Kindel or other 'e-book reader' tablet type question...
 

If I wanted to buy someone (A non techy 65 year old) who loved books an e-reader thingy, and also give her a pre paid gift card, for say $100 so she could choose stuff to read...

Aside from needing an internet connection to do the download... Would she also need a computer to use it as well, or is it 'self contained?'

Also, given the situation above, what is my best choice to purchase?

I am not that up to date with this specific tech, so sorry if its a stupid question...

TIA xxx

By internet connection, I'm actually thinking public wifi as opposed to a 'hard' connection like I have attached to a PC or a mac...

I have a Kindle Fire and love it. You don't need a computer, but you can use one if you want. You buy the book you want and they send it instantly to your Kindle. If she would need to use free wifi she could just go there, connect and download her books.

It is easy to use, plus the Fire also has apps and an internet browser if she needs that (there are other Kindles that are just e-readers).

Amazon has a ton of content including many books for under $4. They have at least four books per day that they sell for $1 and many older books are $2-$3. These older books include things by big authors. The other day I got a Stephen King book The Dome for $2.

I can highly recommend it.

65 yo? Go for an e-book reader rather than a tablet, Kindle has different versions, some with both wi-fi and 3G and others with wi-fi only.

I use my tablet to read e-books, but the e-readers have better screens, designed for longer reading; my tablet also has a battery that doesn't last too long, while most good readers (I think) have batteries that don't need recharging every hour or two

Kindle series recharge thru a USB cable to a powered up computer. if your friend would not be able to recharge this way on a regular basis, you might way to get an AC charger. Also some type of protection case might be a nice idea.

:2 cents:

You can get an AC charger for the Kindle and bypass the computer. However, if you want to download books you will need an internet connection.

I have the basic model Kindle and it is all I need. Very happy with it.

I have an old Kindle, everyone else here has the newer HD ones. Very easy once you have things set up. Just search and buy.

I have a huge library of books and one at a time I am moving them over to the Kindle.

Since when can you afford such things? :winkwink:

Some of them don't even require an additional internet connection.

They have built in Wireless 3G and that's included with the cost. I'm pretty sure both the Kindle and Nook have models that do this.

Thanks all - I'll have to do some more research at my end. I know nothing about ereaders :)

I thought there might be a 'one-size-fits-all' solution.

Thanks

My mother (65) loves her color nook I got her no need for a computer just an internet connection

The nook is kinda of a step up from just a reader and a step down from a full blown tablet perfect for her

It makes a difference what country the person is in too, Amazon products kind of sucks if you are outside the US. I have a kindle fire, and they won't let me buy apps, movies or do much of anything with it without a US based credit card address. :2 cents: Just something else to consider.

i cunt a4rd a kendel

She's in the UK... All she will want to so, is read books on it - Literally... :)

I just dont wanna get her something really complicated, that means she needs me to get involved every step of the way...

Winnie-the-Pooh on Fire

CS, I would not get a kindle fire, if its about reading no need.

Get her a Kindle Paperwhite 3G. Check the size though on the pictures at amazon. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...684634-2937953

It is not huge, get a cover for it too, and get a charger. Sold seperately both.

With the 3G version she does not even need internet. It is all included, usage of 3G is too, you do not need a card! It works WORLDWIDE, price of using amazon's "whispernet" (basically a deal amazon has with AT&T for worldwide 3G roaming just to download data) is included in book prices.

And it is quite simple to use too, you buy the books right on the device. You can also buy them on any pc logged into your account linked to the device and it automatically get pushed onto the kindle.

My dad is that age, couldnt operate a computer to save his life, got a kindle last year and I thought he would never use it, told me he loves it and has stopped buying books at the book store. Just downloads now.
Yeah all you need is the reader and a cc to set up the account.:2 cents::thumbsup

This. It's exactly what we did for my dad. Enough technology to get the job done, but not too much that it's overwhelming. I've got a Fire and it's great for me, but for my Dad who just wants to read WWII books...way too much.