How Do I Know Which eBook Reader is the Most Suitable for Me?

When comparing eBook Readers there are a number of factors that one needs to take into consideration. The choices of devices are growing daily and the options on the devices are growing as well. For some people, the number of books the Reader will store is the most important while for others it’s the ease of transport. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals take into consideration as many factors as possible when comparing one model to another.

This article will compare 4 different models and discuss the features of each so that any reader can decide which might be best suited for his or her individual needs.  Comparisons include screen size, weight, wireless capabilities, memory, battery time, and navigation ease. The four models are as follows:

Amazon Kindle 2 eBook Reader – This reader is often referred to as the “next generation reader and features improved ergonomics and navigation.  It has a better display than the original version, and more storage capacity.  The battery life just keeps getting better while maintaining a subscription-free wireless access to Sprint’s 3G data network. 

With Amazon being the primary Kindle Store service, users have the largest choice of eBooks and can, of course, download them for free, and with the high speed network utilized by Kindle, books can be downloaded most anytime and anywhere.  The service is turned on automatically and requires no monthly service plans, bills or commitments from its customers.  Over 200,000 books are available for downloading which included those on the New York Times bestsellers.  Magazines and newspapers may also be auto-delivered wirelessly. 

The Kindle 2 weighs a mere 10.2 ounces and offers a 6 inch screen which means portability is simple and easy.  Approximately 1500 books can be downloaded to the Kindle 2.  Battery time is around 2 weeks.

Amazon Kindle DX – This is a large screen device that is actually 1.5 times larger than the regular Kindle display.  This technology also offers native PDF support and it is probably safe to say that the DX is more suitable for reading electronic versions of newspapers, magazines, and formatted books. 

This eBook Reader also has an iPhone-like accelerometer that changes the orientation of the screen when you rotate the Reader.  It offers a 9.7 inch screen and weighs 18.9 ounces making it almost double the weight of the Kindle 2.  The download capabilities of the DX far surpass the Kindle 2 in allowing for up to 3500 books.  Battery time is about 2 weeks.

Sony PRS 700 – This device is somewhat comparable to the iPhone in its touch screen capabilities and turn pages back and forth swiping motion.  It has improved navigation and a faster processor.  A stylus is provided to highlight or search words and make notes.  Much like the Kindle 2 it offers a 6 inch screen and a 10 ounce weight.  The memory of the Sony PRS 700 is 512 Mb and the battery time is about 7500 pages.

Sony PRS 505 – This reader allows you to download books from the Sony bookstore as well as from other eBook online stores.  The Sony bookstore also offers you credit for 100 free eBook downloads from their Classic collection.  Similar to other eBook Readers, the Sony PRS 505 offers approximately 7500 pages of battery life and like the Sony PRS 700, a 6 inch screen.  It weighs a mere 9 ounces and has 192 Mb of memory.

Fujitsu Flepia

This is the Cadillac of eReaders. It is the first color eBook reader in the world, but you pay for it with a whopping $1,000 price tag. It also offers an 8” touchscreen, Wi-Fi and wireless Bluetooth. You can store books on a 4GB SD card, and you will get 40 hours continuous use from each charge.  If money was no object, this would do what any other eReader does, and then some. According to Digital Book Readers, these new devices are currently being tested as a point of sale (POS) terminal in the Termina Kinshicho Fujiya restaurant in Tokyo as an interactive menu. In addition to allowing diners to select their menu choices by tapping its sexy touchscreen, the device also gives patrons access to train schedules, local weather, and other shopping sites.

BeBook:  Endless Ideas

Endless ideas is a Dutch company, and their BeBook is nothing much to look at with around average functionality. However, it is light at 7.8 ounces, so very easy to carry. It also offers you a choice of fonts that can be changed as you are reading.  Its triple zoom is also a useful feature for an ebook reader in its price range ($300-$350).  It is compatible with a massive range of file formats, and would be useful for open source texts that can come in many disguises.

General

Prices on most devices range from $200 to $500. The best Reader is really a decision based upon your personal needs and preferences.  If you are considering purchasing a Reader, you should spend some time reading customer reviews and testimonials to determine what other users have found to be the most satisfactory or unsatisfactory features about each of the various models.

In a recent review on ConsumerSearch.com, experts placed Amazon’s Kindle 2 overwhelmingly the best eBook reader on the market, commenting “The Kindle 2's only drawback of note is limited file format support and even this limitation is considered by some to be negligible.” The best budget eReader was the Sony PRS-505.

While Apple’s iPhone is not a dedicated eReader, it is extremely convenient, and can be paired with the Kindle for iPhone application that is available free. With that, users can get access to the Amazon range of titles, but without the range of features available on a dedicated reader.

As technology continues to advance, the eBook Reader is here to stay.  And with the rapid pace of technological advances the options they offer will only get better and better. What that means, however, is that like computers, your reader will be liable to be approaching obsolescence shortly after purchase, although useable nevertheless. With that, however, prices will drop and become more affordable to schools and students.