eReaders

Experiencing ebooks easily

Real paper and ink books will never lose my deepest affection, but many ebooks are making their way into my collection too. I love old books, and I don't want to lose out on reading them just because I can't find a copy - or an affordable copy!

After comparing several eReaders, I've made my choice and have some tips to share to help you make yours.

First, the bullet list of just a few of my favorite advantages of an eReader:

• Easy on your eyes, unlike a computer screen.
• No reams of paper to be scattered around from printing off ebooks.
• Lightweight and great size for carrying with you (unlike book bags full of books I tend to take with me everywhere - or have scattered around me at home.)
• Lightweight and great size for ease of handling, including turning pages one handed. (Great for reading in bed, or one handed while doing other things. Nursing moms, this is for you!)

I have enjoyed collecting, as ebooks, many out of print books that I couldn't find printed copies of. What I don't enjoy is reading them on the computer, creating eyestrain. I've printed several off in the last couple years. A duplexing, small laser printer* has made it easy and inexpensive to do. But you still just have a bunch of papers compiled together, not a nicely bound book. (More papers are certainly not a plus in our home. But more collectible books are always welcome.)

A year ago, or even just a few months ago, I thought I'd never be serious about an eReader, (an electronic screen for reading e-books, that doesn't have a backlight, so isn't hard on your eyes.) But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. An entire library that fits easily in your purse and weighs just a few ounces. (Hmm, that could save taking a few book bags on trips.) Not necessary to print them out to read. (Hmm, that could save a few (hundred) reams of paper.) E-ink technology. (Hmm, that could save my eyes.)

I began the search and research. The choice was narrowed down to Kindle, Nook, and Sony Touch.

The Kindle was ruled out for a few reasons. I'm not a fan of propriety formats. I didn't like the limited storage or non-accessible/ non-customer changeable battery. I didn't like the keyboard navigation. I did like the G3 internet access, but since I don't have AT&T access here, that was sort of a moot point. [I've since found out that Kindle access does work here. Also Kindle has added a Browser (beta) which does give it some pluses. That propriety format is my main reason for not going with Kindle.]

The Nook was also in the running, and came closer to winning. Touchscreen navigation gave it some brownie points, but it is not full touchscreen. Expandable storage was a plus. 3G and wireless, great, but again AT&T. And again, propriety format, but epub and pdf supported from your computer downloads. (Important to me, since I don't plan on buying ebooks from B&N - or Amazon for that matter. BTW, I saw no free books from B&N that I would recommend reading.)

The Sony Touch was the winner. Touchscreen. Expandable storage and replaceable battery. Non-propriety, epub (and pdf) formats—meaning GoogleBooks and probably your public library ebooks are compatible. Highlighting, bookmarking and notetaking ability—I like that, but it wasn't the selling feature. Missing, the wireless/3G net browsing. If the net feature was available here, I'd probably have gotten the Nook. Without it, I went for the red Sony with full touchscreen. So far loving it. (Although the screen is less responsive than I'm used to or like. It does not have an iPod Touch touch or swipe feel at all.) [After using it for a while, I've found that using the back of my fingernail works better than the pad of my finger for touching and swiping.]

An eReader may be a great solution for you too. The Sony Touch may be the perfect eReader for you—or not. The Nook and Kindle are worth looking at, depending on your needs. There are far more features to compare than I have listed. Those are the ones that mattered most to me. And there are other eReaders that may meet your needs. It was a hard decision for me between the Nook and the Sony. (I went for an eReader solely for the e-ink ease on the eyes, otherwise I'm sure it would have been iPad that won out.)

[As has already happened since I bought my Reader (2 months ago,) technology is constantly advancing. Compare current features before purchasing.]

I downloaded Calibre, a free ebook management app, to load my e-books from my computer onto my Reader. I really like it and recommend it. It will also convert formats for you (such as pdf to epub.)

You can see my list of links for places to get free out-of-print/out-of-copyright ebooks here.

*My laser printer is almost this model. Mine is only available as refurb now, and higher priced.

L.E.D.

Home

Write Us

L.E.D. Resources and
Recommendations