It seems now hardly a week goes by without the announcement of a new e-reader. The last few years of this decade have seen an explosion in this new technology and the original e-book readers are already beginning to look old and dated by the latest thinner, lighter and smarter models
Probably the best known digital reader is the Kindle, by Amazon. The original Kindle has been replaced by the Kindle 2 although Amazon are now referring to the newer model as just the Kindle. The Kindle DX is a large screen version of the original, and Sony have three current readers, the Pocket, the cheapest on the market at $!99.00, the Daily and the Touch. Sony's previous readers, the 505 and 700 were considered by many to be top quality but both have been discontinued and superseded by the three models just mentioned. Bookeen were one of the first on the market and their latest read is the Cybook Opus which has been very well received.
Personally I could never have imagined when growing up that the precious books in my parents' library would one day be surpassed by a small electronic reader. I still love the feel of a real book, but there is no doubt that a Kindle, or Nook, or Sony Reader is so much easier to take with you on a vacation and can carry hundreds of books!
What is an "e-reader"? There are a variety of names for this marvel of modern technology: "e-book reader", "e-book device" "wireless reader" or just "e-reader". Makes include Sony, Amazon's "Kindle", Barnes & Noble's "Nook", IRiver, Hanvon, Bookeen, Elonex, Endless ideas, Interead, Samsung, Foxit, iRex, Junke, with more makers added almost daily.
Expected releases of new e-readers include the QUE proReader by Plastic logic, due for release in 2010, the "boox" by Onyx, and the eClico by Kolporter. Apple's iPad of course was released earlier this year to almost universal acclaim.
Our site aims to show you where to buy e-readers, which models are the best, comparisons between models, and reviews of all e-book readers. Apple are also to enter the market with details to be released soon.
Which is the best e-Reader?
That is a matter of personal opinion, of course and depends on the features that each individual is looking for in a reader. To my mind the Kindle DX gives me a better reading expereince with its larger screen and bigger fonts. PC World, in its November issue, tested and compared many readers and has given their top rating to the Sony Reader Touch edition.
Why buy an e-reader at all? During a recent survey on why people buy e-readers, the largest factor was convenience. Light and easy to hold, great to take on a road-trip or a flight, simple to read in bed without the hassle of a large book, no light problems, saves taking several weighty books with you, but others chose it because of the technology - had to have the latest in-thing! Second highest rating was the ability to instantly buy the latest book. No more waiting for the book to hit the stores, no more lining up to get it. Just press a button and download it instantly. Also highly ranked was the 'green' appeal. Perhaps with the growth of e-readers the forests of the world will be safer. No need to cut down so many trees! Others, particularly the elderly, were impressed with the ability to make the font larger for easier reading. Try doing that on a paper book!
Tags: e-reader. e-readers, ebook, ebooks, ebook reader, ebook readers, ebook book reader, handheld reader, wireless reader, online book, where to buy e-reader, best e-reader, best e-book reader, sony touch, kindle, kindell, electronic book reader.
