What's Going on After Six Years in Circulation with eReaders, Kindles and iPads?

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/vpzi9

 

Six years ago we began the digital e-Reader journey at the Lake Worth Campus at Palm Beach State College.  Since the inception of our Kindle 1st Generation inventory in Circulation, we have added close to 100 devices including the Kindle Fire, Nook Color, iPad 1st Generation and iPad Air.

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/mxdei

In the two months of September and October alone we have two teachers using the Kindle Fire for three class assignments.

 

Professor Salvatore Manuele teaches Human Resources Management-MAN3301.  He has given the students a deadline of September 26th to read three chapters of  The 2010 Meltdown: Solving the Impending Jobs Crisis by Edward E. Gordon.  Technical Services is quick in processing, purchasing and downloading titles from Amazon.  Teachers and students have exactly what they need when they need it most of the time!

 

Dr. Richard Shepardson teaches Advanced Reading-EAP1620 and has worked closely with the library these past years to enhance student's reading skills using technology and our Kindles. He has a group project Oct. 2nd and requested 6 Kindle Fires to do a Key Word Search project in groups in the classroom using the title The Language of Flowers.

 

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, is this year's  winning title for the Read Together Palm Beach County 2014 program.

Image Credit: http://readtogether.palmbeachpost.com/

The book Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is the next reading Kindle project for

Dr. Shepardson's EAP1620 class.

 

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/j6a7e

Breaking Night by Liz Murray is this year's Common Reader for First Year Experience students at Palm Beach State College. We've added several copies to our Kindle devices to assist students in the Introduction to the College Experience-SLS1501 classes.

The Kindles are 7 day loans with no renewals. After a class project the students are still allowed to borrow a Kindle to continue reading the title introduced in class or the many other titles available.

 

Image Credit: http://readtogether.palmbeachpost.com/

 

In the past we've added the Read Together Palm Beach County winning titles including the runner ups for students, faculty and staff to enjoy on these Kindle devices.

MS Surface RT or Surface Pro? Or Something Else?

Image Credit:
http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/which-surface-is-right-for-you

Microsoft Surface Pro or Surface RT? 

What would be the best choice for your library patrons?

These devices have their own list of pro's and con's. [See link below for stats.] The best way to address this issue is to compare the Surface devices with another brand to find out where your 'wants and needs' stand. Hopefully these articles will help us weed through the stats and make constructive decisions over the summer.

Surface RT vs. Surface Pro

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/which-surface-is-right-for-you

http://www.gizmag.com/microsoft-surface-pro-vs-surface-rt/26117/

Replacing your laptops?

If you are thinking about replacing your library laptops, the Surface Pro might be the way to go, weighing in at only 2 lbs.  You can add a 'type cover' for  the keyboard for $129, less if it's bundled.

With the apps running just like a laptop, it's definitely a better production device for college students  than the RT. 

Image Credit:
http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/which-surface-is-right-for-you

 

Image Credit:
http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/which-surface-is-right-for-you

Touch Cover might be an issue:

There are some negative reviews in Amazon concerning the 'touch' cover because the space bar seems to miss as you type. This would be very frustrating to continually edit your work. I'd rather be practical, even though some patrons might like the look of the 'touch' cover in Amazon's beautiful summer color choices.



Why not the Surface RT?  1.5 lbs.

What advantages or disadvantages does this device have over the iPad or the Kindle Fire HD? Seriously this is an upgraded tablet.  The RT is ultra-thin and light with a long battery life. The pixels are lower to enhance the battery life. The chart below reads, 'always connected and always up to date'.  It doesn't function like a laptop because it doesn't have the Pro's core processor.  The RT has a bit larger display, almost one inch; storage starts at 32GB, weighs a tiny bit more than the iPad and Kindle Fire HD, plus it comes pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home Student 2013.^.

Tablet Fight: Surface vs. iPad vs. Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 

Be sure to review this article that has an excellent chart for comparison.

http://mashable.com/2012/10/16/microsoft-surface-vs-ipad-kindle-fire/




Image Credit:
 http://www.gizmag.com/surface-vs-ipad/24591/

Surface RT vs. iPad
http://www.gizmag.com/macbook-air-vs-microsoft-surface-pro-specs-comparison/26175/

 

Image Credit:
 http://www.gizmag.com/macbook-air-vs-microsoft-surface-pro-specs-comparison/26175/

MacBook Air vs. Surface Pro
The cost of the Surface Pro plus the touch cover is the same as the Macbook Air.
http://www.gizmag.com/macbook-air-vs-microsoft-surface-pro-specs-comparison/26175/

Galaxy Note 8 vs. Kindle Fire HD 8.9



All Images this post: Credit: http://alturl.com/49ra8
 

iPad still tops the tablet arena!  Both the full size and the mini outsell all of the rivals.  Apple’s two biggest competitors, Amazon and Samsung, are showing what they are made of.   Galaxy Note 8.0 and Kindle Fire HD 8.9” are the newest successes. Both of these are terrific alternatives to the iPad and iPad mini.  See specs below to compare the Note 8 and Fire 8.9.



Kindle Fire's pixel density is 34 percent higher and  a much sharper image than the Galaxy Note.

Remember to consider speed, size, pixels, weight, cost difference, software, cameras, battery, fees for wireless, storage, RAM, processor and material type. These two devices are both plastic.



Note 8 has a faster processor
 

If you don't like plastic, you may want to consider the Surface or an iPad. Sounds like all these issues are similar to the topics we research when buying a smartphone, PC, laptop, iMac or MacBook Pro. See this excellent article below for all the specs to help unravel your decision.



$130 difference in price

Article from Gizmag April 23, 2012

http://www.gizmag.com/kindle-fire-hd-8-9-vs-galaxy-note-8-0-specs-comparison/27231/

 

Note 8 has double the RAM

 

Click on this link below. Scroll down to pictures and articles for comparing various iPads and tablets.
http://www.gizmag.com/kindle-fire-hd-8-9-vs-galaxy-note-8-0-specs-comparison/27231/pictures

iPad mini 7.9" vs. Kindle Fire HD 7"




Image Credit: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

iPad mini fits in one hand —

Yet it can do everything an iPad can do!

So, how do you decide what's best for your library? 

I'd like to have both:]

Image credit:

http://alturl.com/fv93g

iPad mini                                   Kindle Fire
Anodized aluminum                                   Plastic
Cost $ $329                                                7" $199
Lower pixels 163ppi                                   Higher pixels 216 ppi
Camera front/rear                                        Camera front
Superior apps library                                   Nominal # of apps
Not so crisp text/images                              Extra crisp text/images


So, the questions looms, does the extra iPad mini's 0.9" make a difference for the low pixels and at a higher price? [$329 vs. $199]

Would we pay extra for the best software selection and design of the iPad mini or buy the Kindle Fire for less and get a sharper image and faster processor? One funny comment I've read: "If it doesn't fit in my cargo pants, I'm not buying it....."  This guy is keeping his 7'' Kindle Fire.

Makes us wonder if the clothes designer's will make those cargo pant pockets bigger for the larger 'mini' electronic gadgets in the future or perhaps for the Samsung Galaxy4 and other super-sized smartphones? It's certainly interesting what drives the market these days.

 

 

Another choice might be the new Kindle Fire 8.9"

$269 with 254 ppi.





Image Credit: http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-HD-9-inch/dp/B008GFRE5A



What do you think is the perfect device for library check out? 

Let us know what you are doing in your library.

 

Stats for iPad mini and Kindle Fire HD

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000846051

 

 

Overview for Kindle Fire HD 7"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GFRB9E/ref=fs_j

 

Overview for Kindle Fire HD 8.9"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GFRB9E/ref=fs_j

 

 

Overview from Apple

http://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/overview/

 

Image credit: http://alturl.com/j3ffs

What's new this week?
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, an iPad mini rival,
to hit stores Thursday
Check out this article today:
http://alturl.com/qy8o2

189ppi, Wi-Fi, front/rear camera, 5 megapixel/1.3
$400

 

New iPad this summer?
http://alturl.com/pwmyy

Quote from USAtoday.com: "Speculation into the launch of a new iPad kicked off last week, after Fortune reported last week retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart were slashing prices on iPads and iPad Minis, suggesting Apple is poised to launch a new model."

The Best iPad Apps of 2012 from Gizmag

http://www.gizmag.com/ipad-mini-review/24855

Kindle 4G and New Tablet

Kindle Fire HD 4G and other new Kindle devices

 

All pictures on this page image credit: http://alturl.com/cpatv

 

 

It's just amazing what is being offered this holiday season in eReaders, tablets and iPads.  Good luck sorting all this out. Doing your research will definitely get you and your patrons the best fit for your library. At our academic library, we like the new choices, especially on a tight budget.  The cost shown below is for the low end memory devices.  See Amazon's web site for specs and all pricing.  http://alturl.com/cpatv

 

Presently we are using the 3G Kindle3 models to replace many of the worn out 'original' Kindle1's.  These older models served us well for the last four years and hope the new devices hold up just as well. Kindle1's were $359 in 2008, which makes even the 8.9" Kindle HD Wi-Fi device at $299 and the new $199 Kindle Fire HD 7" a bargain. 

 

We have many required titles for class reading that transfer smoothly to the new models. The Kindle Fire is popular here for required reading, assignments and terrific in class when students work in groups researching for a class project.

 

Next Blog:
New iPad mini

 

 

 

 

All pictures on this page image credit: http://alturl.com/cpatv

 

$499 HD 4G LTE Wireless 8.9"

$299 for Wi-Fi model

 

$159 no HD

$199 HD model

$139 3G w/keyboard

 

3G $179

Wi-Fi $119

 



6" B/W $69

New Nook HD, Nook Tablet, Glowing Nook, Simple Touch

Eleven Nooks to choose from, including the original Nook Color.


All images this page Image Credit: http://alturl.com/uyket

We have so many remarkable choices now for libraries loaning eReaders and tablets. So many great devices for any size library budget.

 

 We have the Nook Color, the B/W original Nooks and two B/W Sony's. We have iPads, Kindle Fires, original K1's, K2's, K3's and Kindle DX. Students are really fascinated with our collection.

For those libraries just getting started in this ever changing technological arena, it's the training of staff and scheduling maintenance that's important to consider in your purchases, not just the cost of the device.  We have been implementing eReaders since 2008. As the devices get more sophisticated, the more time required updating and cleaning the internal devices.

With Amazon coming out with new Kindle models and Apple announcing a possible 7" iPad Oct. 23rd, it will make the choice even more difficult. I would like to stay within the area of Kindles, Nooks and iPads to help keep some sense of stability with our inventory. Not that we wouldn't try a new company's device, but for now, our inventory is servicing our needs quite well for students, faculty and staff.

 

Next blog:

New Kindles and the New Smaller iPad



Nook HD+ 9" screen
 

Nook Tablet 7" touchscreen
8GB $179
16GB $199

The Glowing Nook
Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight $119
6" Touchscreen 7 oz.

Nook Simple Touch B/W $99

Nook Color 7"
$149
Original price last Fall...$199

 

 

 

New 10" Kindle Fire? Mini iPad? Kindle Announcement Today, Sept. 6th, 2012

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/wtm2s

Amazon online has sold out of their Kindle Fire devices and is in production of their 2nd model. It's rumored to be a 7" replacement with a new 10" Kindle Fire.

There is a major press conference in Santa Monica, California, scheduled today, Thursday Sept. 6th.
They are expected to announce their 'jazzed-up' replacement at this time.

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/gzam3

See exciting information in the USA TODAY tech news, TechCrunch and CNNMoney below.

USA TODAY

http://alturl.com/gzam3

TechCrunch

http://alturl.com/6b5as

iPad mini vs. Kindle Fire 2

CNNMoney

http://alturl.com/uzzvv

Watch the Olympics Live on our iPads

Check out an iPad for 3 hours and watch the Olympics Live!

Image Credit http://www.nbcolympics.com/index.html

Here's the Olympic schedule:  http://alturl.com/9nge6

Stop by the Circulation Desk on the 3rd floor of the library at the Lake Worth campus.

After you check out the iPad, sign into Panther Web, click on the Olympics icon, then the London Live Extra app.

Follow the directions and NBC will give you a temporary 4 hour pass to watch the Olympics Live. 



Image Credit: C. Shaffer



Windows Surface tablet arriving Nov. 2012?

The new Windows Surface looks like a very exciting addition to the growing collection of tablets!

Image Credit http://alturl.com/nv42j

What's in it...
Intel-based processor Surface RT and the Windows 8 Pro Surface tablet to run a full-blown version of Windows 8 Pro  [to come out 3 months later]

32GB and 64GB configs
10.6-inch screen, thickness of 9.3mm, wide enough for a full-size USB
Gorilla Glass 2.0 screen
1.8 lbs.
Kickstand that pulls out when you want to watch a movie
Dual-antenna Wi-Fi
Touch Cover with multi-touch keyboard

Quote from Wilson Rothman, Gadget Box on MSNBC.com Tech June 21, 2012
http://alturl.com/nv42j 

"The Surface tablet has a pen interface as well. The Touch Cover may be quite a cool tool: It's like a rubber keypad, and it knows when you're not using it because of a built-in accelerometer, and it shuts off and doesn't drain the battery. The technology behind the covers is pretty snazzy -- it tracks your finger movements, using logic to determine if you're typing or just resting your hands. There is actually a second cover, as well. The Type Cover has a slightly raised keyboard for more traditional clickety clack."

Image Credit http://alturl.com/nv42j

The ARM-based Surface tabs, [Surface RT] will come in 32GB and 64GB configs, and ship around the Windows availability.  The price is to compete with other ARM tablets probably similar to iPads. The Intel-powered Windows 8 Pro Surface tablets to be released 3 months later will have a 64GB and 128GB configs and be more like ultabooks.  There seems to be a lot of chatter about battery power in both Surface tablets.  The power ratings in the specs they have sent out show the battery power will be a little less than the iPad.

Image Credit http://alturl.com/nv42j

Surface RT Tablet is mostly for people who don’t need the performance of a PC or laptop. "RT" is an abbreviation of Windows Runtime. Continue reading this site below. See "Microsoft Surface Tablet Review" under paragraph two. http://alturl.com/tcgzx

Information to help explain the technology:
ARM=Advanced RISC Machine
ARM is a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) instruction set architecture (ISA) developed by ARM Holdings. It was named the Advanced RISC Machine and, before that, the Acorn RISC Machine. The ARM architecture is the most widely used 32-bit instruction set architecture in numbers produced.[2][3] Originally conceived by Acorn Computers for use in its personal computers, the first ARM-based products were the co-processor modules for the BBC Micro series of computers.

MS Office iPad App to Launch on Nov. 10?

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/3786c

June 11th, 2012

It's rumored that Microsoft has already built the Office iPad app.  They are currently considering how to launch the new application and also decide what the app price will be.

http://www.ipad3-release.com/2012/microsoft-office-ipad-app-ready-launch-date-being-considered/

June 4th, 2012
It sounds like the Office For iPad will hit markets on Nov. 10, 2012. This date was released May 31.

http://www.ipad3-release.com/2012/office-for-ipad-to-reach-markets-by-november%e2%80%8e/

Feb. 23, 2012
If their plan stays on track, the Office App for iPad will have "read-write mode" for Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Will it have other Office applications?  MS replied that the inclusion and proper working of the other Office applications will be announced when the Office App for iPad is launched.

http://www.ipad3-release.com/2012/submission-of-ms-office-for-ipad-soon-to-be-done/

iPads vs. Kindles vs. Nooks-2012





Image Credit: http://alturl.com/6whj8

"With ultra-affordable e-ink readers, mid-priced color tablets like the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet, and even the more expensive iPads all vying for your e-book dollar, what's the best choice for you? It depends." This quote from CNET's John Falcone

Image Credit:  http://alturl.com/n75j5

Many students, faculty, staff, and neighbors ask me almost every day...."What eReader or tablet do you like most? or "Which one should I buy?"  These are difficult questions to answer if we don't know their lifestyle and budget. My first question is budget, second question is,  "Are you going to read 90% of the time or use the internet, social networking and email most of the time?"  Third question, "Do you want to replace your laptop?"

Now that the market place has a  nice variety of good quality devices under $200, it's time for consumers to do their homework.  No guessing!  Go to the different stores and try each device.  Go to the library or at home and do some internet research.  Go back to the store and look at your top three choices. 

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/dxb3c

 

I have found several good web sites they might help you get started.  Take notes and ask all your friends and neighbors what they like. Make a 'pros and cons' list. You might not find anyone to loan you one, unless you try a library.  You might find that you are a trusted friend indeed if someone loaned you their precious device, because after you have your own, you won't let it go.  Good luck on your adventure into the digital eReader world!

 

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/q5hi6, http://store.apple.com/us

 

"Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad:

Which e-book reader should you buy?"

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/dxb3c

May 5th, 2012 CNET

by John Falcone

http://alturl.com/6whj8 

 

"I want my kids to read.
They want to play games."
2nd device purchase? 

Quote and Image Credit: http://wearebothright.com/2012/05/ipads-kindles-and-nooks/



 

Readers who don't want to share their eReader/tablet/iPad with their kids or grandkids. What 2nd device to purchase? Can they find a device that could meet both of these requirements?

 

Quote from Tracy from her blog, We Are Both Right.

"The iPad was the first to be eliminated. I deemed it too expensive and too heavy for little hands prone to dropping things. Yes, there are many cool book apps. However, my goal was to get them to read first and then shoot birds across the screen later. Book apps aside, there’s just too many other media offerings on the iPad to distract my children from reading." 

Many of us believe that good readers make great students.

  Good parenting skills Tracy!

See her blog below for more tips!

http://wearebothright.com/2012/05/ipads-kindles-and-nooks/

Cast your vote for 2012 Read Together Program by Feb. 24th-EAP Class Semester Loan Project and our NEW Kindle Fire and NookColor devices

We have added 25 Kindle Fires and 15 Nook Color devices to our eReader/tablet collection.

  



Nook Color  

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/fepfp



Kindle Fire
Image Credit: http://alturl.com/2x5jm


These are the new titles below that we have purchased to help students, faculty and staff cast their vote for the 2012 Read Together Palm Beach County Campaign.
Vote by Feb. 24.
Cast your vote in our library on either floor two or floor three, or at their web site below.  March 12th will be the announcement for the 2012 book choice.
http://readtogether.palmbeachpost.com/

  

/



Image Credits: http://readtogether.palmbeachpost.com/

Nook Color and Kindle Fire devices are

7 day loans.

Dr. Richard Shepardson is Palm Beach State's EAP Cluster Chair. He is working with our library this semester to promote reading using eReaders in his EAP 0420 classes, with approximately 25 students in all. Students will have the opportunity to use a Kindle Fire and/or a Nook Color this semester. We hope to receive a lot of feedback from students concerning their likes and dislikes about each device.




Image Credit: http://alturl.com/3uxeg

 

Tech Services added a new book, The Appointment, to each Kindle Fire and Nook Color, to start off the semester. If students find other books they would like to read, with Dr. Shepardson's approval, we will download these requests. We are very excited about these new devices and hope this program will bring many excellent books to our fiction collection.




Image Credit: http://alturl.com/ou422

 The Year of the Flood is assigned reading by one of our teachers.  Students are very pleased that they can check out a Kindle Fire to take home for this assignment.