Should I buy a slightly used tablet just for loading books?

[CTyankee]

I just want one so I can read from it instead of a paper book on a flight to Italy in the spring. My computer tech guy sells them used and he'll give me a one on one tutorial on its use in his shop. I don't want to do anything more than read a book on it, since my eyes are getting worse and worse. I don't want one that can take a photo or is hooked up to a phone or anything else...just reading a book...

Is there a particularly good one I should look for OR a particularly BAD one I should avoid?

[alarimer]

1. Maybe an e-reader

The problem with tablets as readers, I find, is the LCD screen. Too much glare, especially in bright lights. But some of the dedicated e-readers use e-ink which is much easier on the eyes.

[CTyankee]

3. Is it uncomplicated? Cuz I can screw up real easily on devises...

[uppityperson]

2. Kindle fire has their starter at $50.00. I like reading on mine, esp travelling

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TSUGXKE/ref=fs_ods_fs_tab_fd

You don't have to hook up to the Internet or take photos if that is an option. Go with the one that is economical and can read books on. I've an android tablet with a kindle app to read my kindle books on, have to recharge daily. And a first generation kindle with no backlighting which works so long as I've a lamp and the charge lasts for days which is very nice.

Make sure the books you want to read are compatible, or you have the software on it to read them. Go with price and what your tech guy recommends for reading.

[CTyankee]

4. thanks for the advice...

[dixiegrrrrl]

5. I recommend an e-book reader

which leaves you with 2 choices and formats
Nook reader from Barnes and Noble, which uses epub format
or
Amazon Fire reader for Kindle version books, which uses mobi format.

So, ebooks come as either epub or mobi extensions. ie: To Kill a Mockingbird.epub

I prefer and use Nook, (epub).
You want a back lit reader, with adjustable screen controls for size of type and font choices.
They hold a LOT of books, but you must remember to keep battery charged.
They come with built in instructions.

Apparently the now older Nook Color ( I use it) can be found on Ebay, not on Barnes and Noble site any longer, as the readers are being upgraded all the time, with added bells and whistles.
( you can listen to audio books and music and watch movies on them).

If you have a bunch of ebooks in one format, and want them to be in another format, you can use something like the free Calibre app to change formats.
PDF formats that are changed often do not look good in readers, tho.

Check with your puter guy to see if he can round you up with a ereader. They are really cool to use, and I for one NEVER thought I would want to give up real paper books.
My eyes love it.

Good luck.

[denbot]

6. My first tablet was a kindle fire.

Still use it for reading, but IMHO the best reader out there is the kindle paper white.

You can easy read in direct sunlight with a kindle paper white.

[CTyankee]

7. My computer tech guy sez check with Staples for the good bargains...will do...

[hibbing]

8. Agree about the paper white kindle

No bright backlighting, so it is not like a computer or phone screen. I have all kinds of gadgets, but like my books on my regular kindle paper white thing.


Peace

[CBGLuthier]

9. I would be concerned about battery life on a used unit since there is no easy way to change them.

If he can give you one with decent life then it would be OK but I would check that out.

[CTyankee]

10. Now I'm thinking I should wait for one of those Staples "deal of the day" special pricing

on an eReader or a tablet. I'll check with my nearby Staples store and see what's coming up and wait for it...

[LanternWaste]

11. Last year on a whim, I purchased a refurbished tablet

Last year on a whim, I purchased a refurbished tablet with 8 gig memory for just over $30.00. I use it exclusively for storing/reading pdf documents. For that, it's very effective-- battery life long enough for a nineteen hour train trip I took in July, holds a huge library of documents, clean and crisp display. That said, I'm no expert on brands and picked it up only because of the price.

Try refurbished deals on Amazon... from what I understand, mine was insanely inexpensive for what I got.