E-readers on tour

[shane]

Hi Folks,

Anyone using e-readers on your yet? and more importantly how do they work with guide books such as the lonely planet.

I guess if you can combine a couple of novels with your LP into a e-reader you can save alot of space and weight. Though I would imagine that its not as easy to flick through(browse) as a book. And i'm not sure its wise to be in the middle of a busy bus station is Africa and flick out an expensive looking gadget...

Any thoughts?

A side track: its interesting that the outdoor industry has spent alot of time and effort and we've spent alot of money to make outdoor gear lighter and compacter, and what do we do? spend even more money on gadgets to fill up the space and make out bikes nice and heavy again......

Shane (who is undecided if notebook/ipod/ipod touch/ipad/iphone/e-reader or tablet should be on his wish list for Africa....)

[byegad]

I use an early Sony eReader PRS505. It has a battery which allows me to use the largest font and read for 20hrs plus/charge. It recharges via my Power Monkey and for evening reading lasts me over a week/charge. Newer models will have more life from the battery. If I go away for a week I don't take a charger.

[Cunobelin]

Same here, as although I use the smaller model as it fits better into an Animal neoprene case and then the bar bag.

Books are books, but until you get the book in e format then you are limited. Additionally a map can be a little small.

Good news is that they read PDFs...... Any web page, PDF leaflet or document can then be added saving lots of paperwork in your bags.

Many tourist leaflets or tour instructions can be downloaded in this manner.

However they are not good enough for maps (yet)

[al_yrpal]

I use my Android phone, with a Kindle app. It's a sat nav, camera, torch, calendar, emailer, too. I think some Lonely Planet guide apps are about 70p right now for a short period.
Al

[shane]

Thanks guys,

I see that the Kindle also has a simple brouwser and wifi, this is pretty handy for simple updates on facebook etc, then I could use internet cafe's for the larger updates.....

LP for Uganda as PDF is only 2.50, maybe I'll download it and give it a go on my next trip.

To be continued

[lobsterboyuk]

I see that the Kindle also has a simple brouwser and wifi, this is pretty handy for simple updates on facebook etc, then I could use internet cafe's for the larger updates.....

IMO the kindle browser is near unusable - this is not a touch screen device so navigation is via the keypad - IME infuriatingly slow.

However as a book reader it is excellent....

[shane]

Just got a nice tip off a friend of mine, in the similar price class as the Kindle.

Pocketbook IQ Ok so its not a pureblood e-reader, so it also has disadvantages, but it does have alot of nice features which mean the laptop can stay at home. Its also fed by USB so I can recharge it with my SON Dynamo

Life really has become complicated with all these gadgets

[takeonafrica]

Shane - i decided against an e-reader because of it being an expensive looking gadget to get out which would be at risk of being stolen while travelling in Africa.
Having been here well over a year now - I would not worry about getting an e-reader out anywhere (why are you going to be sat in bus stations on a bike tour by the way?!!) here. Theft is not a big issue in many places (as long as you are sensible). For the weight and space it saves (at one point I had a whole pannier full of 15 books but they've all been read now) i think it's a great idea and would take one on another trip.

re. LP - can't comment but I've just downloaded a couple of their guides onto my laptop - much better than the book version!! i have more room for yummy food and drink in my bags!

[shane]

Thanks Helen for taking time between your 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on christmas day to share your thoughts.

Now I'm off to celebrate christmas for the last time with my inlaws

[takeonafrica]

The least I can do - xmas is a time of giving.... and time is one thing i have plenty of to give right now!
I'm thinking pizza for dinner... but first a dip in the pool, and a cold beer while reading in the sun (plenty of books in this hostel). Tough life this 'cycle' touring.
Happy Xmas!