What do you know about ebooks

I normally search the internet for info, but sometimes I would just rather ask specific questions and get answers like that.

Sometimes it's hard to tell how outdated the info is.

I am looking to get a laptop or tablet, and preferably one that has ebook capabilities.

The situation is that I bought a few ebooks for iBooks on an Apple device but I will no longer have that device.

I should have bought an independent ebook reader but I didn't and so now I have a few questions.

Does the iPad require cell service? Can you buy and iPad and not pay a monthly fee? (And have it connect to the internet, of course)

I don't necessarily want an ipad, but I need something that has the internet and ebook capability. I don't want to pay a monthly fee for any type of service.

So I guess I may be looking for two things. A laptop or tablet, and something that will allow me to read ebooks.

If I buy a laptop or tablet, would that limit me to only view the ebooks on that platform?

Is there software that would allow me to buy ebooks and view them on any platform?

Any info on anything above is helpful. I am sure I rambled on, but it is late and I am tired.

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Go4it's Avatar
  • Go4it
  • 08-09-2015, 09:28 PM
Damn Dude - a freaking excellent Kindle white paper reader costs about $125. Then you don't have to worry about any of those questions. Save yourself the grief and hassle
DFWdude4fun's Avatar
I use a PC and a kindle, but also get ebooks in Mac format. I found a useful program for free that allows you to convert ebooks into different formats. It is Calibre - http://calibre-ebook.com/
ElisabethWhispers's Avatar
I just install the Kindle reader on my computer, and all of my phones, and I read my ebooks through the app. It's free to download.
Wheretonow's Avatar
I have an iPad and get ebooks, audible books, etc. without any trouble. You can get an iPad with internet only (vs one that connects to phone-tower-provided service) and there are no connection fees. You will however have to be in a location that provides wifi service. Once downloaded, you're free to read, listen or watch whatever you've purchased anywhere.

There are all kinds of apps for what you want to do, and many of them are free. If you're interested in watching movies, I recommend getting one with more memory (64 or 128GB).
Whoa.

Treat your eyes right. Don't try to read on a tablet or laptop. Get an e-reader. Kindle or Nook for your first one.

I have a Nook and highly recommend it. Not sure if the latest model still has it, but it used to have free wireless data for buying e-books from Barnes and Noble. Nook supports the open format, epub. Kindle has a proprietary format from Amazon.com.

Definitely get an e-ink reader, though. Either the Nook or the Kindle will hold hundreds, if not thousands, of books on it.
Reddwarf's Avatar
Kindle Fire. I had an ipad and now a kindle Fire. The ebook reader is top notch and you can get on the internet easily. Good price.
Again, avoid the tablets. LCD screens are for playing games, surfing porn and watching YouTube, not reading books.

Get one of these:
Nook: http://nook.barnesandnoble.com/u/noo...ader/379004122
or
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OQVZDJM


These are well worth a hundred bucks to avoid LCD eyestrain.
Kindle app for ipad, android tablet. Kindle,Calibre for PC.
THere is a way to apply a patch to calibre to strip out the digital rights stuff so you can import and retain amazon books into calibre.
Thanks for the responses.

I just realized today that you can view your amazon books on the web with

read dot amazon dot com

That is perfect, you just need an internet connection. And I think you can download them locally too for offline viewing. That is one solution that I was looking for.
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