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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: ElleFiji on January 09, 2018, 12:55:47 PM

Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: ElleFiji on January 09, 2018, 12:55:47 PM
The phone

Current phone is 90% dead. It needs replacing. Also, I be found a new phone plan. New plan will be koodo 15/mo prepaid plus some add on data and talk.
Desired phone functions
Last a minimum of 2, preferably 4 years
Phone calls
Texting
WhatsApp
Picture texting
Email
Google maps
Instagram - for work/marketing - current phone has struggled with this in the past 18mo
Layout
Google docs offline

Nice to have
Work twitter
My bank app
Overdrive

Plus!

My beloved kindle fire has made its third and apparently final trip into my bathtub. I lust after an e-reader. Kobo days waterproof to 1m, and accepts overdrive. Kindle accepts my paid for kindle books and is cheaper. I don't want another fire, because I would rather not be able to play online on it, and am strongly drawn to the long battery lives.

I am a slow purchaser, but will read all thoughts with due consideration.

PPS, information about using Calibre to master life from persons with low tech skill/patience would be lovely
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: Syonyk on January 09, 2018, 12:58:59 PM
I love my Kobo e-reader.  It's easy to use a computer to strip DRM from the Kindle books I purchase and put them on the Kobo.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: Lews Therin on January 09, 2018, 01:02:33 PM
For the Kindle/Kobo: I have this: (Not this exact one, but a generic in the same type) I use mine in my hot tub in winter, so I have to be able to dunk my hands when it`s -30!
https://www.amazon.com/WALNEW-Universal-Waterproof-Protective-Paperwhite/dp/B01FNPE5ES/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1515527884&sr=1-1&keywords=waterproof+kindle+case.
- It costs ridiculous amounts to have it sent to Canada, but if you are going to CM*TO, you probably could ask an american to order it for you.

I love the kindle paperwhite, the backlight made it very useful, and I don`t want the option to have movies/games on it. But for someone who wants to do more than just books, i`d stay in the kindle Fire / Cheap Tablet zone.

I`m also tracking this because my phone is surpassed by requirements. (2GB internal memory bought Sept 2016) it Cost me 70$ then... but is very sad now.

Calibre is... so simple: Drag file to calibre, press convert, pick formats, press convert. Delete old version format, Done.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: ElleFiji on January 09, 2018, 01:10:46 PM
@Canadian Ben I don't wanna get another fire, because I will do non reading stuff. But I'm on day 2 of no ebooks and too unwell to walk to the library.

Also. Good job on the hot tub! I wonder if I could get a tiny balcony one for reading.

@Syonyk how do I say your name? Scion-ic?
Do you use calibre on Kindle books or another thingy?

Re heading to the camp. No, I'm a drop out. But I can enlist couriers from within the group
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: Lews Therin on January 09, 2018, 01:36:37 PM
I use Calibre on every version of book to move over to .Mobi (kindle)

I thought the Kindle Fire`s were mini-tablets?

On The Koodo side: There are 2x yearly sales that you get double for the same price (I`m also on the 15$/month plan). The last one was in december, but I get enough to last a long time during that sale. Do you use the GMAIL option for free calls CAN/US? It's a pretty cool free feature.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: Lews Therin on January 09, 2018, 01:43:53 PM
The mini-hot tub is called a Bath :D

Now I`m confused, do you want Just an E-reader, or an E-reader than can do other things? (Both posts have contradicted each other!)
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: kaizen soze on January 09, 2018, 01:49:19 PM
I use the Kindle app on my Android. Works great and I don't have to buy a second device. You might consider. Obvs you can still surf the net on it, but one less thing to buy is good.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: Lews Therin on January 09, 2018, 01:55:18 PM
For those who read a lot, (and quickly) a phone screen is really not big enough. You spend all your time scrolling.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: kaizen soze on January 09, 2018, 02:16:19 PM
For those who read a lot, (and quickly) a phone screen is really not big enough. You spend all your time scrolling.


Disagree. I read a lot and quickly. Since it's free to download, a person ought to at least try it out before buying another device.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: snacky on January 09, 2018, 02:20:56 PM
I had a kobo and loved it. It died young. There are kobos on kijiji for reasonable prices.

Now I read on my ipad mini. It is less good. (browser/ email access is distracting, screen isn't e-ink)

No idea about phones, other than to find the one that suits you and find it used. Meet the seller at a bell or similar store and have the store look up the phone to make sure it's not stolen, before you pay for it.

Calibre really is easy, I promise.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: ElleFiji on January 09, 2018, 02:23:34 PM
That's the meds.

I want just an e reader.

And a phone that is a separate thingy. I respect people who do everything on one thingy. But I am shopping for two thingies.

My two posts both specify that I Don't Want another fire because I want single utility from the e reader.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: Lews Therin on January 09, 2018, 02:55:44 PM
I highly recommend a reader that has an integrated back light. It`s so nice to not have to carry around an extra dongle.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: tralfamadorian on January 10, 2018, 11:08:51 AM
I highly recommend a reader that has an integrated back light. It`s so nice to not have to carry around an extra dongle.

But make sure you know if back light causes eye strain for you first though. Personally, back light devices are not ideal reading devices for me (I read a lot) so I prefer an old fashioned kindle.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: acroy on January 10, 2018, 11:24:49 AM
Phones:
The Moto G and e phones are awfully good, water resistant, etc.
https://www.motorola.com/us/products/moto-e-family
I am rocking a 1yr old G4, $125, after my original Moto G bricked itself after 3yrs or so.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: ElleFiji on January 10, 2018, 11:55:30 AM
Phones:
The Moto G and e phones are awfully good, water resistant, etc.
https://www.motorola.com/us/products/moto-e-family
I am rocking a 1yr old G4, $125, after my original Moto G bricked itself after 3yrs or so.

I'm on a 3 year old moto e.... If I can figure out when/where/how to buy the latest model g or e I will... Last night yielded cruel, US only results. The search continues! I expect to have a list of models by tonight
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: NextTime on January 10, 2018, 02:45:21 PM
The Kindle Oasis is waterproof, but $250 new.

Google "waterproof kindle" and it looks like there are some places that sell aftermarket kindles which they have waterproofed. May be more then you are willing to pay though.

Here's one:

http://www.underwateraudio.com/waterproof-kindle-paperwhite-aftermarket-treated/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAkNfSBRCSARIsAL-u3X_IVUdffwSGTMVf7wn1SJ42-wJYy3wqIkmH6FuxNEZmLkaLNuMb5mAaAn48EALw_wcB
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: Lews Therin on January 10, 2018, 02:59:50 PM
Phones:
The Moto G and e phones are awfully good, water resistant, etc.
https://www.motorola.com/us/products/moto-e-family
I am rocking a 1yr old G4, $125, after my original Moto G bricked itself after 3yrs or so.

I'm on a 3 year old moto e.... If I can figure out when/where/how to buy the latest model g or e I will... Last night yielded cruel, US only results. The search continues! I expect to have a list of models by tonight



I'd love to get the number of a bunch of models.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: ElleFiji on January 10, 2018, 06:33:51 PM
Phones:
The Moto G and e phones are awfully good, water resistant, etc.
https://www.motorola.com/us/products/moto-e-family
I am rocking a 1yr old G4, $125, after my original Moto G bricked itself after 3yrs or so.

I'm on a 3 year old moto e.... If I can figure out when/where/how to buy the latest model g or e I will... Last night yielded cruel, US only results. The search continues! I expect to have a list of models by tonight

I'd love to get the number of a bunch of models.

I'm close to buying this one, looks like all the other Canadiens already did. A few Canadians too.
https://www.amazon.ca/Motorola-XT1671-Factory-Unlocked-Lunar/product-reviews/B06XH4396B/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_paging_btm_3?showViewpoints=1&pageNumber=3

I was considering this one, but since I am trying to be less cheap since it's a work phone, and the verizon bit seems iffy, I probably won't: https://www.amazon.ca/Motorola-Moto-E4-XT1767PP-Packaging/dp/B074LXZ59Z/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1515633786&sr=1-1

The other phones I like on Amazon  weren't shipping to Canada, and the Koodo option I was considering was this one:
https://www.koodomobile.com/phones/lg-q6

I believe that my Mum and @Stashasaurus both have this guy and are happy with it: https://www.koodomobile.com/phones/lg-k4-2017

But you know...work, fancier phone, goal to make it last longer, willing to average out to about $100/year...
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: Lews Therin on January 10, 2018, 07:00:16 PM
Not sure how relevant the K4 will remain, I got something similar in 2016 (4GB) and now it's starved for space. I'm guessing 8 GB will have the same problem in 1-2 years.

The E4 seems pretty reasonable, Canada - All Carriers, so the Verizon portion doesn't matter (+12 month warranty)
Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: ElleFiji on January 10, 2018, 07:05:50 PM
Phone is bought! Thank you hand holders!

Youtube is being watched re: kindle vs kobo. I am also open to being an adult and using a ziploc in the bath instead of recklessly submerging my technology.
The Kindle Oasis is waterproof, but $250 new.

Google "waterproof kindle" and it looks like there are some places that sell aftermarket kindles which they have waterproofed. May be more then you are willing to pay though.

Here's one:

http://www.underwateraudio.com/waterproof-kindle-paperwhite-aftermarket-treated/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAkNfSBRCSARIsAL-u3X_IVUdffwSGTMVf7wn1SJ42-wJYy3wqIkmH6FuxNEZmLkaLNuMb5mAaAn48EALw_wcB
The Kindle Oasis, waterproof Kobo, fancy solution above, etc are all too pricey.
One youtube review reminds me that if I am a jet-setter who needs to download kindle books on the road, the paperwhite has 3G.

I have no plans to regularly share my bed, so the light feature would mainly be handy for camping, but I do have a headlamp, and 33 years experience camping with a flashlight between my teeth.

Another option is to buy a kindle basic now, and spring for a kobo later so that I don't feel all guilty and stuff.

Now I'm off to get my SIM card delivered for my new phone plan after approx 4 years of explaining to my fellow mustachies why I, Personally, Am Empress of the High Seas, and too much of a Princess to let go of my beloved cell phone plan.

PPS, I was going to start a jounal in Feb, with all the Jan spending tracking I've been doing, but it is a LOT of spending (thanks devices dying, thanks dating life getting fun)


PPPS xpost @Canadian Ben - I agree about the K4. Totally trust it to keep up with my Mum's usage, not so much for me. I think E4 would be awesome for just personal, but am going G5 because of the work component. If I were you, I'd go E4
Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: Lews Therin on January 10, 2018, 07:10:42 PM
I'd go mid-way between ziplock bag and the crazy fancy Aura - by taking with the option I sent you earlier (5-10$ US)

Paperwhite is only about 20$ difference from the basic kindle, and the light is worth that difference in price. Reading on the bus/shaded area, anywhere, your screen is always the perfect color for reading.
Title: Re: Help me But New Tech
Post by: Stashasaurus on January 10, 2018, 07:11:58 PM
Awesome choice on the phone. I hope you get lots of use out of it.

PPS, I was going to start a jounal in Feb, with all the Jan spending tracking I've been doing, but it is a LOT of spending (thanks devices dying, thanks dating life getting fun)

Please do, I like reading about Percy and your adventures. Financials are cool to though.
Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: Syonyk on January 10, 2018, 07:19:06 PM
I have no plans to regularly share my bed, so the light feature would mainly be handy for camping, but I do have a headlamp, and 33 years experience camping with a flashlight between my teeth.

I've got a frontlit Kobo and my wife has a Kindle Paperwhite.  We both regularly use the lighting, even though they're readble without it.  The contrast is a bit lower than a paper book (my Kobo is "really dark grey" on "really light grey"), so the light helps. I'll certainly turn it down, but I'd say 95% of my reading hours have it on at some level.

I really, really suggest getting a lit e-ink reader.

Quote
Another option is to buy a kindle basic now, and spring for a kobo later so that I don't feel all guilty and stuff.

Why not the Kobo Aura H2O?  It sounds like it'll meet your needs, and isn't that expensive.  Maybe look for a used one?

I bought my Kobo on a bit of a whim, after playing with my wife's reader.  I've got an older Aura, but it still gets updates.  My reading stats show I've got 390 hours of reading on it over the past few years.  That's half a month, straight, of actual reading, and I've gone through an awful lot of books on it.  If it broke, I'd buy another one without even thinking about it, for how useful it is.
Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: ElleFiji on January 10, 2018, 07:36:06 PM
@synonyk I went to the paper library today, because the kindle fire had the audacity to fall in the bath WHILE I was too ill to go out, these few days have been torturous. And because I had assumed it had a long and happy life, I was not prepared to RESEARCH. Choosing a phone used all my research energy today. However, I didn't sign up for my free trial of amazon prime for the phone, because when I choose an ereader I might need my free amazon prime

@Canadian Ben Ziploc for now, then either your thingy or something from MEC. Actually, my mother gave me a thingy from MEC that might be big enough, if she didn't take it back.

@Stashasaurus Thank you!

Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: snacky on January 10, 2018, 08:34:54 PM
I like Kobo because you can use a bunch of formats instead of being tied to the amazon ecosystem.
I like lit e-ink.
I like Ellefiji.
Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: ElleFiji on January 12, 2018, 10:06:58 AM
Update: new G5 took less than 20h to arrive, without prime, and including accidentally shipping it to a relative. My google accounts and what's app are on there. It isn't recognizing my SD card (it doesn't have little holes like this phone)  and I need a nano SIM for my new, cheapy cheapskate plan.

It works much better than this phone.

Question: if I hypothetically ask a nice person at koodo to insert the nano SIM and SD card, is there a way to make it so s/he can't see my photo albums in Google pictures?

Less of a concern if I go alone. More of a concern if a relative drives me and wants to watch everything happen.
Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: daverobev on January 13, 2018, 07:47:39 AM
Update: new G5 took less than 20h to arrive, without prime, and including accidentally shipping it to a relative. My google accounts and what's app are on there. It isn't recognizing my SD card (it doesn't have little holes like this phone)  and I need a nano SIM for my new, cheapy cheapskate plan.

It works much better than this phone.

Question: if I hypothetically ask a nice person at koodo to insert the nano SIM and SD card, is there a way to make it so s/he can't see my photo albums in Google pictures?

Less of a concern if I go alone. More of a concern if a relative drives me and wants to watch everything happen.

If you are at all handy you can cut down a SIM card from large to small. They might charge you $10 for a new SIM... they might not.

Nobody will look at your photos on the SD card. Um. A quick web search takes me to a youtube video - does https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeAfZB5Vo3Y help?
Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: ElleFiji on January 13, 2018, 09:24:18 AM
Phone is solved! And some YouTube guy with a lovely accent got the sim into the phone. And koodo forums explained that it goes smoother in a Microsoft browser.

I needed a new sim because I was switching providers within a provider. But they credit the funds onto your account

And the new screen is so huge that the eReader debate is shelved for now

Thanks team!!! I like all of you
Title: Re: Help me Buy New Tech (You did it! Almost! Thank You!
Post by: RetiredAt63 on January 13, 2018, 05:43:29 PM
Are you still looking for an e-reader?  I have an old Kindle that I never use, because my Samsung 8" tablet does Kindle and Kobo and Overdrive from the library. And email and stuff, so it is now my electronic device for travel, instead of a laptop.   If you would like a really old Kindle, complete with cover and built-in light in the cover, it is yours.