Rob's Reader

A more obscure read: Unlikely Allies

2010-01-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

Even though Mr. Bell pans it, I like to read these more obscure history titles. I decided to use it as a test. Inkmesh reports it is available for both Kindle and Nook but Kindle is $1.32 cheaper...

Boston 1775: Unlikely Events and Unlikely Allies

Interestingly, the other book Mr. Bell discusses in this post is only available on Kindle (and under an older title).

Nook Cases

2010-01-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

A little early to get too serious, yet, but I'll need a case. Would love a simple Neoprene case, but all I see are slip covers (I want one that opens like a book and keeps the Nook protected).

MobileRead has a nice thread with links to the limited non-Barnes and Noble cases out there. But the only one that intrigued me is a specialty use one for when we go to the beach (we live less than a mile away). The WaterGuard Waterproof Case claims to be, well,waterproof. It's cheap enough to buy as a second case.

At Barnes and Noble, I really like the look of the Bleecker Cover in Asphalt. This post on MobileRead indicates it is pretty nice. I'll see if the local store has one to look at next time I'm in the area.

Nook Communities and Forums

2010-01-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a nice little Nook Community that I stumbled across...

nookTalk Community

Focussed on Nook which is nice. MobileRead also has a Nook Forum, but it is a little more influenced by die hard Kindle or Sony users telling us why those are better platforms.

A Nook review from a non-professional tech write

2010-01-02T20:33:00.000-08:00

A nice review by a non-tech writer.

His bottom line:

So overall: do I love the Nook? No, but there's some serious like going on here. It has it's flaws - slower response times, less document format choices, a slightly awkward menu system, and a horrific method for adding a memory card. But it's a solid device, and with the Android OS running it the incredible potential for constant updates and, just as importantly...application programs, makes it a great buy.

Dr3amc@tch3r: Got Nook?

NPR story on how E-Books will change reading and writing -- Really?

2010-01-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Some discussion on how writers should change to make E-Books successful. I think this is over-analyzing. A good book will be a good book regardless of the medium it's read in...I don't think authors should spend too much time trying to capture the audience up front. Instead, build a good story that hangs together.

How E-Books Will Change Reading And Writing : NPR

Book comparisons

2010-01-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

I shot a bunch of links to book reviews that are interesting to me that I looked to see the prices on Inkmesh. Most, but not all were available as E-Books. A few were not available on Nook - Kindle only.

Here are the links to the posts in one place for easy reference.

http://robsreader.blogspot.com/2010/01/franklin-delano-roosevelt-reviewed-by.html
http://robsreader.blogspot.com/2010/01/another-book-ive-been-considering.html
http://robsreader.blogspot.com/2010/01/googled-by-ken-auletta-available-on.html
http://robsreader.blogspot.com/2010/01/books-to-read-on-my-e-reader-leading.html

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (reviewed by NPR) - only available on Kindle

2010-01-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

Here is one available on Kindle only according to Inkmesh. I wonder if there is an Amazon only distribution on this one?

'Franklin Delano Roosevelt' Distilled : NPR

Another book I've been considering -- available for both Nook & Kindle

2010-01-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

Another book I'd read -- again available on Nook & Kindle for $9.99 (see Inkmesh)

Can Science Explain Religion? - The New York Review of Books

'Googled' by Ken Auletta - available on both platforms

2010-01-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

Another book I would read in a moment -- available for $9.99 for both Kindle and Nook according to Inkmesh

Jack Shafer reviews 'Googled' by Ken Auletta

(Books to read on my E-Reader) Leading Blog: A Leadership Blog: Best Leadership Books of 2009

2010-01-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some books that are up my alley -- a quick scan found most available for the Nook. Many are available at Barnes and Noble for Less than the Amazon version for the Kindle.

Leading Blog: A Leadership Blog: Best Leadership Books of 2009

Review: Nook Update 1.1.0 - John's posterous

2010-01-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

Interesting little review with the improvements of 1.1.0 clearly discussed.
Review: Nook Update 1.1.0 - John's posterous

Where do I stand?

2010-01-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

After a couple of day scouring for Nook reviews, it's time to step back and see where I stand.

First of all, I am more convinced than ever it is time for me to move to E-Books. There is a large selection and some good deals there (like the free book I just downloaded!).

And I am also sure I want to stick to the Kindle or the Nook -- I believe one or the other will be the basis for E-Readers for a while. Since I've been leaning towards the Nook, I'll present the pros and cons of the Nook (vice the Kindle).

Pros:

Compatible with more E-Book formats (I think this will become more important as E-Books settle on a format)
Can use books I can download from my library (I live across the street from the library, so downloading books at $9.99 is about $9.99 more than I currently spend on most books).
Screen reported to be slightly better than Kindle (not sure why as I think they use the same screen)
Android-based (I expect we'll see Barnes and Noble and others take advantage of this over the next year)
Better capability that might come in useful (wi-fi, removable microSD card, etc).
I generally like the look better than Kindle.
Quick release of software upgrade indicates Barnes and Noble is working the known issues (see below)

Cons

Obviously released with Beta software. Update to 1.1 seems to have helped a lot, but really is unforgivable.
Less battery life (note I plug most of my gadgets in every night so not as much an issue with me).
Amazon clearly has lower priced books -- although this may change.
PDF viewing (which I plan to use) reported to be poorer than Kindle's
Slow page turning (?) - did 1.1 fix this? The one I played with at Barnes and Noble seemed fine.
TAX - I live in California, I pay about $25 more for Nook because of sales tax.

Bottom line -- I think I am going to continue to wait it out for a Nook. Why? Two reasons:

First, the book availability seems better on the Nook (from other sources than Barnes and Noble).

Second, I think Barnes and Noble is going to clean up the software and work hard to make the Nook overtake the Kindle, which will result in lower prices and better usability on the Nook.

But, I'll keep looking. I'd really like to start seeing more recent reviews and hands-on experiences with the Nook, especially the post-software update and from people who have used it extensively through the Holidays.

Score! A free E-Book that I WANT to read!

2010-01-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

Barnes and Noble has James Rollins' Garden of Aden available as an E-Book for Free! I'm a fan of James Rollins' researched fiction. In fact, this book is on my "Books to Read" list. So I downloaded and will use my iPhone's Barnes and Noble Reader until I get my nook.

Book Review - History of Darpa - 'The Department of Mad Scientists,' by Michael Belfiore - Review - NYTimes.com

2010-01-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

A new book about DARPA that I would like -- I am a high-tech program manager.

Book Review - History of Darpa - 'The Department of Mad Scientists,' by Michael Belfiore - Review - NYTimes.com

I'm curious if this will be the lower price. A quick look at Inkmesh confirms that it is:

Inkmesh search results for "The Department of Mad Scientists"

Ebookprice.info didn't find the book.

Nook Review: Barnes & Noble eReader Is A MESS

2010-01-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

The Huffington Post's review isn't saying anything new...but is another in the negative column...

Nook Review: Barnes & Noble eReader Is A MESS

Barnes & Noble Nook Review: Pretty Damn Good - Nook review - Gizmodo

2010-01-02T06:55:00.001-08:00

A balanced Gizmodo review of the Nook

Barnes & Noble Nook Review: Pretty Damn Good - Nook review - Gizmodo

Inkmesh Blog � Amazon, B&N and Sony Ebook Price Comparison

2010-01-01T21:40:00.001-08:00

An Inkmesh Blog entry showing that Amazon Kindle's EBook prices are generally the lowest (right now).

Inkmesh Blog � Amazon, B&N and Sony Ebook Price Comparison

calibre - E-book management

2010-01-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

Interesting Software to manage my eBook library...I plan to have some PDF and other documents on my reader as well

calibre - E-book management

Barnes & Noble Nook e-book reader arrives with wrinkles - USATODAY.com

2010-01-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

USA Today's early December review of the Nook is mixed.

Barnes & Noble Nook e-book reader arrives with wrinkles - USATODAY.com

Free Ebooks, Ebook Price Comparison | Inkmesh

2010-01-01T21:38:00.001-08:00

Here's an interesting site to find the best prices on E-Books...

Free Ebooks, Ebook Price Comparison | Inkmesh

State of the Art - Barnes and Noble’s Nook Reader Fails to Live Up to Promises - NYTimes.com

2010-01-01T21:38:00.000-08:00

David Pogue, who I really haven't read or followed, really trashes the nook....

State of the Art - Barnes and Noble’s Nook Reader Fails to Live Up to Promises - NYTimes.com

A Review of the Nook E-Reader - WSJ.com

2010-01-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

Walt Mossberg thinks the Nook was rushed to market, too. I am more concerned with his small test of the Amazon vs. B&N books. I read a lot of historic biographies! Of course, the Nook can do E-Pubs from Sony and others...

A Review of the Nook E-Reader - WSJ.com

Best Books You Missed - The Daily Beast

2010-01-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

The World War I book looks like something I'd like...
Best Books You Missed - The Daily Beast

Winter's Big Books - The Daily Beast

2010-01-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

Here are some ideas for books to read when my Nook comes!

Winter's Big Books - The Daily Beast

The Barnes & Noble nook; or how I managed to completely waste my Saturday on a piece of over-hyped hardware�|�Gear Diary

2010-01-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

Gear Diary dumped on the Nook -- seriously upset. Mostly over the slow speed and the packaging...
The Barnes & Noble nook; or how I managed to completely waste my Saturday on a piece of over-hyped hardware�|�Gear Diary