An electronic book reader, also called an e-reader, recreates the traditional experience of reading a book on a portable electronic device. While there are a variety of e-book readers available, the most popular are the Amazon Kindle, the Barnes and Nobles Nook, and the Kobo e-reader.
E-readers can contain a virtual library of books and magazines, making them convenient and popular. With some e-readers you can also highlight passages, take notes, and save clippings from books, magazines, and newspapers.
The e-reader market is growing rapidly; e-book sales soared 250% in 2010 and the publishing industry estimates that e-book and periodical sales may account for up to 30% of the market by 2012.
Here are some of the features to consider, along with price, before purchasing an e-reader for yourself or a loved one:
Design: Some e-readers have touch screen controls, while others use navigation buttons on the sides and bottom of the e-reader. Some models have a keyboard to add notes or look up titles.
Screen Size: Screens range from 5 to 10 inches measured diagonally. Most e-readers have a 6″ screen which makes them lightweight and portable.
Wireless Capability: 3G and WiFi connectivity make downloading books and periodicals a quick and easy process. Models with 3G technology allow you to download content directly to the device where there is a 3G network. Those with WiFi provide wireless access to a home network or WiFi hotspot. Others, like Kobo or Sony models, require you to connect the device to a computer to transfer content to the device via a USB cable.
Content – Knowing what content is available for your e-reader brand is very important. There are currently more titles available for Kindle than for any of the other devices. The selections from Amazon, Sony, and Barnes & Noble overlap, but there are always exceptions.
Battery Life: The last thing you want is to suddenly run out of power in the middle of your reading experience. Longer battery life means fewer recharges and not having to worry if you forget to take your charger with you on a trip. Turning off wireless on your device will extend battery life between charges.
Other features: Most models have a screen contrast adjustment (or grayscale level) to make it easier to read. Some include audio options for audio books and text-to-speech capabilities.
Here are the pros and cons of the top 3 e-readers on the market today:
Kindle 3
Pros: Easy to use, Free access to AT&T Wi-Fi networks, Price.
Cons: No support for epub media and library books, no color screen.
Conclusion: The Kindle 3 is the leading eBook reader available and provides the best value for your money.
Barnes & Noble Corner
Pros: Supports Android apps, expandable storage, large collection of ebooks.
Cons: Heavier than other e-readers, no text-to-speech feature, shorter battery life.
Conclusion: The Nook is more suitable for the casual reader and young readers. For readers looking for a cheaper alternative to an iPad, the Nook is it.
kobo wifi
Pros: Comfortable to hold, Preloaded with 100 free eBooks, Excellent screen contrast.
Cons: Wireless capability is limited to the Kobo store, can’t download books directly to the reader, no audio support.
Conclusion: The Kobo is a good choice for a basic e-reader without many of the bells and whistles found on other e-readers.
make your decision
Choosing an e-reader comes down to personal preference. So you might want to stop by your favorite bookstore or electronics store and try out the look and feel of the device you’re considering.