Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2010

On Jan 13, 7:46 pm, aquachimp <aquach...@aquachimp.freeserve.co.uk>
wrote:

OK to answer my own question, I see the Kindle has the dictionary.
Don't know yet about the others. All are a clear read. None mention
tips on grammar.

aquachimp  wrote  on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:46:59 -0800 (PST):

As others have said, and some of my relatives concur, Kindle seems to
meet the approval of many. I don't know what is the technical term but
the time to change pages is obviously something that one would like
minimized. Personally, I would also like as short as possible a time to
go an arbitrary page.  I don't have one but the e-paper displays I have
handled in stores seem very adequately readable, including punctuation.

I don't think the Nook is available in the UK. The Kindle is shipped to
the UK but I believe that its WiFi function is limited here - Chuck
Riggs has one, I'm sure he can tell you more. There are quite a few
others on the market but you need to take care over what format of
ebooks each uses as this may limit the books available for download.

I have a Sony Touch ereader. The font size can be adjusted so the
punctuation is clear. The dictionary function is very easy to use by
just highlighting the word - the definition then appears.

It's a different reading experience - it's not like holding a book and
turning pages - and I can't see it replacing ordinary books but I find
it very useful when travelling.

I did some homework on the topic a month or so ago, and the clear
consensus of informed opinion seems to be "Don't buy now."  There are
some major changes in the overall market expected during the next few
months, and chances are that any item bought today will look fairly
shabby before very long at all.  This is not as with computers a case of
continual ongoing improvement: I gather that the experts expect major one-
time breakthroughs soon.

aquachimp <aquachimp@aquachimp.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:

I'm probably in the minority but I prefer the smaller, backlit readers to
the larger e-paper devices.   I currently use an iPod Touch with eReader
Pro software (free).   Since the iPod Touch has a backlight, it can be read
in the dark.  The font size is easily adjustable and the software includes
the ability to lookup words in a reference dictionary by highlighting and
clicking the word.  The Touch fits easily in a pocket so I can take it
everywhere.  I also enjoy occasional audio books and movies.  The Touch
plays those also; not to mention the other fun Apps available for the
Touch.  I realize that a lot of people say they would never read a book on
a device as small as an iPod touch.  Personally, I like it.  I use the
"huge" font size.  This displays about 50 words per page.  A slight tap of
the screen with my thumb or finger is all it takes to turn a page.  The
largest available font size is called "gigantic".   It displays about 38
words per page.    Punctuation is clearly visible.  There's lots of books
available too.   I usually get mine from www.ereader.com.