I am looking into getting an Eereader, however I am somewhat confused. I only want to use it to read, not interested in emails etc. It must be e-ink, the Kindle looks the best bet except it only reads mobi files, this means that you have to buy ebooks from Amazon and cannot use the library services. How easy is it to convert from epub to mobi files? Also how do they compare for bookmarking word and phrase search? I cannot find anywhere that mention this type of thing only if it is wifi etc enabled. The choice seems to be between Kindle, Sony or Kobo. Any help appreciated
I've tried the Sony and didn't like it, BB. Steve has a Kindle, and I think he can tell you how to convert to the mobi format.
Firstly the Mobi limitations can be solved by the use of software such as Calibre http://calibre-ebook.com/. The Kindle will load non drm mobi files but of course Amazon will not archive them for you. I have the wifi keyboard version so you can search for phrase via a text entry. Bookmarking I don't find very intuitive, they are saved in 'My clippings' so you can at least identify the page or location should you wish to use the 'go to' function.
If the bookmarking is not that surely it is a pain if you "close" the book then want to start from the same point later. Or am I missing something?
The book will always open at the last page read also with the other kindle apps for PC,Mac,IOS and Android you can sync across all platforms so if you wish to read the same book on another device it will open at the same last page read.
You should be able to try out the kindle eReader experience by downloading the App i.e. Kindle for PC
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_157068407_5?ie=UTF8&docId=1000423913&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=left-2&pf_rd_r=1GR3K31HP48T7GCDYQAF&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=262060327&pf_rd_i=341677031
There's plenty of free books.
My local Tesco Extra has some kindles on display - it might be worth seeing if yours has to get an idea of look and feel of the device.
John Lewis have them here too.
Thanks you all for your help, in particular Steve's pointer to the Kindle app. I am now exploring it.
Check out the new touch screen version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMFPINdOWik (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMFPINdOWik)
http://www.kuforum.co.uk/kindleusersforum/forum-81.html (http://www.kuforum.co.uk/kindleusersforum/forum-81.html)
http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Touch-e-Reader-Touch-Screen-Wi-Fi-Special-Offers/dp/B005890G8Y (http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Touch-e-Reader-Touch-Screen-Wi-Fi-Special-Offers/dp/B005890G8Y)