What to buy and when...

My reading needs are a bit different than most. In a little over a year I'm going to move to the Amazon Jungle and work with some indigenous tribes for an indefinite amount of time. I'm not going to be able to lug a bunch of books around and I won't be anywhere near a bookstore, so I'm thinking an e-reader would be the best option. Battery life is a big deal because I will not have electricity and will have to use a solar powered charger. Right now I'm thinking a Kindle would be my best option. Should I be looking to buy it or something else now or wait a few more months and see what the next generation of e-readers brings?

Reply 1 : What to buy and when...

I have a Kindle 2 and I love it. The Kindle 3 has just been released and it costs less than the Kindle 2 did.

The one problem I have had is that battery life is greatly reduced by using wireless that is not 3G. I don't have access to 3G in my area, so I have to rely on the alternative. I get around this by turning off wireless when I have no need for it. I turn it back on to make a purchase or download the blog I have subscribed to. My battery lasts a really long time if I don't need the wireless.

I don't know what you plan to take with you, but the Kindle can be charged using a usb port on any computer. It can also be plugged into the wall. I have no experience with other eBook readers, so I can't give you a comparison, but Kindle is the oldest and best established of the readers. By the way, if you buy something else you may be able to get Kindle content anyway. Amazon has some free applications that will allow you to use the Kindle store and buy Kindle books. You might want to check those out, as well.

Denise

Reply 2 : What to buy and when...

I also use Kindle 2, but it is have several disadvantages which I really dont like

Reply 3 : What to buy and when...

I'm guessing that with no electricity, you won't be charging your Kindle from the wall or from a USB port. I also imagine that there are no nearby cell towers or free wifi at the local Starbucks. Likely, you'll be pre-loading a ton of books before you go, and occasionally, "topping up" when taking the Land Rover on a long ride to the nearest town. If you'll have any computer access, I suggest backing up your kindle just in case. You should consider a reader that takes SD cards. The first Kindle did, later ones, no. You also might find the following very useful. Consider buying a hand crank USB charger (just google it). You won't get a ton of charge, but it might come in really handy on a cold, dark night.

Reply 4 : What to buy and when...

...where (and when) you're going? Temperature? When you say 'Amazon jungle' that conjures up a lot of images, including thinking that any devices being toted along for the long haul should be considered sacrificial, if they work at all.

A lot of consumer electronics have limitations as to how well they'll operate in extreme conditions. E-readers are no exception. Sony for instance says that their e-readers should only be used when temperatures are between 41F and 95F, though they're vague about air moisture conditions. But from what I've seen and experienced e-readers aren't the best made at sealing out for moisture; a Panasonic Toughbook they ain't. My old Sony PRS-500 went kinda funny when the mercury got near 100F (the one and only time I attempted to use it in such conditions). Just something to consider...

Reply 5 : What to buy and when...

Id check out the kindle, it has a 1 month battery and has global wifi, or so they claim, i found most of my info here, hope this helps, and enjoy your trip

http://www.ereadercomparisonhq.com/