What Is An eBook Reader?

eBook readers are a new kind of dedicated electronic device designed to display digital books in a form as close to real life as possible.

EBooks themselves exist in a wide range of formats. In essence, however, they are digital versions of printed books. Not all printed books are available in eBook form, and vice versa, but with the increase in popularity of digital book readers there are now many different eBooks available to buy.

You don't need to own an eBook reader in order to read eBooks. You can also read them on your smartphone, your computer and your tablet computer.

The benefit of a dedicated eBook reader, however, is that it's the only gadget that replicates real paper through the use of e-Ink. This reduces eyestrain and means it's as easy to read in bright sunlight as a standard book. This isn't the case with other devices.

Uses Of An eBook Reader

Unlike computers, smartphones, tablet computers and other gadgets, the eBook reader is designed with one real purpose in mind: for reading eBooks.

However, there are a few other features common to eBook readers: dictionary definitions, the ability to make notes, shopping for books right from the device, basic web browsers and some simple games.

Key Features Of An eBook Reader

Before we go into deciphering the specifications of various eBook readers on the market, it helps to point out some of the key features that all eBook readers will have in common.

Design

eBook readers are designed to be as comfortable to hold as possible. This means they usually weigh around the same as, or less than, a standard paperback book. Unlike a book, however, they only have one page on display at a time. Small buttons at the side or bottom of the device – or a touchscreen – allows the user to easily turn the page.

Screen – e-Ink or Color LCD Displays

eBook readers display the pages of a digital book via the screen, which will take up most of the front area of the device. The size of the screen depends on whether or not the eReader comes with a physical keyboard – such as the Kindle Keyboard. Touchscreen readers generally have more screen real estate.

The main difference you need to be aware of between various eReaders is that some come with a black and white screen (e-Ink) and some are color. The obvious disadvantage of e-Ink readers is that they don't display color, but the e-Ink technology used for such screens saves battery life, is readable in sunlight and more like a real book.

Color eBook readers, on the other hand, can display photos and text in color, and can be read in the dark, but you'll notice glare in sunlight and can experience eyestrain like on a standard LCD computer screen.

More on color vs. e-Ink readers later in this guide (see Common Specs To Look Out For In An eBook Reader)

Controls

The controls on an eBook reader are designed with simplicity in mind. This usually means a forward and backward page turn button, a directional navigation pad, an on/off switch and a physical keyboard. Touchscreen eBook readers will feature even fewer controls.

eBook Stores

Most readers are connected to a specific eBook store. For example, the Kindle is connected to Amazon.com, the Nook to Barnes & Noble and so on. Note that you may be limited to buying books in specific formats from these specific stores, but there are ways around it (see the sections on Available Books and File Types below).

For the ability to buy books directly from the device, most eBook readers come with Wi-Fi internet connectivity, and some include 3G internet access.

Common Specs To Look Out For In An eBook Reader

Screen Type

One of the most important things to decide before you purchase an eBook reader is whether you'd prefer color or an e-Ink display.

E-Ink is a term used to describe the type of screen that mimics real life paper. Instead of using a backlight, the text is displayed on a near-white background. This looks more like real paper than any screen you will have seen before in an electronic gadget, and it looks fantastic even in bright sunlight.

However, due to the technology e-Ink uses, it can be slow to navigate. Every time you turn the page you'll notice a dark “flash” on the screen, and moving the cursor through lines of books/ navigation menus is considerably slower than on any electronics you'll be used to using.

Color eReader screens use a similar technology to smartphones, tablets and computers: they make use of an LCD backlight that's lit up. This means you can read the screen in the dark without a light, but it'll be very difficult to read in bright sunlight.

Why Choose e-Ink?

Although e-Ink may appear less advanced than color screens, it's actually the most popular screen type in dedicated eBook readers. For those who want their eReader to look as much like a real book as possible, it's the perfect technology. The good news is that, while e-Ink is technically black and white, a number of shades of gray mean that images can still be displayed with some depth.

E-Ink also uses far less battery than an LCD color screen, which means you won't need to worry about recharging your eBook reader so often (unless you leave your internet connection switched on).

Why Choose LCD Color Screens?

Although avid readers may prefer the simpler performance of e-Ink, many of us are used to LCD screens and see no problem extending this technology to an eReader. These screens often have touchscreen capabilities, and the ability to display high quality images (perfect if you like to read a lot of magazines, for example). There's also less of a delay between page turns, and potential for more advanced features (though you need to check any eReader stats individually to be sure).

Screen Size

eBook reader screens are typically 6 inches in size, though you may find slightly larger or slightly smaller options.

For those who want bigger screens, there are always tablet computers – like the iPad – with around 10 inches of screen real estate. Although this makes reading large documents, magazines and so on a lot easier, the devices are a lot more expensive and use LCD backlights (see the pros and cons above).

Even if you do have a smaller screen, you'll find it comfortable to read most eBooks thanks to the variety of text sizes and font options. You can adjust the size to find that sweet spot that feels comfortable for you.

Size & Weight

Most eReaders are light enough to hold comfortably: often lighter than a standard paperback book. That said, there are a variety of sizes available. Sony's Pocket Edition can literally fit into your pocket, whereas readers such as the Kindle and Nook are a little bigger, though still very easy to carry around.

Controls

There's now more choice than ever before when it comes to the way you can control your eBook reader. Although most eReaders used to make use of a directional pad, a keyboard and page turn buttons, many now incorporate touchscreens.

The benefit of buttons is that they often require less battery power, and don't lead to smudging the reading area of the screen. Touchscreens are usually more intuitive to use (if you're used to gadgets), though many not be welcomed by non-techy people who prefer to keep things simple.

Price

The great thing about dedicated book reading devices is that they cost far less than alternatives such as smartphones, laptops or tablet computers. And they've only become more affordable as competition in the market has increased.

Here's a guide to what you can expect to pay for a new eBook reader:

• For a basic Wi-Fi only 6 inch e-Ink reader: as low as $80 with Amazon special offers Kindle,
• For a touchscreen Wi-Fi 6 inch e-Ink reader: $110 – $140
• A touchscreen Wi-Fi + 3G 6-inch e-Ink reader: $150 – $180
• A color reader: $90 – $250 depending on range of extra features, Wi-Fi etc.

If you want to save money on an eBook reader, you could choose a Kindle with special offers. This means that ads will be displayed once the Kindle goes to sleep, and on menu items, but will never interrupt the reading experience.

Alternatively, you can opt for lesser-known readers such as Ematic or Kobo. They may not have all the same features as a Kindle, for example, but are good options for those on a budget.

Lastly, manufacturer/ retail websites often list refurbished models for a lower price than brand new readers. These may have originally been returned and refurbished back to brand new standards. Just make sure they come with the same warranty as the original.

Storage Space

On average, eBook readers will come with enough memory to store 1,500+ eBooks (2GB included memory).

The good news is that most major services allow you to store eBooks on your computer and/ or your website account, meaning that you don’t need to have them all on your eReader to make sure they’re backed up (useful if you run out of space).

Some eBook readers even come with the ability to expand the included memory through use of an SD memory card slot. This won’t normally be necessary, as most of us don’t have thousands of books. However, if your eBook reader can play MP3s, audiobooks or other files then these will take up more space.

More recently, Amazon has even introduced cloud storage in the form of the Kindle Fire. This means all of your multimedia will be stored on their servers, saving space on your device’s onboard memory.

Reading Functions

One thing that can set different eReader models apart is the functions they include as standard.

Reading functions are designed to maximize your reading experience. For example, you may wish to highlight certain passages to refer back to later, or even make notes as you read through the book. These functions come as standard on most readers.

Another very useful function is a dictionary. This means you can click on a word, as you read, to find its definition. Most readers come with a dictionary built in.

Lastly, some readers come with text-to-speech. This is a computerized function that automatically reads the text of the eBook to you through the speakers. It’s useful to have, but not all eReaders have it. When they do, the feature isn’t perfect but is clear and easy to understand.

Non-Reading Applications

Aside from the reading functions listed above, some eReaders may also come with extra applications to perform a range of different functions.

The cheapest eBook readers are designed purely for reading – you shouldn’t expect too much in the way of extra features.

That said, other readers do come with the ability to play MP3 and audiobook files. Some color screen readers may have the ability to play videos or install apps based on the operating system.

Other readers, such as the Kindle and Nook, are able to connect to Wi-Fi networks and come with web browsers built in. Although these browsers are nowhere near as advanced as what you’ll find on a computer or smartphone, they’re useful for basic browsing, or for accessing Wikipedia to learn more about the books you’re reading.

Other features on eReaders may include:

• Video and photo viewers (on color screens),
• MP3 players,
• Social networking options to share reading data and highlights with friends.

Internet Access & Built In Book Buying

As mentioned above, some eReaders are able to access the internet and let you browse the web.

Though there’s another reason why eReaders come with the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and/ or 3G networks: they let you access official bookstores to buy eBooks directly from the device.

The big players such as the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook all have this option, and have pretty big bookstores to shop from. They even include a number of newspapers, magazines and blogs to be sent directly to your book-reading device.

Depending on whether your device includes 3G access or not, you may be limited to downloading and browsing the store when near a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Some more basic readers may have no internet connection at all, meaning you must be able to browse books for sale on your computer before transferring them to the device using a USB cable.

eBooks Available

The range of eBooks available is probably the most important factor to consider when deciding which eReader to purchase.

At present, the Amazon Kindle Store is the biggest eBook store out there. However, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Sony all have decent bookstores, too.

Note that, although certain eReaders can only read certain types of files (see below), there are ways to get around this and read books that you’ve purchased outside of your eReader’s official store.

It’s also well worth having a look at the various stores to see how many free titles they have available. You’ll find many of the classics for free since they’re out of copyright, though some self-published authors may publish their own work for free or very low cost too.

Book File Types

Unfortunately, choosing which store you prefer isn’t simply a matter of who has the biggest selection. Why? Because there is no one universal eBook format.

Instead, each device has its own default format (though most can also read PDF documents in a non-sophisticated way):

• Amazon Kindle uses AZW format (or Mobi)
• Sony Reader uses BbeB/LRF
• ePub is an open source book format used by a range of readers such as Nook and Kobo

ePub is generally considered the format of choice, due to the fact that it’s open source and means you can read books from a number of different stores on your device.

That said, many people still opt for the Amazon Kindle format due to the sheer number of books available in that store.

Some eBook stores that aren’t affiliated with any one reader – such as Smashwords – will provide books in all formats, which is useful to know.

The good news is that free software programs like Calibre can convert eBook files from one format to another, should you wish to share files between different devices.

And, if you aren’t reading on your eReader, all the major eBook manufacturers have computer apps that make their eBooks readable on your home PC or Mac.

Other Types Of Reading

As mentioned above, it isn’t just eBooks that you’ll find in an eBook store. You can also find blogs, magazines and newspapers.

If you’re into your magazines then you may want to consider a color screen for the best possible display. Choosing a color screen means you’ll be able to see images in all their glory. E-Ink, in contrast, will only show shades of gray.

For a couple of dollars a month, the Kindle Store also delivers blog subscriptions straight to your Kindle device, which many people love. That said, there are ways to do it for free, such as using your reader’s web browser (if available) to navigate to the website or RSS feed.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important issue for any eBook reader. If you want the best reading experience, you don’t want to be worrying about the battery running out on you during the middle of a reading session.

The good news is that e-Ink screens have a fantastic battery life. You should be looking at one month battery life as standard, two months in the best eBook readers such as the Kindle Touch and Nook Touch.

Note that, to get the best battery life out of your reader, you should try to keep Wi-Fi and 3G turned off as much as possible. Leave them connected and you’ll find you don’t reach anywhere near one month battery life.

If you opt for a color screen over e-Ink, don’t expect the same battery life. Color screens require a constant backlight, and this means they are a bigger drain on the battery. Color eReaders will have a battery life of around 5-8 hours. Again, keep the Wi-Fi turned on and the battery will drain much quicker.

Connections

All eBook reading devices will have a certain number of connections. At a basic level, they need to be charged and they need to be able to connect to a computer. For many eBook readers, such as the Amazon Kindle, both can be achieved through the same USB port.

The question is whether you need to own a computer at home in order to use your eBook reader. For the Amazon Kindle and others such as the Nook, there’s no software to install and you never have to connect the reader to your computer if you don’t want to. However, you can transfer files via USB if you wish, or use Amazon’s email feature to email file attachments to your Kindle.

For other eReaders, such as the budget Skytex Primer, you cannot load books onto the reader or organize files unless you can connect it up to a computer. Bear this in mind before you buy.

Accessories

Before buying your eBook reader, check whether it comes with a case and/ or whether fitted cases are easy to buy. Most readers don’t come with a case as standard, but it can be useful to buy one to keep your reader protected against bumps and scratches.

The eBook Reader Vs. Other Devices

In the last part of this buying guide, we will explore whether the eBook reader is really a necessary purchase in your life. After all, they do cost more upfront than real life books, and they’re not the only option if you want to purchase and read eBooks.

eBook reader Vs. Real Book Reading

The first thing to consider is whether it’s beneficial to read on a reader at all, or whether to stick to real paper books.

One of the benefits of an eBook reader is the fact that it can carry thousands of books on the one device. This device weighs no more than a standard paperback book, helping you to reduce clutter in your home and making it easier to carry your books around when you travel.

The downside, of course, is that eBook readers are electronic gadgets. They’re more expensive than a paperback book, they can break, and they’re far more complex. Some people just love the simplicity of real paper and don’t feel as though they will be satisfied with the feel of an electronic eBook reading device.

Are eBooks Cheaper Than Paper Books?

The question of cost is something that’s important to consider. Although an eReader will sell you back a bit of money in the first place, avid readers could still end up saving money on books if they stick to the digital format. eBooks are often cheaper and, if you like to read a lot of classics, many are free.

That said, some eBooks are more expensive than real books, too. It’s well worth having a look at some popular eBook stores, such as the Kindle Store, and getting an idea for how much they cost before you buy your new eBook reading device.

Benefits Of eBook Readers For The Visually Impaired

Another factor to consider is the range of benefits of eBook readers for visually impaired people. eBooks are far easier to read than traditional print books because the font styles and sizes can be altered. If you need to, you can set the text to a much larger size than you’d usually find in a print book. Some eBook readers, like the Kindle Touch and Kindle Keyboard, also come with a text-to-voice feature that’ll read the content of the book out loud to you. Text to speech isn’t perfect, and does sound rather mechanical, but it’s useful to have the option.

Note that if you want the most accessible reading device then you may be better off with a tablet computer. Devices such as the iPad let you zoom in, change the contrast and more.

eBook Reader Vs. Smartphone Apps

Next, if you already own a smartphone, you may want to consider the eBook reading apps available.

The main benefit of using apps on your smartphone is that you don’t need to pay out for a separate eBook reading device. It also means that you can download apps from a range of providers, such as Kindle, Nook, Apple, Sony and so on to take advantage of the best book prices.

The inevitable downside is the fact that smartphone screens are small, and not nearly as easy to read from as a dedicated eBook reader. You do get the benefit of being able to view color on the screen, but this can cause eyestrain for some.

eBook Reader Vs. Tablet Computer

The last option is to use apps on tablet computers, such as the iPad or Samsung Galaxy. This addresses the problem of the small screen, as tablet screens are often bigger than eReaders. Tablets are also able to handle newspapers, blogs, magazines and PDF files better than eBook reading devices.

Again you need to decide whether you’d prefer the LCD screen of the tablet computer vs. the e-Ink screen that replicates a real paper book (see the details above about screens if you’re unsure).

Tablet computers are also far more expensive than eBook readers – sometimes five times the amount or more. And, with eReaders becoming more advanced all the time, you can still perform basic web functions on a reading device.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when you buy your eBook reader. The good news is that there aren’t too many players to choose from if you want an e-Ink screen: the Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Sony Reader are considered the best options, and the reading experience is largely the same.

It really comes down to a comparison of features on the individual devices, as well as personal preference as to which type of screen you’d like to use.

One thing is true: many of us have been reluctant to purchase an eBook reader for fear that it would dull the original experience of reading a paper book. Most eReader users have found this isn’t the case, and, if anything, the device makes the experience more enjoyable as we have access to all of our books wherever we go.