes Buy.com has refurbs that are like new for ~$100.
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Customer service is another issue which will vary too much to be useful IME. My friends (for example) abhor Best Buy but I still think their stores have relatively acceptable CS. Like Bob said though, if you need post-purchase support B&N probably won't be helping you as much as some of the online forums will per se.

With the new Nook you download books from B&N over wifi, or on your PC. You just need to download the items in a format that your Nook can read.
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Hint: go to the B&N site forum for more specifics. Ditto for the other reader brands. Google is your friend Example-
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/NOOK-Technical-Support/Wireless-WiFi-Transfer-to-Nook/td-p/667130

Just to clarify, you cannot download *directly* to the Nook from public library web sites over wifi. The books need to be checked out/downloaded to your PC, then "sideloaded" (e.g. copied over USB) to your Nook via ADE (Adobe Digital Editions) software.

It would be really nice if at some point the publishers could permit and the libraries could implement direct download over wifi.
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-P
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