. The reason I decided to demo a netbook is mostly due to features and price. For pretty much the same price as a dedicated ereader, I found out I could have a netbook..which i could use for more than just reading. Though I do have an iPhone and a macbook, so I'm planning on using the netbook primarily as an ereader. I have a 14 day return window for the netbook, so I'm planning on using it a lot the next 2 weeks. If I decide I like it, I will keep it and cancel the nook order. If I don't like it, I will return it and go with the nook.There are some big differences between the netbook and a dedicated ereader, so below is my list of advantages/disadvantages for the netbook vs an ereader:
Netbook Advantages:
-Bigger screen. Instead of a 6-inch e-ink screen, I have a 10.1 inch LED display.
-Backlighting - able to read in the dark without a book light.
-Although not a primary concern, I can use the netbook for other things like checking email.
-I can buy ebooks from ANY ebookstore. No device lock-in due to a vendor specific device.
-I can read ANY format. And pdf's should be no problem. I do sometimes read technical books (java & iphone programming), and these will be much easier to read on the netbook.
-Amazon and B&N both have PC ereader software. Thus, theoretically, they should synch up with the iPhone versions. Meaning when I read on the PC, then open the Kindle or BN ereader on the iPhone, the app should open to the last page i read on the PC. nice.
Netbook Disadvantages:
-Lack of e-ink screen. While I do like the e-ink screen and find it much closer to a printed page, I actually don't have a problem with glare or eyestrain on backlit screens. With this new netbook, I turned the screen brightness all the way down, used a black background and grey text, and to me, the reading quality is pretty darn close to an e-ink screen. Definitely not the same, but close enough for me.
-form factor. the ereader is definitely smaller, lighter and more portable. But the netbook is also definitely smaller than a regular notebook, and it weighs under 3 lbs.
So..i have to decide if the flexibility of the netbook makes up for the increased size and weight. The ereader can be held like a book, while the netbook would still sit in my lap. I'll post more updates here on the blog as I spend more time with the netbook.
out of curiosity: is anyone else using their laptop or a netbook for ebook reading? Or is anyone else going through the netbook vs e-reader debate like I am?
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4 comments:
I love my netbook as a computer, but I'm not sure how I'd feel about it as an e-reader. Even though it's about the same size and weight as a hardcover book, it's still a fair bit bulkier than any of the e-readers I've seen. I think it might be a little awkward to hold, too, given the way it opens.
I have heard, though, that it's possible to change the screen on a netbook so you can actually hold it like a regular book, (ie, vertically instead of horizontally). I haven't tried it with mine yet, but it's worth investigating if you're serious about using this in place an e-reader.
I love reading on my 3rd generation 8 gigabyte iPod Touch. I can easily hold it in one hand, it is very lightweight, and I can read in the dark. Books can be downloaded wirelessly or synched with my netbook. Extremely versatile, it holds a lot of books and it also plays movies, podcasts, audiobooks, and music. And all those apps! And access to the internet! My 10" netbook is great as a general computer and for Photoshop and Illustrator books, but it's pretty awkward for reading in bed or on my stationary bike. For me, a dedicated ereader would be just too restrictive.
Ergonomics, weight, battery life, heat and noise - however reduced it's still there - and you will tire fast of using a netbook to read ebooks seriously.
I tried a tablet (less than 2 lbs so lighter than some hardcovers), vertical orientation, stylus and touch screen so even more convenient since turnig pages was very easy and 10" screen) and I gave up on regular reading on it fast for the reasons above.
For me the two must haves are internal light and touch screen so the Sony 700 (alternating with the iTouch) has been perfect despite that its screen is not as good as 505; now that 600 has no sidelights anymore I have no idea what I will do when my 700 dies - but hopefully I will have another two years minimum and the ebook devices market is fast moving...
I thought about getting a kindle/nook for a long time. But I decided the iphone works great as a reader, and I can't justify the purchase of another device.
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