[psikey]

I've been using a Sony Ericsson smartphone for years with mobipocket reader for reading ebooks which was fine other than screens a bit small at 2.4"-2.6".

I've since gone over to using an iPod Touch with Stanza which has a stunning 3.5" screen and with 64GB of storage.....say no more.

The ebook reader software itself (Stanza) is excellent and battery life purely reading books is great on the Touch, easily enough unless you sit for 8hr marathon reading sessions.

Only thing against these type of gadgets is they arn't good in direct sunlight.

I assume these dedicated readers do not wash-out in direct sunlight. Any other benefits to justify buying & carrying around another gadget?

[gavan]

Originally Posted by psikey

I've been using a Sony Ericsson smartphone for years with mobipocket reader for reading ebooks which was fine other than screens a bit small at 2.4"-2.6".

I've since gone over to using an iPod Touch with Stanza which has a stunning 3.5" screen and with 64GB of storage.....say no more.

The ebook reader software itself (Stanza) is excellent and battery life purely reading books is great on the Touch, easily enough unless you sit for 8hr marathon reading sessions.

Only thing against these type of gadgets is they arn't good in direct sunlight.

I assume these dedicated readers do not wash-out in direct sunlight. Any other benefits to justify buying & carrying around another gadget?

When it comes to something like reading, you want a display that is as close to the characteristics of paper as possible.

Sharp though it may be, a small backlit LCD screen is not the optimal way to read a book. The entirely reflective e-ink approach is miles better.

If you can, try out a proper eBook and you'll see what I mean.

[Croker]

Yeah, when I want a nice long reading session, I don't want to use a backlit LCD screen and risk eyestrain. eInk all the way for me, hence my owning (and loving) a Sony PRS-505 since January this year.

[Morat]

Personally, I find an HTC Touch HD more than adequate with its 800x480 3.8" screen. e-ink may well be better but is it really £hundreds better and worth carrying another device?

[gavan]

Originally Posted by Morat

Personally, I find an HTC Touch HD more than adequate with its 800x480 3.8" screen. e-ink may well be better but is it really £hundreds better and worth carrying another device?

Yes, get your hands on one and try it.

[Morat]

Well, my wife is all set on one so I'll probably get to play with one then. Personally I won't be buying one because I like to read in bed with the light off, which doesn't work with e-ink. Each to their own, though!

[Croker]

Originally Posted by Morat

Well, my wife is all set on one so I'll probably get to play with one then. Personally I won't be buying one because I like to read in bed with the light off, which doesn't work with e-ink. Each to their own, though!

If you don't mind me saying, though, that's a bit of a flawed reason - you can't read a normal paperback in bed with the light off, either! Even taking your point about reading in bed with the light off using a backlit screen, it's a sure recipe for eyestrain. Still, to each their own, as you say!