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Ereaders are handy, easy-to-use devices for toting around reading material without breaking your back carrying around a bunch of books. But with so many different models and types of ereaders on the market, how do you know which one you should buy? Comparing ereaders by comparing technical aspects like black and white or color screens, functionality, weight, and the price tag should help you pick the best one.
The first thing you need to decide before buying an ereader is what you're going to be using it for. If you will only be reading books or magazines on your ereader, you might want an e-ink ereader, such as an Amazon Kindle or a Barnes and Noble Nook. E-ink ereaders feature black text and pictures on a light background, which mimics the experience of reading a book in real life. Some e-ink readers have touch screens, but most rely on keyboards. A few e-ink ereaders can connect to the Internet as well, but when you compare tablet ereaders to e-ink readers, the latter seem less sophisticated. Unlike e-ink ereaders, tablet ereaders screens are full-color LCD, and with online connectivity, a full-size tablets can be just as good as having a laptop. Certain tablets can also use the Android operating system to run apps, and some models feature text-to-speech audio elements.
The second determining factor is the size of your ereader. Since you hold up the device in front of you while you read and use it, screen size and the overall weight of your ereader make a difference. E-ink ereaders have the smallest screens: 6 inches. The 2011 basic Kindle has a 6-inch screen and weighs 6 ounces, so holding it up for a lengthy reading session won't wear out your arm muscles.
Tablet ereaders, on the other hand, are more substantial, due to color touch screens which call for larger batteries. The Nook Tablet and the Kindle Fire in particular almost reach a pound each - they weigh 14.1 ounces and 14.6 ounces, respectively. Tablet ereaders with 10-inch screens, such as the Apple iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, are almost 1.5 pounds. Plus, if you attach a cover to your screen or get an ereader case, that packs on even more weight, so it's a good idea to try picking up different models in the store to judge how heavy they are when comparing ereaders.
It's no surprise that the larger the ereader is, the bigger dent it will make in your wallet; comparing ereaders' prices means judging what type of e-book reading experience you want while remaining in your budget. Black-and-white e-ink readers are the least expensive, thanks to their smaller screens and limited Internet abilities; they will cost you anywhere from $80 to $150. 7-inch color LCD media tablets like the Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet run from $200 to $250. Full-size color tablets with 10-inch screens like the iPad 2 start at $400 and only get pricier from then on. But what you are paying for is a crystal-clear, super-sharp color LCD screen (some models are backlit) and Wi-Fi or 3G/4G Internet connectivity with lots of apps- in essence, a smaller-sized laptop. However, that doesn't mean e-ink ereaders' screens have no redeeming qualities; their screens may not have color or be backlit, but with an e-ink ereader you won't have to deal with the glare LCD screens get from bright lighting and direct sunlight.
As can be seen, there are several factors to ponder while comparing ereaders and picking the right one for you. Take into account the size of the screen, the weight of the device, what you're going to be doing with it, and how much you're willing to spend when shopping around, and you'll come up with the perfect ereader for your needs.
The first thing you need to decide before buying an ereader is what you're going to be using it for. If you will only be reading books or magazines on your ereader, you might want an e-ink ereader, such as an Amazon Kindle or a Barnes and Noble Nook. E-ink ereaders feature black text and pictures on a light background, which mimics the experience of reading a book in real life. Some e-ink readers have touch screens, but most rely on keyboards. A few e-ink ereaders can connect to the Internet as well, but when you compare tablet ereaders to e-ink readers, the latter seem less sophisticated. Unlike e-ink ereaders, tablet ereaders screens are full-color LCD, and with online connectivity, a full-size tablets can be just as good as having a laptop. Certain tablets can also use the Android operating system to run apps, and some models feature text-to-speech audio elements.
The second determining factor is the size of your ereader. Since you hold up the device in front of you while you read and use it, screen size and the overall weight of your ereader make a difference. E-ink ereaders have the smallest screens: 6 inches. The 2011 basic Kindle has a 6-inch screen and weighs 6 ounces, so holding it up for a lengthy reading session won't wear out your arm muscles.
Tablet ereaders, on the other hand, are more substantial, due to color touch screens which call for larger batteries. The Nook Tablet and the Kindle Fire in particular almost reach a pound each - they weigh 14.1 ounces and 14.6 ounces, respectively. Tablet ereaders with 10-inch screens, such as the Apple iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, are almost 1.5 pounds. Plus, if you attach a cover to your screen or get an ereader case, that packs on even more weight, so it's a good idea to try picking up different models in the store to judge how heavy they are when comparing ereaders.
It's no surprise that the larger the ereader is, the bigger dent it will make in your wallet; comparing ereaders' prices means judging what type of e-book reading experience you want while remaining in your budget. Black-and-white e-ink readers are the least expensive, thanks to their smaller screens and limited Internet abilities; they will cost you anywhere from $80 to $150. 7-inch color LCD media tablets like the Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet run from $200 to $250. Full-size color tablets with 10-inch screens like the iPad 2 start at $400 and only get pricier from then on. But what you are paying for is a crystal-clear, super-sharp color LCD screen (some models are backlit) and Wi-Fi or 3G/4G Internet connectivity with lots of apps- in essence, a smaller-sized laptop. However, that doesn't mean e-ink ereaders' screens have no redeeming qualities; their screens may not have color or be backlit, but with an e-ink ereader you won't have to deal with the glare LCD screens get from bright lighting and direct sunlight.
As can be seen, there are several factors to ponder while comparing ereaders and picking the right one for you. Take into account the size of the screen, the weight of the device, what you're going to be doing with it, and how much you're willing to spend when shopping around, and you'll come up with the perfect ereader for your needs.
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