Where Can I Buy A Ebook Reader In Bangkok?

[Steps]

Post says it all really. Im after an ebook reader, something from the 2010 range. If anybody has help or advise were to buy in Bangkok, it would be much appreciated. Are they just as cheap here as on the internet or am i best buying off the internet.

Many Thanks

[angiud]

Check some old threads in the Internet, Computer, communication, etc sub-forum. A lot of informations

[RCR]

Have you considered the iPad? They should be easy to buy in Bangkok. I've had a Sony 505 reader for two and a half years. Since getting an iPad, I find I much prefer reading on that to using the Sony.

Advantages:

- You can buy locally.

- It's new. New/improved ebook reading applications are sure to be written for it.

- It is easy to drag and drop PDF and ePUB format ebooks off your computer via iTunes onto your iPad.

- The Amazon/Kindle app allows you to download (free or paid for) ebooks for the Kindle.

- The majority of pirate ebooks are PDF, which the iPad displays beautifully.

- It does other things besides display ebooks.

- Large screen with colour and high resolution. Displays Rolling Stone magazine excellently.

Disadvantages:

- expensive

- bulky

- glossy, reflective screen

- battery life 12-24 hours of use.

There's a forum (www.mobileread.com) dedicated to ebook readers if you want reviews.

[Ulysses G.]

Disadvantages:

- expensive

- bulky

- glossy, reflective screen

- battery life 12-24 hours of use.

- does not use e-ink, so is the same as reading off a computer screen

I would much prefer owning an iPad as I have liitle interest in reading books on a screen of any type, but it is not as easy to read as a e-reader with e-ink technology.

There is also the problem of glare (as listed above) on any device using a touchpad, which many e-readers with e-ink do, - so better to avoid these types.

Edited July 18, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[sarahsbloke]

You can buy a Kindle from the USA amazon.com, about $260 inc post and import tax, delivered in about 5 days to Thailand.

[boblunch]

I think Amazon recently came out with a new version. Make sure you're getting the latest one.

[angiud]

I order mine by B & H Photo and Video website, very professional and fast. Check the choice here

[Eff1n2ret]

I recently bought a BeBook (www.mybebook.com) because it will read any format. But I bought it while I was in the UK and brought it back with me to avoid any hassle with Thai Customs, which is what is concerning the OP. BeBook ship from Holland via DHL, and I seem to remember a recent thread which implied that DHL are not helpful in minimising any dues and taxes on imports to Thailand.

My advice to the OP would be to add this to his shopping list on a future trip back home.

[negreanu]

Go with the kindle for book readingn over the ipad. I have both and always reach for the kindle for extended reading. Less glare, less weight. Love the ipad but kindle 2 wins hand down for book readig next to the pool

[bonobo]

Love my Kindle, too.  I prefer the heft and feel of a real book, but the Kindle makes obtaining books much easier while I am here in Thailand.  And when reading in bed, the Kindle is more convenient, especially when the cat wants to interpose himself.  I need two hands for a book, but only one for a Kindle.

I still buy regular books, but with the Kindle, I can get most titles anywhere and anytime (although I wasn't able to get Conn Iggulden's Bones of the Hills in Thailand as it was blocked here by Amazon.)

[noise]

I still buy regular books, but with the Kindle, I can get most titles anywhere and anytime (although I wasn't able to get Conn Iggulden's Bones of the Hills in Thailand as it was blocked here by Amazon.)

Are you saying you can get books delivered by Amazon Kindle net wirelessly in Thailand? I just got the new Kindle and have not yet had a chance to try to download in Thailand. I checked and thought the web site said the Kindle net was not (yet?) active in Thailand and I would have to get the books via the computer.

[monekyface]

yeah- does the 3G work in Thailand to download books from Amazon to your kindle? and--- AND--- is there any reason to get the 3G model? why can't i just download books to my home pc and dump them on my kindle? then i just pay $139 for the new kindle plus the shipping and import tax right? and how much is that?

[CHdiver]

Shipping and handling: $26.97

Import Fees Deposit: $68.19

Import Fees include also the leather cover with lights, so it should be a little cheaper if you order it without cover. You do not need the 3G. You can use the wifi of the kindle or copy it from your computer.

[Phil Conners]

The only reason to get a 3G model is if you want to be able to download books while you're on the beach. The Wifi version can still download books but need to be within a working access point, either your home or in a coffee shop or something.

You could also download books to your PC and transfer them to the Kindle using a USB cable.

The Kindle 3 at this time, delivered and taxed in Thailand, is $200 USD.

Please search the forum for "kindle". There are new threads being opened daily, mainly in the computer subforum. where all these questions have been discussed many times recently.

[CaptHaddock]

Just by the way, I like my kindle very much and expect it to be indispensable when we move to Thailand. However, I notice with dismay that often the kindle ebook price is now more than the paperback.

[Phil Conners]

I'm surprised to hear that. I've yet to actually buy a book from Amazon (there are so many free books available on the Internet) but browsing Amazon it seems most ebooks are $9.99 ~ 300 baht. You don't get a lot of English language paperback in Thailand for that price.

[RCR]

I'm surprised to hear that. I've yet to actually buy a book from Amazon (there are so many free books available on the Internet) but browsing Amazon it seems most ebooks are $9.99 ~ 300 baht. You don't get a lot of English language paperback in Thailand for that price.

Well, this is an old thread and the original poster has probably bought his ebook reader by now, but just to give an example of the usefulness of these gadgets in places like Thailand:

While in Pattaya last March, I saw Stephen Leather's "Bangkok Bob" in paperback in one of the bookshops. The price was 430 baht (about $14AUD). I used the free wi-fi in a nearby Coffee world to check Amazon. The kindle edition was $3.95. So a quick download to my iPad saved me about $10.

Even here in Australia, hard copy books are expensive. I go to bookshops, note the price of books that I'd like to read, then check the internet for free/cheaper ebook versions. Sadly, if there's lots of people doing that, even more bookshops in Australia will have to close down. I guess in future years, English language bookshops in Thailand will be struggling against the ebook competition too.

("Bangkok Bob" was mediocre and I'm glad I didn't pay full price for it).