[Sassy Girl]

I have to preface this by saying I never thought I'd be posting this as I dislike Ebook readers with a passion as I love 'real' books so much.

Our 18 year old DS2 is travelling to France and Italy for a month next year. I've decided to buy him a Ereader of some description for Christmas as it will be lighter to take than the books he would no doubt pack. Only problem is which one do I buy ? It will need a background light so he can read in the dark in case of insomnia so he doesn't wake his room mate. It will have to be pretty sturdy as it may be packed in his suitcase for part of the time at least and he is doing a lot of travelling. It will also need a lot of memory as he is a bookworm like his mother . It will need to be easily recharged with backup battery power, are there any like that ? .

Any hints on which one to buy ? Any other hints on what else I should look for for OS usage as this OS trip will probably be the first of many OS trips that he takes it on ?

I was thinking of a Kindle but I am open to any and all suggestions.

This post has been edited by Sassy Girl: 17/11/2012, 08:40 PM

[Pippa_2]

I have a kindle and I love it, but it is not back lit although I think you can get a light for it.
Have you thought of a tablet? Something like the kindle fire ( if available in Australia) or a google nexus or even an iPad. They will be back lit and useful for more than reading. I have a kindle and an iPad and I take the iPad traveling. I can read books ( using the kindle app), watch movies, read magazines, play games, check my email, etc.

-Pippa

[YodaTheWrinkledO...]

Sony ereader with a case. Or a kindle with a case. For both, you can buy a case with a light (Sony cover light requires a AAA battery, the kindle light powers off the kindle). Not sure about the Kindle, but the sony e-reader can power off a computer or a wall plug.

Kindle means your primary source for books will be Amazon (easy for direct downloading straight to the kindle). For the sony ereader, buy from most stores, download to computer and then upload to ereader.

I'm very happy with my sony ereader, but I have a number of friends who swear by their kindle. Mine looks better though.

[Sinister Bonnet]

Kindles can power off computers or from the power socket if you get the right doohickey.

iPad doesn't need a backlight and has more uses than a basic kindle but is relatively hard on the eyes outside.

And it's OK to read using an ebook, really, it is. It's just another way to access text, that's all, it's not blasphemy

[Gudrun]

DH's kindle has a protective cover with a cute night-light that folds out.

[2bundles]

iPad so he can use it for Internet searching and email too.

[YodaTheWrinkledO...]

iPad so he can use it for Internet searching and email too.

ereader is much cheaper than an ipad

[jayskette]

he will need a dedicated reader as opposed to a tablet/smartphone/iPad as they are much better + no glare + batteries run way longer. I am going to buy the Nook smart touch + glowlight.

[2bundles]

I realise the ereaders are cheaper, but you can pick up the ipad2s under $400 and a source of Internet when you are traveling is invaluable.

Fwiw, we only travel with iPads and I have no trouble reading on them.

[jai*]

Kindle with 3G - you can get access to online in most countries so you won't need to be constantly searching for wifi. (The 3G is provided by Amazon). Mine has 3G but I have only used it a couple of times.
I charge my Kindle with both the wall socket thigny and a USB.

ETA I only travel with my iPad too. It's just got so many other features I use.

This post has been edited by jai*: 18/11/2012, 09:39 AM