E-reader recommendations

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[Sir_Gawain]

After spending far too much money and effort moving (part of) my library during my last relocation, I've decided it's finally time to raise the white flag of surrender and get an e-reader.  I was wondering if any of the other bookworms on this board could offer any recommendations.  I'm leaning towards a Kindle, but I'm open to other options as well, should they prove better.  The most important features to me would be...

a) readability - Don't like staring at any electronic screen for long periods of time, so I was leaning toward the Kindle for its "e-ink" technology.
b) portability - Something I could carry around easily.  My eyesight is good enough for a small display (for now, anyway...).
c) compatibility - A good share of the file formats out there would be nice.  The most important would be Amazon files and pdfs.

Also, I should mention that I don't need to watch videos or listen to music, and I plan to actually buy what I read (mostly through Amazon), unless it's in the public domain.

Thanks in advance.  Horns up.

[The Protagonist]

I always tell people that I recommend an iPad for overall functionality if they have the cash (and I know a couple that have kicked themselves for getting just an e-reader and regretting it later), but those people are probably less devoted readers than yourself.

When it comes to dedicated e-readers, the Kindle is quite good, and I would give it the edge overall versus the Nook, which I suppose reflects my preference of where and how to buy print material. It's (the Kindle) still the front-runner for a number of reasons, and definitely worth the investment. I use the Kindle app with my iPad, and the only thing that prevents me from using it more is the ridiculous cost of electronic print at present. Of course, the more users on board, the more those prices are going to drop, we can only hope.

[MetalCrypt]

I have a Kindle DXG and I love it.  In terms of portability, however, if you don't need technical books (which typically require a larger screen), I'd say go for the smaller and much cheaper Kindle 3.  Very portable.

I've tried a friend's iPad 2, and while it's a great device, I wouldn't read books on it for two reasons: (1) it's a backlit display and it's hard on the eyes, while e-Ink is just like reading a paper book.  (2) Apps, browser, e-mail.  Knowing myself, I'd have a tendency to interrupt my reading to fuck around on the Intardnet.  So I prefer a dedicated device (the Kindle does have a browser, but it's far from ideal and only good for occasional browsing. I tried it once and don't plan on ever using it again.

The Kindle works better with "Kindle format" books, but it supports a lot of other formats.  For those that it does not support, you can use the free "Calibre" software to convert them (haven't had to do that yet.)  Apparently there are also ways to convert DRM'd ePub books (I think that's what a lot of public libraries use) using a Calibre plugin, but I don't have any such files, so I've never had to deal with this.

I tried a few e-readers at BestBuy - just a very quick try obviously - and I still preferred the Kindle.  The display was better.  Also Amazon's Kindle customer service (I should put the emphasis on Kindle customer service - don't talk to their regular c.s. if you need anything related to the Kindle, since they don't know much about it and some reps are not quick enough to transfer you)... Er... Where was I... Yeah, the Kindle c.s. is excellent.  I've heard of people dropping or cracking their Kindle and Amazon shipping them a replacement the next day.

[Butchersword]

I love my books, so I've been holding out on getting an e-reader since they first came out, but the advice given here almost makes me want to reconsider. Having all my books with me wherever I go sounds great, and I don't actually have to get rid of my paper copies, I could still enjoy those at home. I've enjoyed my iPod for six years now, and I still have all my CDs.

[Agis]

I got a Sony Reader for Christmas and it works just fine. I haven't tried it with Amazon files, though. I agree with The Protagonist, if you are going to read for some time the iPad won't do.

P.S. It seems that there problems with the new Sony screen - it glares. Mine is an older model.

[Dragonchaser]

I can safely say I'll never buy an e-reader. Seems most of this planet would rather live in a synthetic, digital world than anything concrete and real. Won't be long before we're discussing the iHelmet or some bullshit, a virtual-reality simulator.

As a space saving tool, I think the Kindle is a good investment, but at least the publishers are smart about their pricing. To have a book in two minutes without having to find shelf space should cost more than the hassle of having an actual hard copy you can feel.

[Agis]

I can safely say I'll never buy an e-reader.

I got mine for Christmas and I still haven't got used to it. I admit it looks useful but I still prefer real books.

[Sir_Gawain]

I can safely say I'll never buy an e-reader. Seems most of this planet would rather live in a synthetic, digital world than anything concrete and real. Won't be long before we're discussing the iHelmet or some bullshit, a virtual-reality simulator.

As a space saving tool, I think the Kindle is a good investment, but at least the publishers are smart about their pricing. To have a book in two minutes without having to find shelf space should cost more than the hassle of having an actual hard copy you can feel.

If I were settled back in the States, and had a decent amount of space, I would have never downloaded a single album (out-of-print albums might be an exception), and would not even think of buying an e-reader.

Your commentary on most of the planet wanting to digitize everything is spot on, and has left a lot of us who do prefer a concrete existence out in the cold.  My native Chicago used to be lousy with independent record stores; so far as I know only one remains.  That's so many fewer places where you can meet fellow fans, chat with managers about recommended releases and upcoming shows, bask in low light and various odors (that freshly-printed liner notes smell and T-shirt fabric, maybe mixed with incense and cigarette smoke), and of course, actually have to put in effort to pick and choose which music to spend your money on.  I was so distracted over Chicago's metal record store closing down that I had to vent by writing a sort of eulogy to it, which I might post on this board later.

Now that that old sad bastard rant is out of the way, I'd like to say thanks for the feedback here; my decision in favor of a kindle is pretty much made.  Just a few more bound books to get through, and I'll be sending off for it.

And horns up to the MetalCrypt himself for making me aware of this "intardnet" expression.  I'll be using that one.