1. What Is An eBook Reader?
2. Common Specs To Look Out For In An eBook Reader
3. The eBook Reader Vs. Other Devices

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.

 

 

 

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