Are e-readers still too underdeveloped to be worthwhile?

Edinguy34

Being an avid reader (around 100 books a year on average), I was very cynical when it came to e-readers. And I dislike immensely reading books on my beloved iPad.
But having received a kindle as a gift at christmas, I haven't picked up a paper book since.
The weight, battery life and display are superb and I would be lost without mine.
That said I agree that far to many titles remain unavailable, and today I found myself buying a book in waterstones as there "where no plans to publish" the title electronically.

Steven

I've never had to replace a book in my life??? I still own my primary school end of year book containing my handprint in marble ink OK maybe sometimes the dog will get one or a book gets ruined in the suitcase coming back from the African safari, but my books mainly just sit on the shelf...

EarthRod

I've still got several school annuals "bonitas - disciplina - scientia", but no handwritten stuff - that got chucked out soon as I left school.

I have a tendency to devour books. For example, one of my favourites is a Derek Robinson novel "Piece Of Cake" and that has been replaced three times over the years.

Some of my books sit on the shelf for a few years doing nothing after one read. Occasionally I have a cull and those books go to Northampton market to make space for the next generation of books.

Haven't made up my mind about the Kindle yet because I like the touchy-feely physical texture of a book when reading it. Turning a page is quite sexy.

GloopyJon

My daughter (aged 12) bought herself a Kindle last week, which will stop her hogging mine when she's with me!  Now, of myself and my 3 children, three of the four of us have Kindles.

Pecker

For my birthday the family bought me a cover for my Kindle - this one:

SUNNY SAVERS AMAZON KINDLE 3 3G 3RD GENERATION WIFI: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Very good value for money.  It appears sturdy, and the screen protector is nice.

My Kindle now feels...less vulnerable, and I felt far more comfortable taking outside to read in the back garden over the Easter break.  I've read a lot more since getting it, so I can recommend it.

By the way, the other thing which became very apparent was just how good the screen is.  Even with the very bright sunlight shining straight on to the screen, and me wearing my dark glasses, the pages were crystal clear.  In comparison both my mobile phone screen and laptop screen were completely unusable.

Steve W

WibXL

I got what looks like the same case by itself from DealExtreme and can highly recommend it, especially as it only cost something like £6 inc P P. It's well made and the material feels quite nice.

kav

Thanks Steve, I've been looking for one for a while but didn't want to pay the £50 for the "official" ones. Have ordered one of these.

1LeeDenton

Kindle cover chat, how very well timed guys - getting hands on my Kindle on Monday (birthday prezzie from family), and like to keep my gear dent/scratch/scuff free, so gonna order one of these methinks

EDIT1: I presume the Sunny Savers one fits both Wifi and 3G models?? Mine is Wifi model...
EDIT2: How good is the little light attachment do we think?? Useable??

GloopyJon

I got one of these Kindle cases (delivered last week) and I'm very happy with it.  I thought I'd only use it when I take the Kindle out with me, but I'm quite happy using it with the case on at home too, and the built-in stand is quite useful.  This case is a lot cheaper than many others, particularly the official Amazon cases!

1LeeDenton

Another perfectly well timed post - this was another one I was looking at earlier....is this a good quality cover (material, trim, finish, fit to Kindle etc)?? Liked the look of the stand 'feature' for reading when on lunchbreaks etc...