Difference between revisions of "Choose an eBook Reader"
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| − | + | eBook devices are an exciting and evolving technology offering access to many books through one electronic reader. As with all new technologies, there are many factors to consider before purchasing so that you don't waste your money or get something that doesn't work for you. Weighing these factors carefully should help to ensure that you make the right decision when purchasing an eBook for yourself or somebody else. Here's how! | |
[[Category:EBook Readers]] | [[Category:EBook Readers]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
#Know what eBook readers are. An [[Write Your First eBook|eBook reader]] is a device for browsing electronic files representing books. An eBook reader typically has a low-resolution but low-glare black-and-white screen, often not backlit, the size of a paperback book page. Compared to a general-purpose computer or smartphone which is often backlit, an eBook reader will be thin and light and have a long battery life. eBook readers typically read one or more of several proprietary "eBook" file formats. Some eBook readers are also capable of reading documents in other forms, such as open-standard "ePub" eBooks, plain text files, PDFs, Word documents, and so forth, and some will also allow you to take notes, sync with other devices, etc. eBook readers don't have the "feel" of books, which some enjoy. But they have a few advantages such as being lightweight and [[Create Portable Softwares|portable]], and being able to hold a lot more than a single paperback ever could. This makes them ideal for taking away on vacation, for reading in a favorite outdoor nook, or for reading on-the-go. | #Know what eBook readers are. An [[Write Your First eBook|eBook reader]] is a device for browsing electronic files representing books. An eBook reader typically has a low-resolution but low-glare black-and-white screen, often not backlit, the size of a paperback book page. Compared to a general-purpose computer or smartphone which is often backlit, an eBook reader will be thin and light and have a long battery life. eBook readers typically read one or more of several proprietary "eBook" file formats. Some eBook readers are also capable of reading documents in other forms, such as open-standard "ePub" eBooks, plain text files, PDFs, Word documents, and so forth, and some will also allow you to take notes, sync with other devices, etc. eBook readers don't have the "feel" of books, which some enjoy. But they have a few advantages such as being lightweight and [[Create Portable Softwares|portable]], and being able to hold a lot more than a single paperback ever could. This makes them ideal for taking away on vacation, for reading in a favorite outdoor nook, or for reading on-the-go. | ||
| − | #* A dedicated eBook reader may be the most convenient way to read eBook files, but it is not the only way. PC and smartphone software is available free of charge to read ePub <ref>http://www.epubbooks.com/ebook-readers</ref> and various proprietary eBook formats such as those for Nook<ref>http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/free-nook-apps/379002321/</ref> and Kindle<ref>http://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/kcp</ref>. It would be good for infrequent use, for back lighting, for a big screen which props itself up (on a computer, perfect for complicated material that requires glancing forward and back repeatedly), or for sampling the eBook concept before buying a reader device. | + | #* A dedicated eBook reader may be the most convenient way to read eBook files, but it is not the only way. PC and smartphone software is available free of charge to read ePub <ref name="rf1">http://www.epubbooks.com/ebook-readers</ref> and various proprietary eBook formats such as those for Nook<ref name="rf2">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/free-nook-apps/379002321/</ref> and Kindle<ref name="rf3">http://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/kcp</ref>. It would be good for infrequent use, for back lighting, for a big screen which props itself up (on a computer, perfect for complicated material that requires glancing forward and back repeatedly), or for sampling the eBook concept before buying a reader device. |
#* An eBook reader can make a great gift for someone who is both a technology enthusiast and a reader of long books. Because there are many specialized kinds, make sure the recipient can easily return it if it turns out not to suit his or her needs. | #* An eBook reader can make a great gift for someone who is both a technology enthusiast and a reader of long books. Because there are many specialized kinds, make sure the recipient can easily return it if it turns out not to suit his or her needs. | ||
| − | #* Not all eBook readers can handle the same formats. In addition to certain seller-specific proprietary formats, many readers support HTML, plain text, and JPG but not all support the open standard ePub.<ref>Wired, Buying Guide: How to Choose an E-Book Reader, http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/05/buying-guide-e-book-reader/</ref> This is an important distinction if you want to check out ebooks from your library, or to read the vast library of copyright-free (in the United States at least) ebooks at Project Gutenberg with nicer formatting than plain text files can provide.<ref>http://www.gutenberg.org</ref> | + | #* Not all eBook readers can handle the same formats. In addition to certain seller-specific proprietary formats, many readers support HTML, plain text, and JPG but not all support the open standard ePub.<ref name="rf4">Wired, Buying Guide: How to Choose an E-Book Reader, http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/05/buying-guide-e-book-reader/</ref> This is an important distinction if you want to check out ebooks from your library, or to read the vast library of copyright-free (in the United States at least) ebooks at Project Gutenberg with nicer formatting than plain text files can provide.<ref name="rf5">http://www.gutenberg.org</ref> |
| − | #*Be aware that some eBook readers handle PDFs better than others; this is important if you intend to use [[Turn Documents Into PDFs for Free (Windows)|PDFs]] a lot.<ref>Bobbi L Newman, Choosing a Reader for eBooks, http://librarianbyday.net/2010/08/06/choosing-a-reader-for-ebooks-my-thoughts/</ref> | + | #*Be aware that some eBook readers handle PDFs better than others; this is important if you intend to use [[Turn Documents Into PDFs for Free (Windows)|PDFs]] a lot.<ref name="rf6">Bobbi L Newman, Choosing a Reader for eBooks, http://librarianbyday.net/2010/08/06/choosing-a-reader-for-ebooks-my-thoughts/</ref> |
#*Some of the most common dedicated eBook readers include Barnes and Noble Nook, Kobo eReader, Amazon Kindle, Sony eReader, etc., with each electronic reader having its own features, feel, and capacity. Non-dedicated eBook readers (that is, items that are used for other purposes as well) include your computer, [[Write a Smartphone Review|smartphone]] (with relevant apps installed), and the iPad. | #*Some of the most common dedicated eBook readers include Barnes and Noble Nook, Kobo eReader, Amazon Kindle, Sony eReader, etc., with each electronic reader having its own features, feel, and capacity. Non-dedicated eBook readers (that is, items that are used for other purposes as well) include your computer, [[Write a Smartphone Review|smartphone]] (with relevant apps installed), and the iPad. | ||
| − | #Know what to look for in an eBook reader. There are numerous things that you need to consider when choosing an eBook reader. One important thing to keep in mind is that choosing an eBook reader is fairly much like choosing many other electronic gadgets and even cars in on key respect – it all depends on what you want to do with it, and there is no one right eBook reader for every person, and different features can make all the difference to your choice.<ref | + | #Know what to look for in an eBook reader. There are numerous things that you need to consider when choosing an eBook reader. One important thing to keep in mind is that choosing an eBook reader is fairly much like choosing many other electronic gadgets and even cars in on key respect – it all depends on what you want to do with it, and there is no one right eBook reader for every person, and different features can make all the difference to your choice.<ref name="rf6" /> Since the features count for everything, the following features are currently the ones to pay attention to: |
#*'''''Memory''''': How many eBooks or other documents does the eBook reader have the capacity for? Can this memory capacity be increased? | #*'''''Memory''''': How many eBooks or other documents does the eBook reader have the capacity for? Can this memory capacity be increased? | ||
#*'''''Format type''''': Can the eBook reader handle a variety of file types or only one type (see previous step)? Is this ability (or lack of it) reflected in the price? | #*'''''Format type''''': Can the eBook reader handle a variety of file types or only one type (see previous step)? Is this ability (or lack of it) reflected in the price? | ||
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#**You might spend hundreds of hours with your electronic book reader, and it is important that relationship on a physical level is comfortable. For example, one eBook reader might have buttons and screen that are easy to use for paging through content, but after five minutes you notice some eye strain. That product wouldn’t work for you because you are going to need to be able to look at it for long periods without eye strain or headaches. | #**You might spend hundreds of hours with your electronic book reader, and it is important that relationship on a physical level is comfortable. For example, one eBook reader might have buttons and screen that are easy to use for paging through content, but after five minutes you notice some eye strain. That product wouldn’t work for you because you are going to need to be able to look at it for long periods without eye strain or headaches. | ||
#*'''''Battery life''''': What's the [[Extend Laptop Battery Life|battery life]] promised by the blurb? You don't want an eBook reader that runs out after an hour of sitting on your hammock at the beach. You could have taken a paper [[Stick to Writing a Novel|novel]] along in that case! Can the battery be replaced by you or do you need to send the eReader to a technician for replacement? | #*'''''Battery life''''': What's the [[Extend Laptop Battery Life|battery life]] promised by the blurb? You don't want an eBook reader that runs out after an hour of sitting on your hammock at the beach. You could have taken a paper [[Stick to Writing a Novel|novel]] along in that case! Can the battery be replaced by you or do you need to send the eReader to a technician for replacement? | ||
| − | #*'''''Ease of downloading''''': Is it easy to [[Search for Free eBooks to Download|download eBooks]]? Do you have to connect to the computer or can it be done without a computer as the intermediary? This can be important when choosing an eBook reader as a gift for an older person who isn't that keen on "fiddling" with technology.<ref | + | #*'''''Ease of downloading''''': Is it easy to [[Search for Free eBooks to Download|download eBooks]]? Do you have to connect to the computer or can it be done without a computer as the intermediary? This can be important when choosing an eBook reader as a gift for an older person who isn't that keen on "fiddling" with technology.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#*'''''Share ability''''': The ability to transfer eBooks to another eBook reader is important, especially if you need to remove purchased books from an old eBook reader to a new one; if you can't do this, you may lose the purchase when the eBook reader dies. Does the eBook reader allow sharing with friends or not? | #*'''''Share ability''''': The ability to transfer eBooks to another eBook reader is important, especially if you need to remove purchased books from an old eBook reader to a new one; if you can't do this, you may lose the purchase when the eBook reader dies. Does the eBook reader allow sharing with friends or not? | ||
#*'''''Other features''''': What other features does the eBook reader have? For example, does it allow you to add notes? How easy is the process? Some readers have keyboards that work well. Others are difficult to use and can distract you from your reading. How easy is it to "page back" and find something? Are there dictionaries and is it possible to upload new ones? | #*'''''Other features''''': What other features does the eBook reader have? For example, does it allow you to add notes? How easy is the process? Some readers have keyboards that work well. Others are difficult to use and can distract you from your reading. How easy is it to "page back" and find something? Are there dictionaries and is it possible to upload new ones? | ||
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#*Ask others about their eBook experiences. Friends and family members may have insights about what is important to know before buying one. For example, some readers only allow you to read down loadable books, but others provide Internet access so you can also [[Make Your Blog Content Scannable|read blogs]] and websites. Asking people who already have used eBook devices is faster than researching the information and most people are generally interested in ensuring you don't encounter the same pitfalls that they did! | #*Ask others about their eBook experiences. Friends and family members may have insights about what is important to know before buying one. For example, some readers only allow you to read down loadable books, but others provide Internet access so you can also [[Make Your Blog Content Scannable|read blogs]] and websites. Asking people who already have used eBook devices is faster than researching the information and most people are generally interested in ensuring you don't encounter the same pitfalls that they did! | ||
#Be careful about the ability to find [[Find Free eBooks|eBooks]] and download them to your eBook reader. While it may be tempting to purchase an eBook reader from overseas, double and triple check the compatibility for your home area. The problem may be that you cannot download books for it because you live in a different region from where you purchased the eBook reader and that would leave you with a less-than-bargain priced eBook reader! Moreover, check the method by which your eBook reader allows downloads. Some provide WiFi download compatibility and USB download, others only have USB download. What will be most convenient for you? | #Be careful about the ability to find [[Find Free eBooks|eBooks]] and download them to your eBook reader. While it may be tempting to purchase an eBook reader from overseas, double and triple check the compatibility for your home area. The problem may be that you cannot download books for it because you live in a different region from where you purchased the eBook reader and that would leave you with a less-than-bargain priced eBook reader! Moreover, check the method by which your eBook reader allows downloads. Some provide WiFi download compatibility and USB download, others only have USB download. What will be most convenient for you? | ||
| − | #*Look into the breadth of options for getting eBooks that comes with your eBook reader. Some eBook readers enable free reading with a bookstore and loan of items.<ref | + | #*Look into the breadth of options for getting eBooks that comes with your eBook reader. Some eBook readers enable free reading with a bookstore and loan of items.<ref name="rf6" /> If that appeals to you, realize that the extent of free reads and loans might be highly dependent on the particular bookstore. |
#*Check your local [[Select the Perfect Library Book|library]]'s provision of eBooks. Many libraries are now adding eBooks to their lending systems. Talk to your local librarian about eBook reader compatibility issues, especially if you intend on relying a great deal on your library. | #*Check your local [[Select the Perfect Library Book|library]]'s provision of eBooks. Many libraries are now adding eBooks to their lending systems. Talk to your local librarian about eBook reader compatibility issues, especially if you intend on relying a great deal on your library. | ||
#Check the eBook provider's breadth of published content access. Some eBook readers are able to access more content than others, and the ideal is to get an eBook reader that has the largest content availability possible, to ensure that you can access eBooks that are relevant to your interests. However, the extent of access is changing rapidly and is becoming less of an issue. What is important is to check that the eBook reader that interests you can access the content that interests you. Ask the retailer for more information if your research hasn't made this clear. | #Check the eBook provider's breadth of published content access. Some eBook readers are able to access more content than others, and the ideal is to get an eBook reader that has the largest content availability possible, to ensure that you can access eBooks that are relevant to your interests. However, the extent of access is changing rapidly and is becoming less of an issue. What is important is to check that the eBook reader that interests you can access the content that interests you. Ask the retailer for more information if your research hasn't made this clear. | ||
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#*Be sure to check the warranty information. New products can bring unknown problems with them and it's reassuring to know you can return it without hassle if something goes wrong, as well as finding out what happens if you lose any eBooks due to technical malfunctions. | #*Be sure to check the warranty information. New products can bring unknown problems with them and it's reassuring to know you can return it without hassle if something goes wrong, as well as finding out what happens if you lose any eBooks due to technical malfunctions. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
