Kindle, Nook, Ipad, tablet. What works best for download
 

DH wants to start getting books online. We have seen a few of the sites that are available, but have not bought a device as yet. I would like a few opinions about pros and cons of readers, if possible. I know they have different operating systems, so if I buy one, I am "stuck" with that choice. I just want to know if one has better choices in books, (free, preferably), ease in download, etc. Any advise??? Thoughts??? Thank you in advance.

Has he ever tried to read a book this way before? There are quite a few differences in screens. Some will be easier to read than others, on an individual basis. Also, does he want the ability to have the book read out loud to him? This is a nice feature to have when your eyes get tired; you can close your eyes and listen. However, with ebooks (in contrast to audiobooks), the voices are synthesized. Although the synthesized voices keep getting better, they are still not totally natural and can be annoying to some people.

Do you have a Best Buy near you? I would recommend going in, asking what options are available, and taking a look at each. This way you can at least rule out a few. They should have Kindles, etc. there for you to check out.

Edit: I suspect the best source for free eBooks would be your local library. I would go to the library and ask about it. That may actually be the best place for you to start. I don't think all libraries have this capability, but some in your state should (and you can usually arrange for a non-resident library card). See this article for more info:
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/201...ing-overdrive/

I have a Kindle Fire HD, a Nook and a Samsung Tablet. I pretty much exclusively use the Tablet. I read quite a bit and find it very easy to get books. I have signed up for a couple of mailing notices that come daily and list free or special priced books that you can download from Amazon. I love the convenience of downloading a book when I want to as long as I can connect to the internet. Our library has ebooks, but I have never checked one out thru them. I swore when e=readers first became available that I would never want one--now I would never be without one! My tablet goes pretty much everywhere I go--I can easily access the internet, read email and facebook, shop, whatever I want. I have even started leaving my laptop at home when I travel and just take my Tablet. My 5 year old granddaughter has an iPad and I can honestly say I'm not impressed with it. She is on her second one and can use it better than I do!

I use my ipad for e books. There is a kindle app as well as a nook app so you can read those both. These apps are free. I also use three public libraries with an app called Overdrive. Again, a free app that most of my libraries in NY use. Last but not least, I get an email everyday from "BookBub" which sends me cheap and free books based upon my interests. I have not paid for books yet. Good luck, reading on a tablet is great for vacations- no bag of books to tote!

I love Overdrive especially when we travel. I load up a bunch of books before we go.

Pixel of Ink is another source of free/discounted books.

I've had a Kindle Fire for a couple of years, received as a gift. I like it and it was an easy transition for me from paper. Especially like the convenience for travel. I used to have stacks of books in our motorhome that took up too much room! At home, too. The only drawback is that it is hard to read outside and that is something that I like to do, mainly on vacation. I can do it by using prescription sunglasses and a visor and careful positioning. I guess that can happen with paper, also. If I were to buy a new one I might look into that feature. My Kindle is associated with Amazon but I rarely buy full price books from them. I use Bookbub and the library for the most part. Bookbub actually is through Amazon, anyway the billing is. Most of their books are very inexpensive, 1.99, 2.99, or free.

My daughter has the iPod Mini - the screen is the size of a paperback book and she loves it. It fits easily in almost any thing. My other daughter has the standard iPod. They get the audio books - they thought they would not like being read to, but since they drive over 30 minutes one way to work, they love it. And sometime when they just feel like being quiet and read - they can.

I have a Kindle Fire HD and DH has an iPad with the Kindle app. I went with the Kindle because it was cheaper. I love it. The reading part is the same on both, but the iPad is faster for email and the web.

OK, I hate to admit it but I have a Kindle Keyboard, an Android tablet and and an iPhone. I am selling my tablet and the Android tablet and saving for an iPad Air.

Anything that gives you the option to flip pages with the swipe or tap of your finger is best, IMHO. On the Kindle Keyboard you have to press the bar on the side of the device which is fine but it soon gets tiresome.

A few times a week I use my iPhone to read my Bible during Bible study. I tap rather than swipe and it works seamlessly. I love it. I have several options to get books through my Kindle app and iBooks. One of these days I will load the library's app or website so I can get audio books. Oh, I almost forgot I recently downloaded Sherlock Holmes Adventures from Old Time Radio which are audio books. We are going to go through those first before purchasing any. On the iPhone I also watch YouTube and my Craftsy classes.

Also, I mostly use the WiFi connection to our home network and skip data charges. A lot of website let you download and listen to things off line. I rarely use data on my phone which also make me happy.:)

My succession of purchases were Kindle, Android, and then the iPhone. Had I known how much I could do on the Apple phone I certainly would have purchased the iPad Air and skipped the Kindle and Android. AND, my son tried to steer me towards the iPad Air first but I didn't want to spend the money. Oh well! I am happy now. :):)