Ask HN: What device do you use for reading scientific or technical papers?

Re:Ask HN: What device do you use for reading scientific or ... by tester89 on Sunday November 22, 2020 @01:52PM (#25179914)

I use the iPad. I mean the competition is basically iPad vs ePaper like Remarkable or Sony DPaper. IMO iPad best because you can do so much on it than just reading or writing and the price is similar, but some people really like EInk.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What device do you use for reading scientific or ... by rudedogg on Sunday November 22, 2020 @03:44PM (#25180895)

Same thoughts here. The iPad is versatile and hard to beat. I'm curious what app people use to read PDFs? Goodreader seems really dated, so I just use the Apple Books app currently. My only complaint is that it doesn't allow you to have more than one paper/book open at once.

Also, I know the OP said they don't like printing papers out, but if you do, get a Brother laser printer. Text and graphics are much clearer on a laser printer vs. an inkjet.

I bought a higher-end (Epson EcoTank ET-2750) inkjet to replace a 10 year old Brother laser printer (OfficeDepot display model to boot) I got on sale. The laser printer was better in every way – I should have just replaced some parts and kept it going.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What device do you use for reading scientific or ... by checkyoursudo on Sunday November 22, 2020 @05:16PM (#25181639)

On my iPad, I just use the Apple Books app as well. I don't find it to be great, but it is sufficient.

Since I am the OP, I'll note that while I don't like to print a lot of papers, I do inevitably print important ones. I fully agree on the Brother laser printer (only kind I have used, so not knocking other brands). Even printing in draft mode (saving on ink) is generally more readable than inkjet printing, in my experience.

I'll probably end up getting another iPad, but it has been interesting to see what other people use.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What device do you use for reading scientific or ... by japhyr on Sunday November 22, 2020 @03:59PM (#25181045)

What size iPad are people using for technical books and documents?

My son has a 6th gen (9.7"), and it seems like it might be a little smaller than I'd like. But, a full-size iPad looks giant after being around his device. I'd love to know what the adults are using for reading.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What device do you use for reading scientific or ... by checkyoursudo on Sunday November 22, 2020 @05:22PM (#25181683)

This is the same model of iPad that I have. I have used it to read several psychology and CS textbooks and hundreds of papers in those fields and philosophy and neuroscience. For size, this has been satisfactory for me as a middle-aged person with good uncorrected eyesight.

My wife has an old iPad mini (no idea what year/gen), which I have read some technical documents on. That was sufficient as well, though not quite as good as the larger iPad.

I've never used the larger sized iPad models, so I can't really compare.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What device do you use for reading scientific or ... by copperx on Sunday November 22, 2020 @11:11PM (#25183496)

The iPad is one of the few things I wish were lighter. It is presently too heavy to work as an e-reader.

[ Parent | on HN ]