I think Target has a Sony e-Reader on sale quite cheaply at present. Don't know which model, though. But I'm also starting to eye off the various Android pads that are starting to appear. For Dea, something that will fit in a handbag that is easy to use is probably the top consideration. Wireless, 3g, multimedia etc are all lower priority.
If you like I can organise to lend it to you for a couple of days so she can try it out. I know there are a lot of ppl with different models around so you might consider asking them too.
In regard to Android pads, leave off till the Gingerbread models come out. Android 2.2 isn't designed for tablets. At the moment Android 2.2 requires phone hardware if it is to be able to use the Android market (this can be hacked around) so if you get a stock model it is either a large phone (Dell Streak) or it hasn't got authorised access to the Android market, usually to a manufacturer market instead. Gingerbread is meant to be tablet optimised to avoid this.
Also a tablet with an (AMO)LED or LCD screen is a pain to read outside where an e-ink display is like reading paper.
Battery life is also an issue. I charge my Sony Reader about every 2 weeks (and use it just about every day) where you are likely to need to charge a tablet every day or two. The long battery life means I never forget and have the battery die in the middle of using it.
... although so far I'm terribly impressed with my Android phone. Which will read epubs, pdfs, and also has a kindle app. I find it just a bit on the small side for use as a book replacement, although I've got a bunch of stuff saved for emergencies.
Which is why I'm more than a little interested in the Android pads. But I'm also aware that they are very recent technology.
HTC Desire (unlocked) here so I want to be able to say buy a Droid pad. I have been looking at them for months but they aren't quite there yet.
On the battery front, turning off the mobile data connection when not actually using it makes the battery last much longer. You just don't get the push updates to email, Twitter, etc.
Yes, I've worked that out. Also, killing every ap you don't absolutely need helps. Bluetooth sucks power like an SOB. Also, turning off wifi when not in use makes a big difference. But I find if I just remember to plug it in overnight I've usually got battery to spare.
But I'm also starting to eye off the various Android pads that are starting to appear.
For Dea, something that will fit in a handbag that is easy to use is probably the top consideration. Wireless, 3g, multimedia etc are all lower priority.
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At the moment Android 2.2 requires phone hardware if it is to be able to use the Android market (this can be hacked around) so if you get a stock model it is either a large phone (Dell Streak) or it hasn't got authorised access to the Android market, usually to a manufacturer market instead.
Gingerbread is meant to be tablet optimised to avoid this.
Also a tablet with an (AMO)LED or LCD screen is a pain to read outside where an e-ink display is like reading paper.
Battery life is also an issue. I charge my Sony Reader about every 2 weeks (and use it just about every day) where you are likely to need to charge a tablet every day or two. The long battery life means I never forget and have the battery die in the middle of using it.
Reply
I find it just a bit on the small side for use as a book replacement, although I've got a bunch of stuff saved for emergencies.
Which is why I'm more than a little interested in the Android pads. But I'm also aware that they are very recent technology.
Reply
Reply
On the battery front, turning off the mobile data connection when not actually using it makes the battery last much longer. You just don't get the push updates to email, Twitter, etc.
Reply
Bluetooth sucks power like an SOB. Also, turning off wifi when not in use makes a big difference.
But I find if I just remember to plug it in overnight I've usually got battery to spare.
Reply
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