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e readers and desk pads
Topic Started: Mar 27 2012, 07:44 AM (553 Views)
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Probably this has been asked before, possibly even by me!

I am thinking of getting some form of e reader or tablet. Which works best as an e reader? I would also like to be able to do some of the fancy on line stuff; e mail, internet, Skype, movies. Also want to put my pictures and recipes on it. Lugging around a lap top is not really convenient when you have as many stairs as I do.

So far, checking on line, the higher end Nook looks best.

nainai
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Reditall
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nainai
Mar 27 2012, 07:44 AM
Probably this has been asked before, possibly even by me!

I am thinking of getting some form of e reader or tablet. Which works best as an e reader? I would also like to be able to do some of the fancy on line stuff; e mail, internet, Skype, movies. Also want to put my pictures and recipes on it. Lugging around a lap top is not really convenient when you have as many stairs as I do.

So far, checking on line, the higher end Nook looks best.

nainai
The article linked to below provides the information you are looking for. It is very current, well written and organized. I suggest you read it and post questions here.

Which is best?
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friendshipgal
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Guess everyone wants their own Trudashians
Yikes, that's a lot of reading.... budget aside I'd go for the Ipad, but I think it's a toss between Kindle fire and the Nook with wifi..

One thing that's necessary is a screen that's readable in sunlight. I've been sitting outside with the laptop, but it's a pain as it's hard to see the screen, especially sitting back with a pina colada or a glass of wine.. sigh life's tough LOL
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friendshipgal
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Guess everyone wants their own Trudashians
Okay, does any Canadian on here have a Kindle Fire, I just bought one today and think I'll have to take it back after reading this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/forums/kindleqna?ie=UTF8&cdForum=Fx1GLDPZMNR1X53&cdThread=Tx35CRQDMWT8WLO

http://Amazon.com really let Canadians down big time with the kindle fire. I bought my wife one for Xmas and it simply does not work in Canada. You cant get apps, books, movies or anything else. I have sent mine back and when I recieve my money back I am cancelliing my amazon account and wont buy another thing from http://Amazon.com or Amazon.ca!!!!
I have seen alot of stupid things but Amazon beat all stupidity with the Kindle fire. Oh...and just so people no....the fire has a really crappy browser that freezes and lags all the time. DO NOT BUY!!!!


What would be the equivalent of a Kindle Fire in Canada and I wonder if it work properly in the U.S. wub
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Durgan
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friendshipgal
Mar 27 2012, 10:21 AM
Yikes, that's a lot of reading.... budget aside I'd go for the Ipad, but I think it's a toss between Kindle fire and the Nook with wifi..

One thing that's necessary is a screen that's readable in sunlight. I've been sitting outside with the laptop, but it's a pain as it's hard to see the screen, especially sitting back with a pina colada or a glass of wine.. sigh life's tough LOL
Audio, Text or HTML
Thousands of free books. Many are excellent.

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?ORAEZ Short URL

https://catalog.librivox.org/search.php?title=&author=&status=complete&action=Search Long URL

Our Fundamental Principles
Librivox is a non-commercial, non-profit and ad-free project
Librivox donates its recordings to the public domain
Librivox is powered by volunteers
Librivox maintains a loose and open structure
Librivox welcomes all volunteers from across the globe, in all languages

I use my laptop for viewing or audio.
Edited by Durgan, Mar 28 2012, 11:10 AM.
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friendshipgal
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Guess everyone wants their own Trudashians
Thanks Durgan, but I think I'm going to have to take back the Kindle Fire as it doesn't work fully in Canada, was wondering if any Canadians have one.

Which download format do you use for the Kindle Fire ?
Edited by friendshipgal, Mar 28 2012, 11:20 AM.
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Reditall
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friendshipgal
Mar 28 2012, 10:10 AM
Okay, does any Canadian on here have a Kindle Fire, I just bought one today and think I'll have to take it back after reading this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/forums/kindleqna?ie=UTF8&cdForum=Fx1GLDPZMNR1X53&cdThread=Tx35CRQDMWT8WLO

http://Amazon.com really let Canadians down big time with the kindle fire. I bought my wife one for Xmas and it simply does not work in Canada. You cant get apps, books, movies or anything else. I have sent mine back and when I recieve my money back I am cancelliing my amazon account and wont buy another thing from http://Amazon.com or Amazon.ca!!!!
I have seen alot of stupid things but Amazon beat all stupidity with the Kindle fire. Oh...and just so people no....the fire has a really crappy browser that freezes and lags all the time. DO NOT BUY!!!!


What would be the equivalent of a Kindle Fire in Canada and I wonder if it work properly in the U.S. wub
I am posting this for general information only. I would not recommend that anyone go this route.

If you are looking for adventure, apparently some Canadians have managed to use all of the Kindle Fire's features in Canada.

See post # 10

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1378872
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lilal
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If I had read the posted article (Which is best) before Christmas I probably wouldn't have hinted to DH about the KoboVox. He bought me one and except for problems connecting to WiFi (my stupidity!) and then getting setup which was a fault in the Kobo that prevented an update to download. Had to buy a Microchip SD card and reader to load the update from our computer and then transfer to the Kobo but now everything is working AOK. Younger daughter who has a Kobo Touch ereader helped me download quite a few free books and this afternoon I got an email from the library and was able to download it in about 10 minutes.
I have Facebook, gmai, and a Scrabble game that came ready loaded. Haven't looked into much more but from what I've read I don't think it is a place to store photos or recipes - that sounds more like you need an iPad.
Edited by lilal, Mar 28 2012, 03:00 PM.
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Reditall
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Lilal, I suspect that most here have had a similar experience. These devices are developing so fast it is very difficult to keep oneself adequately informed.

My personal preference for hand held devices is the tablet and my preferred tablet is the iPad because:

-superior engineering
-superior security
-greatest choice of low cost applications

IMHO, the last point is not emphasized enough in the literature. I am continually amazed at what one can do with these devices.

For example you mentioned using an iPad for storing recipes. The iPad or iPhone has an excellent app that would be very useful for getting and storing recipes called ScannerPro ($6.50).

The following screen shot shows the home page of the app. Say, for example you see a recipe in a book you want to try. You would use the device as follows:
-Scan the recipe. This involves using the iPad camera to take a close up photo of the recipe
-Save the image
-Print a copy of the image to use when cooking
-You liked it so much you emailed a copy to your daughter
-As a back up you save copies of your recipe on Google Docs

Posted Image

You can also acquire copies of recipe if they are text documents as shown by the following download choices

Posted Image

Edited by Reditall, Mar 29 2012, 01:02 AM.
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Darcie
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Reditall, would you help me with a decision please.

My daughter, who sells hardware, has offered me Ipads and Iphones as she wins them from the supplier for selling their products (amongst other stuff). I have refused to take them because I am worried about the cost of internet service.

I only have 25GB Internet a month with Rogers and use about 3 GB maximum.

Does one get billed on a wireless phone or on the Internet if you have an IPad? What about an IPhone?

My wireless phone service is with Fido and I do not want to fool with that one as it is a very good and inexpensive plan.

For me it depends where I get billed, if Internet it is OK, if wireless phone I will not get one.

I just do not understand the billing at all.
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friendshipgal
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Guess everyone wants their own Trudashians
Well, I tried out the Kindle Fire this morning, got it registered then went to the Amazon site (I registered with my U.S. address) then the screen went blank and I can't get it re-started. I've put it back on the charger, but I think I'm going to have to take it back. I wasn't too worried about not being able to use it in Canada as I do have the Amazon account but likely wouldn't want to download any more apps etc. until next year and I could still go on line with and use it as an e-reader.

However, I'm wondering if I should pony up the money difference and buy the Ipad, so the first question is, is the Ipad a good e-reader, which was my primary reason for wanting the tablet...

thanks

P.S. Is it necessary to pay the extra 100 for 64 GB ?
Edited by friendshipgal, Mar 29 2012, 01:23 AM.
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Reditall
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Darcie
Mar 29 2012, 01:13 AM
Reditall, would you help me with a decision please.

Darcie, my response is provided in line to your comments quoted in bold below;

Reditall, would you help me with a decision please.

I am happy to provide information, the decision is of course yours to make.

My daughter, who sells hardware, has offered me Ipads and Iphones as she wins them from the supplier for selling their products (amongst other stuff). I have refused to take them because I am worried about the cost of Internet service.

If your daughter continues to have trouble disposing of devices, I have a suggestion <g>

The cost of the service is a critical factor. We are overcharged in Canada compared to elsewhere so choosing carefully is important.

iPads can burn up the bytes particularly if you like to view videos and other data intensive devices on line. The seed of connection is important too, because it is frustrating to use a device that stutters and jerks along because of data starvation. You are wise to not consider wireless. I started with Rogers Wireless and it was terrible in my area because the service is overloaded. Rogers prevaricates and falsely advertises a certain rate and will not allow you to cancel a contract without penalty even though they cannot deliver.

A cable connection that you can share with your other devices is recommended. You will also need a wireless router so you can set up your own WiFi. This allows you to read your stuff in your easy chair or while luxuriating in the bath tub or even on the back deck.

I only have 25GB Internet a month with Rogers and use about 3 GB maximum.

The total capacity of 25GB should be OK depending on your usage. If you already have not learned to do so, learn how to monitor your usage so you do not go over the limit when Rogers will send the sheriff after you.

Speed is important, I assume your connection is cable. Minimum satisfactory speed is around 3 Mbps, faster is better. Incidentally, I lucked out when I dumped Roger's wireless and Bell telephone service. A local cable provider gives me 15 Mbps speed, monthly capacity of 80 GB, and residential telephone service with free long distance to anywhere in North America. The charge for all of this is a few more dollars over what the greedy Bell people were charging us for telephone service alone.

Does one get billed on a wireless phone or on the Internet if you have an IPad? What about an IPhone?

My wireless phone service is with Fido and I do not want to fool with that one as it is a very good and inexpensive plan.

For me it depends where I get billed, if Internet it is OK, if wireless phone I will not get one.


Since you have satisfactory cell phone service, go for the iPad.

You can purchase an iPad with 3G capability, which means you will have to get a contract for wireless service (like a cell phone) and you will be lucky to get out of this if you want to with your underwear. I think you are right not to opt for this, use your Rogers cable. Remember though you will need a wireless router to set up a WiFi because your iPad needs a wireless connection to communicate over the Internet

Edited by Reditall, Mar 29 2012, 02:49 AM.
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Darcie
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Reditall
Mar 29 2012, 02:43 AM
Darcie
Mar 29 2012, 01:13 AM
Reditall, would you help me with a decision please.

Darcie, my response is provided in line to your comments quoted in bold below;

Reditall, would you help me with a decision please.

I am happy to provide information, the decision is of course yours to make.

My daughter, who sells hardware, has offered me Ipads and Iphones as she wins them from the supplier for selling their products (amongst other stuff). I have refused to take them because I am worried about the cost of Internet service.

If your daughter continues to have trouble disposing of devices, I have a suggestion <g>

The cost of the service is a critical factor. We are overcharged in Canada compared to elsewhere so choosing carefully is important.

iPads can burn up the bytes particularly if you like to view videos and other data intensive devices on line. The seed of connection is important too, because it i frustrating to uses a device that stutters and jerks along because of data starvation. You are wise to not consider wireless. I started with Rogers Wireless and it was terrible in my area because the service is overloaded. Rogers prevaricates and falsely advertises a certain rate and will not allow you to cancel a contract without penalty even though they cannot deliver.

A cable connection that you can share with your other devices. You will also need a wireless router so you can set up your own WiFi. This allows you to read your stuff in your easy chair or while luxuriating in the bath tub or even on the back deck.

I only have 25GB Internet a month with Rogers and use about 3 GB maximum.

The total capacity of 25GB should be OK depending on your usage. If you already have not learned to do so, learn how to monitor your usage so you do not go over the limit when Rogers will send the sheriff after you.

Speed is important, I assume your connection is cable. Minimum satisfactory speed is around 3 Mbps, faster is better. Incidentally, I lucked out when I dumped Roger's wireless and Bell telephone service. A local cable provider gives me 15 Mbps speed, monthly capacity of 80 GB, and residential telephone service with free long distance to anywhere in North America. The charge for all of this is a few more dollars over what the greedy Bell people were charging us for telephone service alone.

Quote:
 
Does one get billed on a wireless phone or on the Internet if you have an IPad? What about an IPhone?

My wireless phone service is with Fido and I do not want to fool with that one as it is a very good and inexpensive plan.

For me it depends where I get billed, if Internet it is OK, if wireless phone I will not get one.


You can purchase an iPad with 3G capability, which means you will have to get a contract for wireless service (like a cell phone) and you will be lucky to get out of this if you want to with your underwear. I think you are right not to opt for this, use your Rogers cable. Remember though you will need a wireless router to set up a WiFi because your iPad needs a wireless connection to communicate over the Internet

Thank you Reditall, I do have a router already.

I do monitor my usage and my speed is above the 3 Mbps.

Am I understanding this correctly, if I take an IPad from my daughter I can set it up through my router and used it under my present Internet service. Do not have to pay extra for this service because I connected an IPad.

An Ipad will use the service of my Internet which is with Rogers. I have my Cable, Internet and home phone with them. I have no alternative here as they do not permit any other service in the building. I have wondered about the legality of this but haven't looked into it.

In other words, so long as I stay within the stated usage I will not pay anything extra. I also have an agreement with them that they will email me if I ever get to 90% of the total allowed usage.

Forgot to mention that I stick with Fido not only for the rates but because I got their wireless internet which was a pain to use. After many complaints they did cancel it at no cost for me after 8 months of a 36 month contract.
Edited by Darcie, Mar 29 2012, 02:58 AM.
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Reditall
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FSG, the iPad is the best all around eBook reader. It's down side is that you cannot read it in the sunlight and is heavier to hold. It is very versatile because you can use apps as eReaders, which gives you a wide variety of book choices. I currently have 4 eReaders, 2 magazine readers, and several special document readers. I have 32 MB which is ample. There are all kinds of options for storing documents elsewhere.

I understand the 32 MB WiFi iPad 2 is being offered at a discount. As an artist you may prefer the superior graphics display in the latest iPad version, but if not, the iPad 2 is a good deal.
Edited by Reditall, Mar 29 2012, 03:26 AM.
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Reditall
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Darcie said in part:

Quote:
 
Thank you Reditall, I do have a router already.

I do monitor my usage and my speed is above the 3 Mbps.

Am I understanding this correctly, if I take an IPad from my daughter I can set it up through my router and used it under my present Internet service. Do not have to pay extra for this service because I connected an IPad.


You are welcome.

The router must be wireless.

Suggest you check with Rogers. They may have some sort of extra device policy.
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