Carrying books and newspapers around is both tedious and a hassle, especially if you are an avid reader. Electronic Readers have long solved this problem, but there are so many on the market today that choosing between them can be a daunting task. Knowing a little about each ebook Reader can help you make a better decision, so check out these four electronic readers compared – their major features and selling points before you reach into your pocket.
Kindle 3 Wireless Reading Device
Price: $139 – $189
The Amazon Kindle has achieved massive success in the ebook Reader front, mostly because of the backing of Amazon and the convenience it has offered. The current generation Kindle comes in two different flavors depending on whether or not you want 3G services to your device. The basic Wi-Fi device will set you back $139, while the 3G device will cost $189. How you plan to use the device should determine which you get. The 3G device is for those who are on the go and want to be able to download new books and newspapers where ever they are. The Wi-Fi device is perfect for those who will use the Kindle at home and with Wi-Fi and 3G access turned off; the device can last for more than two weeks on one charge.
One previous edge the Barnes & Noble Nook had over the Kindle was the fact that it let users lend books. However, in December of 2010, the Kindle 3 gained the ability for book lending, making it an overall affordable device that has an extensive library.
Nook by Barnes & Noble
Price: $149 – $249
The Nook has enjoyed quite a bit of success despite being constantly overshadowed by the Kindle. Its lend feature was developed far before that of the Kindle and the library is just as extensive, but the thing that sets the Nook apart from the Kindle is the fact that there is a Nook Color. Amazon’s Kindle uses eInk and offers a zero glare reading surface, but it is in black, white, and shades of grey online. Barnes & Noble has upped the ante here by offering the Nook Color, which retails for $249.
The Nook Color does not use eInk technology and instead employs an LCD screen, so if you experience eyestrain after staring at an LCD for hours, you may want to consider this before purchasing it. However, if you are an avid magazine or art book lover, than there is no better ebook reader than the Nook Color that can display more than 16 million colors in high definition.
Sony Reader Daily Edition PRS-950SC
Price: $299
Sony has long been a great source of developing electronic technology and their eReaders are no different. The Daily Edition PRS-950SC features connectivity with the online Reader Store, which is not as extensive as either the Kindle or the Nook’s libraries, but the size of the reader, makes it a great for anyone who wants to carry around the device in their purse or bag. It utilizes eInk technology just as the other two devices, with battery life sitting at a moderate week and a half.
Overall, the device is nice for the size, but with the recent overhaul of the Kindle into the Kindle 3, this is no longer a major benefit. Considering the price point and the accessibility, the Sony Reader really feels more like an overpriced Kindle with fewer features.
Kobo eReader
Price: $129
The Kobo is a basic ebook reader for anyone who wants up to 1GB of storage in a device that is similar to both the Kindle and the Nook, but without 3G and Wi-Fi access. Since the device has no 3G or Wi-Fi, books and magazines must be preloaded with the use of a computer, which can be very inconvenient. However, the Kobo does have the ability to wirelessly sync with certain smartphones, so downloading an eBook to your phone can allow you to upload it to you Kobo via USB connection. This connection still requires a wire, making it inconvenient for those on the go.
There you have it – the current major electronic readers compared, either one that you buy is sure to bring lots of pleasure, enjoy.
The Kindle is excellent. Not quite good for reading Magazines because of the lack of color screen, but for standard books it’s great.
It’s a bit too fragile though so you have to be extremely careful with it. I’ve had one break already, hopefully the next gen Kindle will be more robust.