Does anyone study off tablets ans ebooks?

Main Event

I'm wondering if I should purchase a kindle and get the ebooks compared to traditional books? I was think it may be cheaper since the kindle version tends to cost less so I'm asking if you guys still prefer books or tablets?

ajs1976

i have some ebooks on my kindle, but after reading a computer screen all day I still prefer to have a book as an option.

About7Narwhal

I use my Nexus 7 with the Kindle app. I am just like ajs1976 though, I prefer the actual book sometimes. That said, some material can be bought in a combo pack.

higherho

I use my 4th gen Ipad. Good reader app > Sync / download whatever I want from google drive / other source = happy reading!

I also use my books when my eyes get sick of seeing a computer screen lol

Ivanjam

@higherho - I am thinking of the Ipad 4th gen. too, as the Google Nexus 10 is sold out like their Nexus 4 phone - for the life of me, I cannot understand Google's marketing strategy.

cruwl

I have an HP Touchpad I use, i prefer the books. and the PDFs or Ebooks dont always show the figure right.

I like to have my touchpad if im at work or something to read them, but prefer the book for long study sessions.

DoubleNNs

I prefer to print out the .pdf files attached in the cds of books. But my Sec+ book didn't have that option. And I'm realizing most books above CompTIA don't include printable .pdfs either.

I was thinking about going this route myself. The problem is, I'd need a tablet large enough so that I wouldn't have to squint, pan, and zoom. I'm deciding between the Kindle HD 8.9, Nexus 10, and maybe waiting for the Surface Pro.

However, I don't enjoy reading from the physical text. It's a hassle to carry the huge tome along w/ me. It's also a hassle trying to hold the binding so the book doesn't close, while still trying to jot down notes on a separate sheet of paper. I also never liked highlighting in my texts. Stuck w/ me from k-12 schooling where we weren't allowed to because we were given our books thru the school, then in college the books were so expensive I didn't want to make them less valuable for when I was going to sell them back.

Zartanasaurus

I do most of my studying using e-books on the Nexus 7. Kindle App + Safari Books Online App takes care of all my needs. SBO app needs some work, especially the offline book bag, but it's tolerable.

DoubleNNs

Zartanasaurus wrote: »

I do most of my studying using e-books on the Nexus 7. Kindle App + Safari Books Online App takes care of all my needs. SBO app needs some work, especially the offline book bag, but it's tolerable.

The 7 inch screen isn't too small for textbook reading?

cyberguypr

Although I had two physical books, my iPad 2 played an extremely important role in my preparation for the CISSP. I spend 45 minutes each way on the train and carrying the books was not an option. iPad allowed me to synch PDFs, videos, etc. via Dropbox. Also had access to One Note. Winning combo for me.

StephenOnTheGrid

I read eBooks and love them compare to carrying that thick heavy wastefully printed book. If the eBooks are locked I unlocked the file and use adobe pro to make notes, highlights, and other editing for my own reference. I usually find it useful carrying my IT eBooks on my key chain on a flash drive.

About7Narwhal

@DoubleNNs

I have not had any issues with properly formatted ebooks. PDFs are usually OK as well. Just be ready to flip more as there is less per page. But I haven't had issues with my Nexus 7 using several formats. PDF, epub, Google books, Amazon, etc are all good even with pictures. here are some screenshots. the first is PDF and the second two are from an Amazon digital download.

Zorodzai

I use a samsung galaxy tab 2 - used it to study for my ITIL (how can anything so easy be called an exam ??) and am currently using it for my SQL 2008 studies. I do find the screen a bit too small at time, especially for pdfs.

Xch4ng3

I used my Kindle Fire to revise a lot of my material.

spicy ahi

Everywhere I have ever worked, personal electronics are not allowed so I still have to buy a physical book if I want to study at work. Between that and the eye strain I experienced looking at my original ipad made it a better option to go with a physical book. Now that I have a retina ipad as well as a galaxy note 2, I have been slowly experimenting with leisure reading ebooks to test the waters of my new gear. The retina screen is easy on the eyes. And the note 2 is great for reading things when I'm stuck somewhere without either the ipad or a real book. So I may be at a minimum buying both a physical and digital copy of books in the future or subscribing to safari online.

SteveO86

Ivanjam wrote: »

@higherho - I am thinking of the Ipad 4th gen. too, as the Google Nexus 10 is sold out like their Nexus 4 phone - for the life of me, I cannot understand Google's marketing strategy.

I'm hoping to pick up a Nexus 10 when they re-stock, hopefully soon.

Looking to starting studying on something lighter than my laptop. 10-inch tablet seems like the right size.

tpatt100

I love reading IT books on my 10 inch iPad and using the Kindle app. Bookmarks and highlights transfer to any of my Kindle devices/apps (Android phone, PC application, whatever else).

I "prefer" PDF files in the GoodReader app since GoodReader does a great job with PDF files but I end up using that for tech documents I get online like manuals for products.

Roguetadhg

I like my large, tome-like books. They make me look smart!

All seriousness: I like being able to take notes, write in my margins, draw little arrows, circles, underlines and highlight.

I've seen a post around here somewhere that mentioned that there is a tablet application that will allow all of this and more.

There's a few things that I have to mention:
1. Buying a thick book does not guarantee an e-Book. Discounted, maybe.
2. Buying a e-book may mean to go through hoops and hassles for the fellowship disc.
3. I strongly dislike iTunes. I still think it's a steaming pile. I also think that iPads are toys & entertainment. Not a serious study or office tool which I'm sure most of us would like to have. I have used an iPad before, and seen them in the wild. They gather dust, even for students that aren't playing games or watching videos.

Personally:
I'm waiting on the Surface Pro. I got to see the RT model, and use it for a little while. I'm actually impressed. But I want to see the Pro in the wild, see that I can use it to install software, drivers.

tpatt100

I haven't used iTunes in a long time. It hasn't been a requirement since iOS 5 I think.

As far as schools go majority of schools in my area are using iPads or Android tablets in one form or another especially teaching staff. At my wife's work at University of Michigan they are rolling out apps for the major classes for lectures, scheduling and some other stuff for iOS.

GoodReader allows drawing stuff, scribbling and all that stuff which was why I had issues for a while when I tried Android tablets. Not sure why GoodReader hasn't made an Android app yet it's been asked for a lot.

Roguetadhg

From what I've heard a lot of places that bought iPads regretted buying them because of the difficulties to use them as a tool to do work. I'm not sure it's just because they're trying to transition from Paper to Electronic. I remember using the iPad was a pita trying to use my eBook as a study guide. Then there's the fact I had to go hunting for third-party applications that 'may' support most features.

So what you're telling me is that you can transfer anything (More than pictures) back and forth without iTunes, or a third-party application? At which time, you're able to open said files in your iPad without paying an application to try (Office Applications) to convert it into something decent.

I don't like the fancy cloud, so I don't count that

N2IT

Books 24X7 off of my iPad all the time. I only buy paper books when they don't have an electronic version of the book or if it comes with some software.

FloOz

On the train rides to work I use the IPad, at home I love to use a physical copy of the book.

Mike-Mike

Zorodzai wrote: »

I use a samsung galaxy tab 2 -.

how do you like the Galaxy Tab 2?

tpatt100

Roguetadhg wrote: »

From what I've heard a lot of places that bought iPads regretted buying them because of the difficulties to use them as a tool to do work. I'm not sure it's just because they're trying to transition from Paper to Electronic. I remember using the iPad was a pita trying to use my eBook as a study guide. Then there's the fact I had to go hunting for third-party applications that 'may' support most features.

So what you're telling me is that you can transfer anything (More than pictures) back and forth without iTunes, or a third-party application? At which time, you're able to open said files in your iPad without paying an application to try (Office Applications) to convert it into something decent.

I don't like the fancy cloud, so I don't count that

Yeah I always tell people to consider what they are trying to do with a tablet before getting one. If you want a tablet to replace a laptop forget about it. If you want a laptop to replace a tablet I would say forget about it also. "Surface" RT or Pro application wise still is in its "wait and see" stage. It will become the norm eventually because Laptops with removable screens will just become the norm eventually.

The topic was about studying off of tablets and ebooks which people replying are saying they had no problems with it. I had no problems going to WGU and using my iPad as a secondary tool because most of what I had to do was reading and taking notes. The ebook app WGU used had offline reading mode only for the iPad and not for my Android device, and some of my books I used Kindle for.

Even with a laptop I still had to purchase third party applications to get stuff done like Office and Visio. For transferring files without iTunes because I store all my homework on my desktop synced with Dropbox I used GoodReader which cost 99 cents. It does a great job with Word, PDF, PowerPoint, etc.

I used Goodreader for everything like NIST and SANS documents. So far work and school related things for "on the go" work which was reading, studying and taking quick notes and auto sync with my desktop and laptop my tablet did what I expected it to do the majority of the time.

f0rgiv3n

Used my kindle touch for CCNP Route textbook. That was the first time I did that. I realized i like to read physical books when it comes to studying. There's more muscle memory involved to me for some reason. It's easier for me to remember as well as keep my attention. I ended up buying the book twice, once on kindle and also the textbook. Since then I've ordered everything on textbooks... it's also nicer for referencing later on.

Bokeh

Used a Kindle DX till I got the Ipad 2. I still use DTBs (dead tree books) on occasion. I like using the Brainwave Sharp Mind app. It produces a sort of white noise, so when I am studying I can set it for a certain amount of time. The rain/thunderstorm setting works best for me.

coreyb80

I'm currently using the iPad to study for the A+ certification. I usually find a PDF version of the book I would like to read and use the Goodreader app to make notations on the PDF. It's very convenient for me.

kgb

I used my Nook Color and Asus Prime 10" tablet all the time for my classes at WGU. I do 99% of my reading on the nook, prime, and computer. However, I'm trying to be a better speed reader and with using the finger as a pointer is harder with the tablets cause if your finger touches it turns the pages, lol.

I did just order some printed books though even though digital format was available. Sometimes it's a nice change.

YFZblu

At home I use a physical book. When I'm at work or traveling I stick to using my Nexus 7 if possible.

chrisone

i rarely touch traditional books now. I only study off ebooks now. Been fine and happy with it since 3 years ago

mayhem87

eBooks for me. While I do have a collection of paper books the size and weight of them make it very uncomfortable when traveling or trying to relax while holding them.