Maintenance & Restoration

Bill Hamilton · 07-14-2011, 01:53 PM

I recently purchased a tablet computer. One of the main reasons I bought it was to be able read ebooks while traveling. I like to check real books out of the library since they are free. However, you have to be able to return them in a timely manner. Short trips are not a problem, but longer trips present a problem. Checking out an ebook solved the problem. But, my home library did not provide a large enough selection in a timely manner. I discovered that Texas has a program called Texshare. Almost all Tx public libraries as well as many universities belong to this program. You can get a library card from any of them without any cost. While it allows you to check out any of their books I am only interested in ebooks at this time. This will be good for me while RVing as well as any other travels.

Thought other Tx residents would like to know about this program.

Jane P. · 07-14-2011, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Hamilton

I recently purchased a tablet computer. One of the main reasons I bought it was to be able read ebooks while traveling. I like to check real books out of the library since they are free. However, you have to be able to return them in a timely manner. Short trips are not a problem, but longer trips present a problem. Checking out an ebook solved the problem. But, my home library did not provide a large enough selection in a timely manner. I discovered that Texas has a program called Texshare. Almost all Tx public libraries as well as many universities belong to this program. You can get a library card from any of them without any cost. While it allows you to check out any of their books I am only interested in ebooks at this time. This will be good for me while RVing as well as any other travels.

Thought other Tx residents would like to know about this program.

Thanks for the info. Can you get a care if you are a citizen of another state?

Bill Hamilton · 07-14-2011, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jane P.

Thanks for the info. Can you get a card if you are a citizen of another state?

You have to have a Tx library card before asking for a TxShare card. That's the extent of my knowledge. Google Texshare card and read the FAQs.

Byron Kinnaman · 07-14-2011, 04:06 PM

Amazon.com has lots of free books also check out Project Gutenberg
To use Amazon you might have to download their Kindle reader software.
Both my wife and I have Kindles. They're really great while traveling. 1000s of books in a very small space. Getting used to reading a book that way wasn't a problem.

Jane P. · 07-14-2011, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byron Kinnaman

Amazon.com has lots of free books also check out Project Gutenberg
To use Amazon you might have to download their Kindle reader software.
Both my wife and I have Kindles. They're really great while traveling. 1000s of books in a very small space. Getting used to reading a book that way wasn't a problem.

Though he resisted for many years, my husband finally agreed to a Kindle for X-mass. He loves it.

honda03842 · 07-14-2011, 04:20 PM

Another use for a smart phone. I download 'Dracula' free from Barnes and Noble as a test, wondering if it would be readible on my Blackberry. Shockingly to me it was very handy and particularly easy to read in bed at night. Size simply was not an issue.

Norm

Jane P. · 07-14-2011, 04:34 PM

My ipod Touch is just a little too small for a book. I read newspapers on and e-mail, but really want a larger screen. I'm going back and forth between another Kindle, a Nook, or an iPad. The iPad will let me use a number of reading platforms. But it is way too expensive to take down to the beach.

My hi-tech friends prefer the Nook over the Kindle, but we already have a Kindle in the family. Luckily Amazon is rumored to be updating its Kindle. If it has the touch and advanced page refreshment features of the Nook and is offered at the same ($114) price tag as Amazon's current WiFi version, I just may get one early next year.

In the meantime, I am saving for the next generation I-pad. I'm sure that I'll be using that for my bedtime reading in the TT.

It is nice to see that all the "free book" platforms now support Amazon's platform. I have hesitated getting a Kindle because it does not support ePub. But with everyone now supporting Amazon's reading formate, I don't have a lot of excuses.

Bill Hamilton · 07-14-2011, 04:46 PM

I am planning to look at Amazon, Guttenburg, and several other opportunities to download free books, but at the moment the public libraries are providing me with plenty of titles and many newspapers to read. Of course, they are in the epub format. There are also several apps that will convert almost any format to almost any other format. I do still read paperbacks that I find along the way.

Jane P. · 07-14-2011, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Hamilton

I am planning to look at Amazon, Guttenburg, and several other opportunities to download free books, but at the moment the public libraries are providing me with plenty of titles and many newspapers to read. Of course, they are in the epub format. There are also several apps that will convert almost any format to almost any other format. I do still read paperbacks that I find along the way.

I think that this thread is addressing the best of both worlds.

Free access via the library to Newspapers, particularly the NEW YORK TIMES, is what interests me. We currently subscribe to loads of magazines. The ability to read our magazines when on the road would be wonderful. Also desirable is accessing a newly published book. Though it is nice to have a cloud library of your "own" books, it is also valuable to read materials you may not wish to ultimately purchase. Growing up, my family made bimonthly trips to the neighborhood libraries. Tuesday night was library night. During the summer when we rented beach houses, we all trekked down to the local library for our vacation reading fare. So, I am very receptive to the idea of borrowing e-books.

I think I will research on-line programs at my local library programs. I'll have to keep my fingers crossed as California broke, so funds may not be available for the program as extensive as the Texshare program.

I really love traveling with my i-pod Touch (which I did not own for last year's travels). It is great to catch up on email and to read newspapers while relaxing at Starbucks or a restaurant offering Wifi. I'd appreciate a larger reading screen, and am really looking forward to getting a Tablet for next year.

Bill Hamilton · 07-14-2011, 05:43 PM

On my smartphone and Assus tablet - I can read newspapers from all over the US and Japan whenever I want. Some magazines are also available, but I haven't really explored that world online.

Byron Kinnaman · 07-14-2011, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jane P.

My ipod Touch is just a little too small for a book. I read newspapers on and e-mail, but really want a larger screen. I'm going back and forth between another Kindle, a Nook, or an iPad. The iPad will let me use a number of reading platforms. But it is way too expensive to take down to the beach.

My hi-tech friends prefer the Nook over the Kindle, but we already have a Kindle in the family. Luckily Amazon is rumored to be updating its Kindle. If it has the touch and advanced page refreshment features of the Nook and is offered at the same ($114) price tag as Amazon's current WiFi version, I just may get one early next year.

In the meantime, I am saving for the next generation I-pad. I'm sure that I'll be using that for my bedtime reading in the TT.

It is nice to see that all the "free book" platforms now support Amazon's platform. I have hesitated getting a Kindle because it does not support ePub. But with everyone now supporting Amazon's reading formate, I don't have a lot of excuses.

Nook and Kindle are both good units. To me the difference was where I planned doing most of my reading. For reading in bed or other dimly lit place the Nook wins. For sitting at the beach or outside at a campground the Kindle wins. Reasons.. The Nook is back lit like your computer screen, iPhone, iPod, etc. and washes out in bright light. The Kindle requires light, but contrast improves the brighter the light. I chose Kindle because most of my reading is done outside while camping and I can use a book light in less than ideal light.

Either way, they're the wave of the future and great for writers.

Wallo · 07-14-2011, 08:46 PM

I use my iPOD Touch to download books on tape. I have an adapter plugged into the 12V in my car which keeps it charged and can listen to it thru the radio. The drive to work is 1/2 hr each way. Great way to spend the time rather than listening to radio stations who have DJ's liking the sound of their own voice, and dozens of commercials. Our library lets you download to Itunes, then transfer to the iTouch. Love the Kay Scarpetta novels, have "read" all of them. Also, the "Cat Who...." books by Lilian Jackson Braun are enjoyable. Another nice thing about the iTouch is you can listen to it while hiking, biking or kayaking. With the iTouch you can multi task and don't have to hold it in your hand.

Joy A · 07-15-2011, 05:52 AM

I love books. I love holding them. I hate the idea of books disappearing.

But, having a small little trailer it is not conducive to carrying lots of books when I'm on a long trip. I'm contemplating a Kindle or Nook. Probably a Kindle for the reasons Bryon just mentioned.

I'll most likely go with the wifi version which goes for a little over $100. I like the idea of the wifi/3g which would allow me to download in nearly any location I be at, but I don't like the nearly $200 price tag.

I like the idea of having my travel books on the Kindle. Boy that would save on space as well as a lot of weight. I found that the Kindle bookstore has most of my favorite Foghorn camping books available. As well as Moon books for the various states I need to go to.

Hey, maybe I should put the Kindle on my Birthday/Christmas list. Who knows Santa might bring me the wifi/3g model.

Jane P. · 07-15-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joy A

I love books. I love holding them. I hate the idea of books disappearing.

But, having a small little trailer it is not conducive to carrying lots of books when I'm on a long trip. I'm contemplating a Kindle or Nook. Probably a Kindle for the reasons Bryon just mentioned.

I'll most likely go with the wifi version which goes for a little over $100. I like the idea of the wifi/3g which would allow me to download in nearly any location I be at, but I don't like the nearly $200 price tag.

I like the idea of having my travel books on the Kindle. Boy that would save on space as well as a lot of weight. I found that the Kindle bookstore has most of my favorite Foghorn camping books available. As well as Moon books for the various states I need to go to.

Hey, maybe I should put the Kindle on my Birthday/Christmas list. Who knows Santa might bring me the wifi/3g model.

Maybe we need to start a "Secret Santa" program on the FGRV forum.

All the Secret Santas can search the archives for their giftee's "better camping" wishes.

Last X-mass, I went to B&N to buy my husband one of my annual gifts for him: a huge, recently published history book on WWII or the Founding Fathers or the Civil War. I guess the surprise for him is discovering which book I end up getting him. They had a demo table for the NOOK, and as I was waiting in line to purchase this huge, heavy book, I checked out the Nook and got on the internet to confirm that the book I was about to buy was also available as an e-book. I then visualized the bed stands in our bedroom (which is filled with books) and realized that an e-book which included that huge history book would be much more practical X-mass present.

Next X-mass, I'm counting on my hubby returning the favor.

rgrugg · 07-15-2011, 02:25 PM

I'm old school because I'm an old fart. I buy used paperbacks and trade them in when finished. When visiting my son and his family in Indianapolis I go to Half Price Books and get a bunch for a buck apiece. Trade them in whenever I find a used bookstore. A friend lent me his Sony reader yesterday. Nice but I still like the ral thing.

Francesca Knowles · 07-18-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgrugg

I'm old school because I'm an old fart. I buy used paperbacks and trade them in when finished. When visiting my son and his family in Indianapolis I go to Half Price Books and get a bunch for a buck apiece. Trade them in whenever I find a used bookstore. A friend lent me his Sony reader yesterday. Nice but I still like the ral thing.

Me, too, Bob!
When I travel, I buy books from our library's ongoing book sale fundraiser. If I finish books when traveling, I donate them to the library of whatever town I'm in and buy some more from that library's ongoing sale.
It's nice to feel that I'm making a (small) contribution to keeping these institutions alive.

Francesca

Byron Kinnaman · 07-18-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

Me, too, Bob!
When I travel, I buy books from our library's ongoing book sale fundraiser. If I finish books when traveling, I donate them to the library of whatever town I'm in and buy some more from that library's ongoing sale.
It's nice to feel that I'm making a (small) contribution to keeping these institutions alive.

Francesca

Maybe you should borrow a Kindle or Nook and try it. I was like you and figured the wife was too. Then I took a chance and bought the wife a Kindle for Christmas, I couldn't think of anything else. I figured if she didn't like I wasn't out that much. Once I saw how much she was enjoying it I simply had to have one too. I doubt I'll go back to paper books soon.