Ebook reader with great screen and no format lock-in?

Question

What would be the best device to read ebooks based on two criteria:

1) Good screen. I've only seen first Kindle live, but the screen on it is horrible. I currently use VGA PDA, I realize it's not going to be nearly as bright and crisp on a reader, but must be reasonably sharp, and good in darkness.

2) No format lock-in, I should be able to copy html pages, txt, pdf, whatever.

Answer 1

The Kindle 2 is now much improved. In my opinion, the screen of the Kindle 2 is the best among all the ebook readers. And it has just improved its PDF support, as you can read here:



http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fhelp%2Fcustomer%2Fdisplay.html%3Fie%3DUTF8%26nodeId%3D200324680&tag=moreinfo-po-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957



Actually, the screen of ebook readers are designed such that it really look like books. The screen of PDA or iPhone is actually not good for reading, as they have backlight and will do harm to our eyes when we read on them for long hours. So, just treat screen of ebook readers like books, and you'll need a book light when you read in dark. I've this light and I use it when I read with the Kindle on my bed:



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TXZIDM?ie=UTF8&tag=moreinfo-po-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000TXZIDM



And I remember I read these reviews when I decided to get it:



http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Freview%2FR2DUM7S4XW06QN%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ASIN%3DB00154JDAI%26nodeID%3D%26ref%255F%3Dcm%255Fcr%255Fpr%255Fcmt&tag=moreinfo-po-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957



http://www.speedreaderxreview.com/is-kindle-2-worth-the-price



Hope it helps :)

Answer 2

I would get the Kindle 2 or DX. The Kindle DX has an in-system PDF reader, and other formats can be easily converted (as with the Kindle 2). I've never seen the Kindle 1 screen, so I can't do a comparison, but I think that the screen on the Kindle 2 is just as crisp as my computer screen or a pda. No Ebook reader will work in the dark, because they use E-Ink technology, which reads like paper and without eyestrain, so it therefore can't have any sort of backlight. It's fine with any flashlight or booklight, though.



Here is a link to what the Kindle can support:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200375630&#recognize



EDIT:

The Kindle 2 just did a system update and can now natively support PDF files.

Answer 3

Why not just stick with the PDA? It highlights, takes notes, stores dozens of books, has the option of a dictionary, and holds mp3s. Plus many models have wifi access. I carry mine everywhere, I have an Axim X1. The screen is small, so one paperback page becomes 6 or so ... but that doesn't really matter to me -- at least it fits in my pocket.