Hi everyone.

I'd like to ask for recommendations about e-book readers using e-ink. I want to avoid Kindle if possible, because of the draconian DRM schemes they have on all their files.

Thanks in advance

If DRM is an issue for you, then don't get a Nook either. Actually, unless you plan on pirating everything your read, then just don't get any ebook reader. The ones that don't have DRM have no selection. The ones that do have DRM have good selections and can also read DRM free ebooks. Any DRM free ebook can be converted to be readable by any ebook reader with a free open scource program called Calibre.

Another thing to consider is that if you jailbreak a Kindle, you can install an ifocom interpreter on it called Kif. It should work with the Zork pack here on GOG.

Is it wrong that I now want to buy an e-reader just for this?

Thanks. Actually, I don't really have a problem with the DRM itself, I just didn't want to buy everything on Amazon from now on. I guess I should have done my research better, I had the impression that Kindle does not allow any external/non-DRM files :)

So, can Kindle or Nook, or any of the quality readers read an unprotected file from my computer without any problems?

Also, the Zork thing is seriously tempting :))

The Kindle DRM differs because they're one of the few devices with Internet access, and that's how Amazon remotely deleted some books in the past (but promised not to do it again).

And yeah I disrecommend against the Nook too because of their retarded lending feature (this makes no sense for ebooks).

Sony's current models are excellent, and Sony is currently in financial trouble and has lost large parts of the reader market to B&N and Amazon (while they're were ones of the early players). The Sony PRS-650 I have is great, it has a touchscreen and a stylus (but not the reflecting glass layer which reduced the quality of the display before, the new models use an IR sensor so same quality as every non-touchscreen e-ink reader), note taking, dictionaries, SDHC card and Memory stick slots...

There are other good readers, a bit cheaper but with less features than the Sony Readers, you'll find tons of info on MobileRead.

I have a Kindle (won in charity auction) and use it to read some DRM-free files. Fired up Calibre and told it to upload them and (I think) it converted it to the appropriate format and uploaded it, no hassle at all.

And I am now going to look into Kif, sounds awesome.

I love the Kindle, but yea you really do want a copy of Calibre on your computer to set any other ebook to the right format for Kindle (mobi files).

looking around Sony (as Syniurge recommended), I just stumbled upon their small (5") model on Amazon, with a 50% discount. (PRS-350)
I'm considering ordering it, though I don't like buying stuff like this without researching all my options... and this offer will be gone very soon :-/

Yes, sort of. The Kindle can read unprotected Mobipocket files and the Nook can read unprotected EPUB files. As long as they are unprotected, the files can be easily converted back and forth with Calibre. The three big Ebook readers are the Kindle, the Nook, and the Sony Reader. I don't know much about the sony, but its the least popular of the three. No matter what ebook reader you get, you will pretty much be locked in to the seller. With the Nook and Sony though, you can also buy many of the books from Google's book store. If your getting getting books that are DRM free then you can convert it to your reader no problem, so it doesn't matter where you buy those.

I've got the Sony pr-505. Fantastic device that goes everywhere with me. If you can get hold of one of these still then don't hesitate. One of the best gadgets I've ever bought.

That's only true for the Kindles and the Nook, which have their own formats (Mobipocket and Topaz for the Kindle, and a special protected EPUB format for the Nook) only them can read.

While EPUB files bought elsewhere can be read on any EPUB-capable reader (i.e every reader except the Kindles), no matter whether you buy it from the Sony Reader store or elsewhere.

(but actually all DRM schemes have been cracked and you can remove the protection from any ebook you buy nowadays)

Well, this aint exactly what you asked, but I bought a relatively cheap Android tablet with 7 inch screen to use as a reader. Firstly there's several free readers such as project Guthenberg for it, secondly you can get Kindle books as well, so you aren't restricted in any way with different formats.

Ziio, while not the best tablet in the market, has worked pretty well for me. It has good battry life (around 10 hours) and the screen is good enough for reading. And on the plus side you can do other stuff with it besiedes reading.

I've read 3 full books with my tablet since I bought it, so with that I can recommend it as an viable option.

Okay, okay. I misworded my post. Its not that your stuck with the seller. Many publishers will not sell their books without DRM, and those are pretty much only available through Amazon or Barns & Noble, ect. There are other places to get books though. Baen has fully embraced ebooks for example, and sells them directly. Most of the books I've looked for haven't been available elsewhere though. I may just not know where to look. Actually, if you guys know any good places to get ebooks, I would love for you to share.