Three Towns Forum
Members' Lounge => Science and Technology => Topic started by: Fester on June 25, 2012, 12:38:40 am
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I have been wanting to buy Mrs Fester a Kindle thingy for a while, as she is an avid reader...
My daughter works in a shop, and electrical bargains come her way from time to time, so she has been on the lookout...
Now, she tells me that a few items called ''kobo ereader touch'' are available, but she is unsure whether they will fit the bill.
They don't seem to have any free books with them.
Has any Forum member had any experience of one of these? Is it worth purchasing?
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I've not got one personally but it seems to get a good press as a credible alternative to the Kindle. Unlike the earlier models it doesn't come pre-loaded with 100 free books but these and many more are all available from the Kobostore which claims to stock over a million free titles in it's millions of eBooks that are available to download via Wi-Fi.
As it reads PDF you can also obtain titles from other sources, handy if you're into Torrenting etc...
If the deal is good enough it seems like it could be worth purchasing if you want a bit more flexibility than the Kindle.
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I thought of getting a Kindle or another reader but in the end I am using my Samsung Android phone. Very light, very portable and the only drawback, if one can call it such, is less words per page. I don't find this any problem. I'm only signed up to Kindle at present but there are other apps available to use other e-book suppliers.
ZXZ
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I was given a Kindle by my OH at Christmas. The idea is fine and Yes there are free books to be had via, in my case, Amazon of which I have had quite a number. Alot of the free titles are quite obscure, so I sent for a CD containing umpteen thousand free books of which I have used some.
To me, if you are like my OH and read certain authors as soon as their books are available in paperback, the books themselves are cheaper in the supermarkets.
I think alot depends on what you like to read.
You can scroll through Amazon for Kindle's book list and see what is on offer, but if you can get these for a Kobo I wouldn't know-- is there a question and answer part in the web site for the Kobo? If they are compatible it could be worth investigating.
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Review here:
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/gadgets/portable-video/portable-media-players-recorders/kobo-ereader-touch-1037152/review (http://www.techradar.com/reviews/gadgets/portable-video/portable-media-players-recorders/kobo-ereader-touch-1037152/review)
I tend to read books on the ipad or iphone. Reading books on the iphone's small screen is surprisingly easy. ;)
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My missus researched the Kobo and the Kindle at the beginning of this year and she eventually purchased the Kindle I suspect mainly because of its reputation.
As the price of a Kobo has recently dropped, if Val had to make the same decision today I feel the outcome could be completely different.
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Thanks to all....
I must have been very drunk when I asked that question, (after the England footy match) because I do not remember asking the question at all..... and I was getting prepared to ask it tonight!! Z**
Job done!
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I must have been very drunk when I asked that question
That might explain why it made more sense than most of your postings... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I can't comment on other types of ebook readers but I've fairly recently invested in a kindle and it's brilliant for travelling. I used to set off on a train journey with a fat paperback and then decide that it wouldn't be enough to see me home as well. That usually meant a visit to a station bookstore, where they often have "buy one get one half price" offers - and it would be wasteful to buy just one book, wouldn't it? Now I can just load up the kindle instead of arriving for an overnight stay looking as if I've got enough luggage for a month.
There are some quite good deals on classic authors on kindle. I had been planning to use the kindle just for travelling but it's a bit too convenient to get another book as soon as one is finished ...
I've also got a few books on my android phone (another new toy and one which I'm still getting to grips with). The books are OK to read on the phone but the battery life of the kindle is so much better - an important consideration for me when travelling, as otherwise I'd have to carry a back up paperback!
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It's been a while since this subject was explored.
During which time many new e-readers have come onto the market. (Nook, Kindle Fire etc)
Now, unless someone tells me otherwise, I think I will invest in a Kindle, as there seems to be some good deals on Amazon in the run up to Xmas.
It will be a prezzie for Mrs Fester as she is an avid reader, and I am sick of the amount of old books filling up the house.
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It seems that it all depends on her eventual use for the device, Fester. If she's happy simply reading, then the Kindle will be fine. There are, it seems, two reasons for buying the iPad however: first is the quarter of a million apps available for the thing - far more than any other platform, and secondly the sheer quality of the display and the build.
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Old books?? Pass them down to the Hope House shop in Lloyd Street-- we are very short !
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Whatever the device, I'm told you can download thousands of books free if you know where to look. :twoface:
Have to admit, I do miss the feel and smell of a new book, though.
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Old books?? Pass them down to the Hope House shop in Lloyd Street-- we are very short !
Will do Nem.
You will need to build an extension for the load that will be coming your way.
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There is also St. David's Hospice who would appreciate any donations of old books. $thanx$
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Fester, I'm really pleased with my Kindle. I've got the basic wifi one, as it is (at least when I bought it) physically the smallest Kindle and therefore easy to fit into an average size handbag. It doesn't do anything fancy but as I bought it just to do the job of a book I don't require it to do anything fancy. The screen is easy on the eye for reading.
Just one thing, I haven't found that it completely replaces buying books!
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Thats a great help Blodyn, thank you! $thanx$
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Glad I could help, Fester. Let us know what Mrs. Fester thinks of whatever you choose for her.
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Well, the Kindle Fire was purchased and given to the seemingly delighted Mrs F.
However, I can't help but think I'm missing something here...
Her first 2 purchases were 'Woman and Home' magazine (£4.99) which is exactly the same price as the paper version in the Newsagents, and a Martina Cole novel, (£10.99) ...which is considerably MORE than the paper version in WH Smiths.
Pray tell, what is the point of this device? Certainly isn't likely to replace the cutting down of trees.
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There are plenty of free and cheap books available. I put a couple of free ones on the Kindle I bought her and shown her how to get more! I just hope she will enjoy Kidnapped and Little Women...... L0L
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I mean my Mrs of course.
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There are plenty of free and cheap books available. I put a couple of free ones on the Kindle I bought her and shown her how to get more! I just hope she will enjoy Kidnapped and Little Women...... L0L
Yes, she has found the free ones... but my point is that there should be an advantageous price differential between e-books and paperbooks, or why invest in an e-reader?
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Yes, she has found the free ones... but my point is that there should be an advantageous price differential between e-books and paperbooks, or why invest in an e-reader?
That's exactly why I opted for the new iPad instead of simply an e reader. It does cost more, but it can do so much more, too. In terms of free books, Yorkie's said it all: plenty of free ones available, providing you don't mind the collected works of Shakespeare, Dante's Inferno or the book of common prayer. Buy anything current, and you'll pay - often more than the paper version. One thing that does irritate is why newspapers - which can be read for free on a laptop - cost to read on an e-reader.
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I think that Mrs Fester was fortunate enough to receive a Kindle Fire, which offers the additional features similar to an iPad.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-fire-tablet-amazon-tablets/dp/B0083Q04M2 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-fire-tablet-amazon-tablets/dp/B0083Q04M2)
I believe you can download hundreds of bestseller e-books free, if you know where to look....and know what you're doing, eh, Fester? &shake&
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It does quite well in the Which reports, too - gaining a respectable 74% against other ebook readers - almost as good as the Sony. But the iPad still trounces both the other tablets and all the ebook readers overall - although it does cost significantly more.
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Well, the Kindle Fire was purchased and given to the seemingly delighted Mrs F.
However, I can't help but think I'm missing something here...
Her first 2 purchases were 'Woman and Home' magazine (£4.99) which is exactly the same price as the paper version in the Newsagents, and a Martina Cole novel, (£10.99) ...which is considerably MORE than the paper version in WH Smiths.
Pray tell, what is the point of this device? Certainly isn't likely to replace the cutting down of trees.
I know exactly what you mean-- I have had mine for a year now and have read plenty of 'freebies', but alot of them are/were classics or short story ones. I did buy a CD rom for very little ( from E Bay) with hundreds of titles on it, but most were so obscure that I hadn't heard of the writers.
I tend to buy paper backs in Asda or charity shops! Much better value .
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WHY WASN'T I WARNED OF THIS!!!!
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Now now Fester-- don't moan ! :twoface:
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WHY WASN'T I WARNED OF THIS!!!!
'tis just a matter of research dear boy, research! _))*
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On a serious note, Mrs F is addicted to the Kindle Fire, and is avidly downloading things.... but also dealing with all her emails, work stuff and Facebook via the device.
For me, that gives me two significant benefits.
1, I get unlimited use of our 'shared' laptop
2, She is quiet for long periods.
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There are lots and lots of other advantages that kindles have over normal books ( there are also some disadvantages) apart from price.
In my experience here's just one. Last winter I spent four months by myself in Goa. Imagine trying to carry four months supply of paperbacks through customs. Or trying to buy them in Indian markets. Instead, I read a book, finished it, bought another that I fancied, and so on for four months. Mike
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My Girlfriend must be the slowest reader ever.
I bought her a Kindle last Christmas and she still hasn't finished it.
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I think that Mrs Fester was fortunate enough to receive a Kindle Fire, which offers the additional features similar to an iPad.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-fire-tablet-amazon-tablets/dp/B0083Q04M2 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-fire-tablet-amazon-tablets/dp/B0083Q04M2)
I believe you can download hundreds of bestseller e-books free, if you know where to look....and know what you're doing, eh, Fester? &shake&
I understand so, and I look forward to resolving the file problems that are preventing that.
However, if it were not for such files, then surely it is better to get the best sellers from the library FOR FREE!!
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However, if it were not for such files, then surely it is better to get the best sellers from the library FOR FREE!!
I've not investigated this, yet, but I understand you can borrow them on Kindles and iPads from your library.
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Kindle (Amazon) have their own library service. I believe it costs about £49 a year for as many as you want, or can read.
:D
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However, if it were not for such files, then surely it is better to get the best sellers from the library FOR FREE!!
I've not investigated this, yet, but I understand you can borrow them on Kindles and iPads from your library.
I look forward to your full report, on my desk, by the end of the week without fail. :laugh:
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Have a look here Fest.
http://www.thehowtosource.com/2011/07/09/put-any-ebook-onto-your-kindle/ (http://www.thehowtosource.com/2011/07/09/put-any-ebook-onto-your-kindle/)
Happy reading - for Mrs F anyway! ZXZ
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There's an app called 'Overdrive', (or you can simply go here (http://sonysearch.overdrive.com/WebsiteFinder/Find) ) which finds any library that lends out ebooks. The nearest one to here is in Newport, but distance doesn't matter with eBook lending, providing, of course, they let you borrow it online :-)))
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Anyone know what Google are up to? I keep getting pop ups with requests from them to link this account with that account etc. today it was linking my Picasso with my Google sign in. It seems they want the same information on everything one has on the Web where Google are involved. ZXZ
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Indeed. They're trying to achieve a unified account for you, so they can know what, who and where you are at all times.
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Seen at CES Exhibition in Las Vegas:
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Ah, that's what he's up to these days..... $good$
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I've discovered that members of Conwy Library Service can 'borrow' ebooks free of charge. In fact, you can use your Library Card to access a whole range of free services online:
http://www.conwy.gov.uk/sectionextra.asp?cat=6576&Language=1 (http://www.conwy.gov.uk/sectionextra.asp?cat=6576&Language=1)
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I presume that everyone knows that if they own both an iPhone and iPad and / or have a Mac computer running 10.8 that all texts are free?
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I presume that everyone knows that if they own both an iPhone and iPad and / or have a Mac computer running 10.8 that all texts are free?
One particularly useful Ap is Face Time where you can see and speak to someone anywhere in the World free of charge. My Daughter is off to Africa for 3 months and this will be the regular mode of keeping in touch.
>>>
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I haven't used that, yet. How does it compare with Skype?
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At last, at last, I have at long last found Ian making an incorrect assumption.
"I presume that everyone knows etc etc"
Well I did'nt!!! Mike
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So you're now rushing out to get an iPhone?
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I presume that everyone knows that if they own both an iPhone and iPad and / or have a Mac computer running 10.8 that all texts are free?
I've had iPhones for a few years now & only found out a couple of days ago why some text messages are blue instead of green. It's a handy way of knowing which contacts have iPhones (as long as they have iMessage switched on)
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My (lucky) Son has been at the CES in Las Vegas for the whole week and I'm waiting 'till he gets back to hear about all the latest gadgetry. Some of it never fails to amaze me and probably many others too.
:>:>
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My (lucky) Son has been at the CES in Las Vegas for the whole week and I'm waiting 'till he gets back to hear about all the latest gadgetry. Some of it never fails to amaze me and probably many others too.
:>:>
The big things this year seem to be 4K televisions, smartphones (no surprise there) and The Internet Of Things.
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We have just bought a Samsung Smart tv, a 40" led 3D set, it replaces the old CRT 26" set which we bought new 8 years ago! The picture and sound quality is excellent and the 3D is amazing! We also bought a 3D blue ray player to go with it, tonight we have the 3D Avatar film to watch (not seen it before!)
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We have just bought a Samsung Smart tv, a 40" led 3D set, it replaces the old CRT 26" set which we bought new 8 years ago! The picture and sound quality is excellent and the 3D is amazing! We also bought a 3D blue ray player to go with it, tonight we have the 3D Avatar film to watch (not seen it before!)
They seem to be concentrating on Ultra Hi-Def (4K) as the future of televisions for the time being instead of 3D, as the take-up has been disappointing. The ultimate goal is 8K which is thought to be the limit of the human eye, I think the thought process is that 8K will be of such a high definition that it will give a 3D effect without the need of glasses.
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I think the thought process is that 8K will be of such a high definition that it will give a 3D effect without the need of glasses.
One problem has always been that all 3-D systems are in fact simulations,. and can't work that well. And having to wear glasses tends to rule it out for most folk. Full colour holography might be one way forward, allied to retina-def displays to afford an experience similar to reality.
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Televisions are my Son's speciality so I will certainly get the latest on what's available (or will be) in that field. :rage:
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I presume that everyone knows that if they own both an iPhone and iPad and / or have a Mac computer running 10.8 that all texts are free?
I've had iPhones for a few years now & only found out a couple of days ago why some text messages are blue instead of green. It's a handy way of knowing which contacts have iPhones (as long as they have iMessage switched on)
I have just downloaded an update to my iphone, and yes.... suddenly some texts are green and some are blue.
But I still don't know why? Please enlighten me.
By the way, texts to the same person are a mixture of green and blue?
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Ones in green are text messages, ones in blue are messages delivered though Apple's iMessage service - you'll note those ones will say 'delivered' underneath them when you send one, so you know when they have arrived at the other person's phone. iMessages will only be used when both people have an iPhone.
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you'll note those ones will say 'delivered' underneath them when you send one, so you know when they have arrived
And if you both have read receipts turned on in preferences, then you'll see not only when the other party has received it but when they have actually read it. Nifty.
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Apple Computers announced today that it has developed
a computer chip that can store and play high fidelity
music inside women's breast implants.
The iTit will cost between $499.00 and $699.00
depending on speaker size.
This is considered to be a major breakthrough because
women have always complained about men staring
at their breasts and not listening to them. :laugh: :laugh:
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My wife has just walked in looked over my shoulder and read Festers post then remarked
" I dont think he is a very nce man".
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Apple Computers announced today that it has developed
a computer chip that can store and play high fidelity
music inside women's breast implants.
The iTit will cost between $499.00 and $699.00
depending on speaker size.
This is considered to be a major breakthrough because
women have always complained about men staring
at their breasts and not listening to them. :laugh: :laugh:
*tumble*
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My wife has just walked in looked over my shoulder and read Festers post then remarked
" I dont think he is a very nce man".
Strange that, because I am the nicest guy I know!