Thursday, April 5, 2012

"E" is for E-Reader

Stand back and brace yourselves...this is an actual informative post.



I know.  Shocking.  

As I imagine that most of you are fairly good with everyday technology, I'm going to talk a little bit about e-readers.  For those of who who live in a cave somewhere, "e-reader" is simply short for "electronic reader", meaning it (and you) can read things in digital form and formats.

It doesn't mean that you can read electricity, smartass.  

The main ones out there (at least that I'm familiar with) seem to be Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook,  and a few others like the Kobo.  The iPad could also be considered an e-reader, because e-readers are basically slightly less complicated tablet computers.  Apple also has apps for reading books on crossover platforms, like the Kindle, that you can install on your computer, iPad, or iPhone.  

What are the differences?  There are quite a few, price notwithstanding.  Most makers make models in a range of prices and features, so just do your research before buying one. 

Most Kindle models (not the new Fire which is more of a tablet computer) have "e-ink" which makes the text and screen look like an actual page in a book.  I have a Kindle, and it's wonderful for reading outdoors, as there is very little glare and the text is visible in high-light situations.  The downside is that you'd need a light to read by, just like a traditional book.  The Kindle Fire and a lot of other e-readers (as well as the iPad) are back-lit like a laptop or smartphone screen.  This allows for great colors, yet can be hard to use outdoors or where it's very bright.  

Connectivity is another.  Most connect to a WiFi network, and some also connect over 3G or 4G networks, too.  Again, it depends on what your needs are.  On a non-objective note, as someone who now lives overseas, I hear a lot of people who have Nooks are irritated that they can't get their full range of use from them unless they're using some kind of IP blocker, or connected directly to their computers.  I'm not positive as to what they're complaining about; I don't own one.  Kindles don't seem to have that problem.  Just keep this in mind if you plan on doing any overseas traveling and taking your trusty e-reader with you.  

Formats...this is a big difference.  Different e-readers read different types of files (Kindle books come in .mobi files, for example) though most will read things like PDFs without any trouble.  

Touch screen?  All the major brands have at least one model that includes a touch screen.  I kind of like that my Kindle doesn't have it; I'm less likely to turn a page by accident.  
Don't use a drill on your e-reader.

Are they hard to use?  In a word, no.  There's a slight learning curve, but they're very simple to use and set up if you bother to read the instructions.  My husband and I got one for my 60 year old mother for Christmas, and she was able to figure it out without any problems, WiFi set up and everything. 

Prices of e-books make the cost of owning an e-reader advantageous.  They're typically a lot cheaper than a paper-and-ink book (no shipping, printing, or other related costs), and make carrying around a whole library of your favorites effortless.  On the other hand, there's nothing like holding onto a real book, feeling the pages beneath your fingers, and smelling the paper and ink.  

For great reviews, check out Consumer Reports (you'll need a subscription for online, or pick up a magazine with reviews in it), or PC World.  Wikipedia's page on e-reader comparisons has a huge amount of information, including breakdowns by whether the e-reader has an e-ink display, whether it supports a certain file format, etc.  Chances are good that you can find one that suits your needs.  Happy reading! 

Do you own one? If yes, which one? Do you like it? If not, do you want one?

xoxo Sarah

20 comments:

  1. Very informative! I don't own an e-reader, nor do I plan to. Even though I cursed myself for not having a Kindle when I needed/wanted to get my hands on Mockingjay last year and couldn't, I really, really like to just hold a book. I'm sure I'll cave someday though, and if I do, I'll probably invest in an iPad.

    Nice to meet you through A-Z!

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    1. Nice to meet you, too! I do love my e-reader, but I'm with you...there's just something about holding that book. I was really skeptical at first, but it's actually a pretty good experience in itself when you get used to it. iPads are great! People seem really happy with the new one that just came out.

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  2. You're so good with your A-Z's! :)

    I own a Kindle. I didn't get one of the first generation (it's kind of a motto not to buy the first generation of anything) but I did get a second-gen. I loved it. The screen decided to stop working so I got a new one. I am now on my third Kindle, (third gen) and I love it immensely. I enjoy the respite for my eyes with the non-backlit-screen, since I spend all day on a laptop with the light assaulting my retinas.

    And I confess I buy way more books with my Kindle than I would if I had to wait to go to a store. lol It's SO EASY. :)

    Waiting until I can buy one of YOURS! :)

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    1. Hey, sweets! That's a lot of Kindles. I'm not sure which gen mine is, but I love it. You're completely right about taking a break after staring at a computer screen...the e-ink is awesome. And hopefully you'll get to buy one of mine soon! I'm almost done...

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  3. My son gave me his Kindle when he wanted to upgrade about two years...it's collecting dust on a shelf in my study. I LOVE the look, feel, smell of a REAL book and I guess I feel guilty contemplating turning my back on the real thing to go with the digital one. Maybe my son needs to dragging me kicking and screaming into the 21st century where e-readers are concerned...lol

    Great blog full of information for someone who didn't know the basic differences between e-readers. Thanks of becoming a new followers of my blos and I've returned the favor...;0)

    Donna Martin
    www.donasdays.blogspot.com

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    1. You're very welcome! Thanks for checking out mine, too. I was skeptical when I got one, too, but the experience is surprisingly similar once you get used to it. Plus, it's very handy having an entire library at your fingertips, and there are so many free books on the Kindle store. Give it a shot, and have fun!

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  4. I have the Kindle app on my phone, and so far, I'm happy with that. I've read two books on the phone so far, and I can see myself using it more and more.

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    1. I have it on my phone, too, but I somehow haven't used it. Probably because my Kindle fits in my purse. I'm glad you're enjoying yours!

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  5. I love my e-readers. I have a Kindle 2 and a Kindle Fire. I must admit I don't use my Kindle 2 much anymore because the Fire is just easier. I also have a Kindle app on my smart phone.

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    1. I've heard great things about the Fire! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

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  6. Hey Lady!

    Cool topic. Love the "can't read electricity" line - brilliant. ;0)

    You know I'm here to sing the praises of my Kindle fire. I'd wanted an e-reader ever since my sister let me borrow her Nook to read a hot new title that released. Then she gave me the fire for Christmas, and I got to see all it's other features. I have music on it, Netflix, my photos, apps for Facebook and time-consuming games that rack up unproductive hours(lol) plus my beloved books.

    I recently because I downloaded my first new eagerly awaited book, and it was nice to not have to drive anywhere, face the risk of the book store being sold out or stalk my mailman. Hi, Phil. *waves* (We're on a first name basis.) Lol.

    I know a lot of comparison has been made between iPad and Kindle Fire, but I think, like you said, a e-reader isn't meant to be a pad computer, while you can read e-books on a pad the same as you could on your desktop. it's just nicer when you don't have to get out of bed. :)

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    1. Yay! I'm so glad you like your Fire. You're totally right...it is nice to have that instant book there. "I want to read...THIS." *click click click* "There it is!" :-D

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  7. I hate to say this, but I HATE e-readers. I swear to never, ever own one. I just love print books so much that I can't get on board, even for the convenience.
    Great post and happy A-Z blogging!

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    1. That's perfectly fine! There's something awesome about a print book, and I don't think they'll ever completely go away. Enjoy!

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  8. I love paperbacks, so will always buy them when I can. My son-in-law works for one of the big six distributors, so I need to keep him in a job to pay for my baby granddaughter's upbringing! *my new excuse for buying* LOL.

    I own a Kindle, and love that for its versatility.

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    1. Nothing is quite like holding a real book in your hands, and I don't think they'll ever go away. ;-)

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  9. Sorry jabber on, but I wanted to add that I agree with those who love print. I do love my e-reader's, but there are some things you need to hold in your hand. I have old books that are my most cherished possessions. I wouldn't want it to live in a all digital futures. Bookstores are too much fun and so are author-autographed keepsakes. :0D

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    1. *nods* Bookstores are awesome, and I don't think they'll ever go away. Did you know that you can do Kindlegraphs, though? You can have an author sign an electronic copy.

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  10. I own a Kindle Fire, because it's the best e-reader on the market and I said that I must give it a try. It has so many interesting features, but of course the most important is that we can read on it. Personally, I downloaded my eBooks from All you can books ... a site told by a very good friend who really is a bookworm.

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    1. I'm glad you're enjoying the Fire! I've heard great thigns about it. :-)

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