Overview

eReader Overview

Dependent on the type of content you are intending to read, ease of navigation may be an important issue. When reading a novel, the ability to jump from one section to another is probably not very important - but, with a text-book (like a travel Guide), the opposite applies.  Having an elegant interface where the reader can quickly and easily move from one area to another (and possibly back again) becomes increasingly important.

Not all eReaders provide easy-to-use features - so this is a point possibly worth investigating, before you buy.

Software Formats

• ePUB has become the defacto output standard for many publications due to its text reflow capability and the consistant text formatting and display rules the format insists on, which means Publishers can release titles knowing that they will work on multiple platforms and users (readers) can download titles more freely. As always with technology, not all is perfect nor is it consisitant. So, while the majority of eReaders now support ePUB, there are others that don't - Kindle for example.
• PDF provides the ability for Publishers to produce electronic publications which visually replicate the look and feel of their paper counterparts. As a result publications in PDF format present their titles in best possible style. Unfortunately, PDF based titles do not easily adapt to different size screens and, as a result can look odd on some devices. Additionally users cannot alter fonts or font sizes. So, as a rule of thumb, PDF useually looks great on a PC or Laptop but does not render well on eInk based readers.
• MOBI is another standard which has been around for a while and has often been the format of choice for mobile/cellphones, PDAs and some Smartphones. Additionally, since Mobipocket was acquired by Amazon it has become one of the formats usable on Kindle. Some eReaders (such as BeBook) also support MOBI and, in all cases you need to download the Mobipocket Reader (free) software for PC/Blackberry/Cellphone. MOBI does not conform to all the standards in the ePUB format but it does house lots of content.
• LIT is Mocrosoft's eBook format which has been arround for many years. Somewhat rough and ready, it does the job for Windows and Windows Mobile based devices. Again, a large inventory of titles is available in LIT format.

There are other formats around but the above are the ones likely to last and are the ones which offer access to the most titles. ePUB is undoubtably becoming the industry standard for eReader devices.

Key Features to Look For

Even with prices now starting to move in a downward direction, the purchase of an eReader is still a significant investment. So it's worth checking first that it meets your needs, has a robust software platform and that it will both functionally and asthetically, meet your requirements. Note: The views expressed are as a result of personal use by our staff. If you with to take issue with any of these email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The following is a list of things we believe you should consider:

• If you're intending to read novels or other books - is the screen eInk based? eInk renders in shades of grey and, once a page is loaded, does not flicker. So it's good to read.
• If you are intending to read magazine type content then eInk based devices are not an ideal option. Consider readers like Apple's iPad.
• Battery life. Many eInk based devices offer 5,000+ page turns before recharging is necessary. However devices like iPod, iPhone, cellphones and Smartphones offer much more limited battery life.
• How to download content. Devices like Kindle and Nook offer over-the-air delivery while most Sony, BeBook and other readers need you to download via a PC. Is this convenient for you?
• Screen size - is it big enough for you? Remember that, although you can resize text to suit you, on a small screen that may result in over-frequent page turns.
• Does your device support audio? A useful facility on some devices is an in-built MP3 player function.
• Ease of navigation. Some documents (i.e. Travel Guides, Magazines etc) include link based navigation. It is essential to check just how each device does this. Some devices force you to use many, many key depressions to access a link - not fun when reading.
• What light conditions are you going to read your eBook in? eInk works exceptionally well in bright sunlight but needs external lighting at night (rather like a paper book). Colour readers like iPad and Smartphones do not work well in bright sunlight.
• Will it hold its value in the re-sale market? Some devices seem better than others.
• Physical buttons versus Touch-Screen. Some eReaders have buttons only and here you need to check if their position on the device is good for you. Others (like Sony PRS-600/700) use a combination of touch screen for most functions plus buttons for page turns. Then devices like iPhone and iPad are touch screen only - which means finger prints on the screen over time. What is right for you?
• Screen lighting. With eInk based eReaders the screen stays on, usually until you turn it off or it is unused for an hour or so. However, with cellphone/SmartPhone/iPhone type devices they often will turn-off the screen to save power, if you don't interface with it frequently. What works for you?
• Can you zoom font size easily? This really is a most useful feature because Publishers seem not to have a standard font size on eBook titles. So, often you may need to change size for comfortable reading.
• What formats can this device support? Ideally it can access the top four (ePUB, PDF, MOBI, LIT) - but most eReaders don't. So consider which are best for you and which are likely to be around, over time.

eReader Reviews

Reviews of most popular ereaders are reviewed on this site. These reviews try to keep pace with software releases which tend to address issues and, in some cases, add new functionality.

See ABOUT EREADERS/eReader Reviews, above.