Here’s what to look for in an e-reader.
Screen key in
E-reader displays used to be made with a technology calledE Ink.
However, tablet computers like theApple iPadintroduced several backlit or LCD e-reader displays.
Denniro / iStock / Getty Images
Even E Ink stalwart Amazon launched tablet versions of itsKindle line, the Kindle Fire.
Each has advantages and disadvantages.
E Ink tends to reduce eye strain and improve battery life.
An LCD screen can display color and typically comes with touchscreen capabilities.
There are also hybrid readers, such as the newer E Ink Kindle and the Barnes & Noble NOOK.
These e-readers feature both an electronic paper display and an LCD touchscreen at the same time.
For electronic paper displays, compare screens.
Some have better contrast and a higher resolution than others.
There are all sorts of options when it comes to size.
Amazon’s basic Kindle or the Barnes & Noble NOOK Glowlight Plus are on the smaller end.
Both are light and easy to take with you on the go.
None of those can fit in a pocket.
Still, if you want a big screen, these are worth considering.
Interface
E-reading machine control is typically based on buttons, a touchscreen, or a combination.
Button-based controls require less power and are more accurate.
Still, these controls can be cumbersome to use.
Touchscreens are more intuitive but can be laggy, smudge-prone, and typically drain more battery.
Touchscreens are gaining popularity as the interface of choice, even for E-Ink-based displays.
The iPad, Kindle Fire, and NOOK tablets use LCD touchscreens.
These features are essential for younger children and seniors, who sometimes have trouble using devices like this.
Basic e-readers without fancy features typically have a longer battery life.
Devices with Wi-Fi and web browsing tend to have shorter operating times.
At the higher end of the feature spectrum are tablets like the iPad, which function like a mini-computer.
Formats
You’ll also want to check the rig’s ability to handle file formats.
Popular file formats include EPUB, PDF, TXT, and HTML.
The more formats a gear can display, the better.
Also, peek if an e-reader uses an open format or a proprietary format.
Capacity
This determines how much media fits in the gadget at one time.
The higher the memory, the more e-books and files you’re free to fit.
High capacity is especially important for multimedia e-readers that also play music, video, and apps.
Free e-book sources like Project Gutenberg are another option.
Price
This can be the most significant factor when buying an e-book reader.
Analysts and industry insiders have said that $99 is the magic price point for most e-readers.
There are several options in that price range.
In the early 2010s, many e-readers had price tags over $400.
These days, that’s enough to buy a tablet.
