How do I Compare Ebook Readers?

E-book readers are lightweight and can carry many books on one device.

There are at least a dozen e-book readers currently on the market or due to be released and it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs. Different e-book readers offer different advantages and disadvantages and vary depending on what make and model they are. While one may be the exact size you are looking for, it may weigh more than you wish to carry. Be careful to check out each e-book reader's specifications before buying and research thoroughly to ensure that you are buying the right product for your needs.

Things You'll Need

• Video demos
• Electronic store visit
• Review sites
• Review of e-book seller prices

Instructions

1. Watch video demos to get an idea of how each e-book reader works. Sites like YouTube often feature demonstrations and reviews of products and can be an ideal way of viewing readers without having to go to a store to see them. Pay attention to details such as battery life, screen-size, weight and readability. E-ink is designed to look like traditional ink but is more easily legible on some readers. Legibility can also be affected by bright sunlight, so if you plan on reading your e-book outdoors, a video demo showing the screen in bright light can help you gauge how readable the text will be.

2. 

   Sales assistants may be on commission so advice may be biased.

   Visit a store and ask a sales assistant to give you a demonstration of the store's available e-book readers. However, only do this if you have eliminated the possibility of buying e-book readers that are available for sale online. Many e-book readers are currently only available to buy online, so don't be swayed by one you can buy in a store. Research the online options to be sure they are not for you.

3. Read review sites to get an indication of how other people are enjoying their e-book readers. Consumer websites feature reviews from the general public, so the opinions tend to be less biased than the sales spiel featured on an e-book reader's website. These review sites are also useful for discovering those faults that do not become apparent until the device has been owned for a while. Other site users can tell you whether the battery lasts as long as possible or whether the text format of the screen strains the eyes.

4. Review e-book seller websites and get an idea of pricing and availability of e-books. Different e-books may not be compatible with different e-book readers and the cheapest e-books might not work on the device you have chosen. Be advised that Kindle currently doesn't support the free e-books uploaded by Google so you may end up spending more on e-books than you would like to. However, as Kindle is an Amazon product, the number of e-books available for download is impressive.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you buy an e-book reader, be sure that it works in your location. Certain types of e-book readers are compatible with certain internet providers which may not be available in your area or country.

References

• Wired: Buying Guide: How to Choose an E-Book Reader Read More http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/05/buying-guide-e-book-reader/#ixzz0v5jIYeYm
• RNIB: What to Look for in Ebook Readers
• Consumer Search: eBook Readers: What To Look For
• The EBook Reader: eBook Reader Reviews, News, and eReader Comparisons
• PC Mag: How to Buy an eBook Reader

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish