Having instant access to thousands of books anywhere and anytime at the touch of your fingertips was really something bookworms used to only dream about. This fantasy came true in recent years when the first portable eBook readers entered the market.
We check out the Top 5 eBook readers that are definitely worth a read.
1) Kindle 3 Wi-Fi
The Amazon Kindle is in the forefront of the eBook reader market and continuing that success is Amazon’s latest update of their Kindle series, the Kindle 3. This new device features a 6-inch screen and weighs 8.5 ounces. E-ink technology on the kindle provides a high contrast and 16 shades of grey to accommodate different light environments.
On the inside, the kindle has a 4GB internal memory that is capable of storing approximately 3500 eBooks, newspapers, magazines and blogs in various file formats made available through Amazon’s online store via Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity. MP3 and AAC capabilities are also included.
Price: US$139
2) Nook Simple Touch Reader
The Nook Simple from Barnes and Noble is the one to give the Kindle a run for its money. This eBook reader uses the same E-ink technology found in the Kindle as well as offering a full touch screen. Weighing in at just 7.48ounces with a 6-inch display, the Nook is no fatty. Although offering only an initial 2GB of internal memory, the Nook Simple has an external microSD card slot expandable up to 32GB, which can store approximately 16000 books.
With built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, users have direct access to Barnes and Noble online store. The Nook Simple is definitely on par with the Kindle but with an additional touch screen that might just convince you to choose the Nook simple instead.
Price:US$139
3) Kindle DX
At first glance, the Kindle DX may look like a Kindle on steroids with a bigger 9.7-inch screen being the only physical difference, but after a second look, the Kindle DX does have its purposes. For avid PDF readers, this is the perfect device for viewing them with native PDF support, so professors with academic PDFs take note!
The Kindle DX has the similar availability of eBooks, newspapers, magazines and blogs via the Amazon online store. So if size does matter to you, the Kindle DX may just be the one for you.
Price:US$379
4) Nook Colour
The Nook Colour is another eBook reader from Barnes and noble that has, well, colour. As the name suggests, the Nook Colour uses a LCD screen instead of the conventional E-Ink screen to display colours. Although this means that the reading from the Nook colour will just be like reading from a computer screen, it becomes an ideal reader for magazines and children’s material.
The Nook colour is an android powered device with web browsing and media playing capabilities, making it more of an eBook that happens to be a tablet.
Price:US$249
5) Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-650BC
For those who just simply refuse to purchase a Nook or Kindle for whatever reason, this is the best alternative eBook reader out there. The 6 inch touch E-Ink screen works really well with the device making it really easy to use.
Sony eBook readers can purchase eBooks through the online Reader Store with a great selection to choose from. With an internal memory of 2GB with external memory slots, storage space for eBooks and media will not be a problem.
Price:US$350
