EBook readers are fantastic electronic devices that offer the ability to read and store various books. There are many factors that you will need to consider before buying one in order not to waste money on a product that does not satisfy you, and this applies to all new technological accessories. Carefully analyzing these factors will allow you to make the best choice when deciding to purchase an eBook reader, either for yourself or for someone else. Here's how to do it!
Steps
Step 1. Learn what an eBook reader is
An eBook reader is a device that allows you to browse electronic files that contain text, the so-called "electronic books". Typically an eBook reader has a low resolution, but an anti-glare, often non-backlit, black and white screen the size of a paperback book page. Unlike a general purpose computer or smartphone, often backlit devices, the eBook reader is lighter, thinner, and has a longer average battery life. EBook readers typically read one or more proprietary electronic text formats. Some readers are also able to read documents in other formats, such as the open standard “ePub”, normal text files, PDFs, Word documents, and so on. Still other readers allow you to write notes, synchronize with other devices, etc. EBook readers do not give the same “feel” of a book, which some like, but they have many other advantages, such as being very light, portable, and containing many more pages than any paperback book. This makes them ideal devices to take on vacation and to read outdoors or while traveling.
- A device made for reading eBook formats might be the most convenient choice, but it's not the only one. There are dozens of free programs that can be installed on PCs and smartphones to be able to read ePubs and many other patented formats, such as Nook and Kindle. It is the best choice if you don't read eBooks often. These devices have good backlighting, very large screens (especially useful if you are reading complicated material and have to go back and forth continuously in the text), and can be used to read eBooks before buying a proper reader.
- An eBook reader is a great gift, especially for anyone who is both tech-savvy and reading enthusiast. Since there are many formats, make sure the person you are giving it to can return it if they find that the device does not meet their needs.
- Not all eBook readers can handle the same formats. In addition to their own proprietary formats, many readers support HTML, text files, and JPGs, but not all support the open ePub standard. It is very important to make this distinction if you choose to purchase books from the catalog made available by your bookstore manufacturer or if you also want to have access to the thousands of copyright-free books found on Project Gutenberg.
- Be aware that some eBook readers can handle the PDF format better than others. This is important if you intend to read a lot of PDF files.
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Some of the most common eBook readers are:
- Barnes and Noble's Nook
- The Kobo eReader
- The Amazon Kindle
- Sony's eReader
- Each of these players has their own specific features. Among the surrogate readers of eBooks (devices used both to read eBooks and for more general purposes) are the computer, the smartphone (with the appropriate app installed) and the iPad (or tablets, in general).
Step 2. Learn what features to look for in an eBook reader
There are many things to consider when choosing an eBook reader. An important thing to keep in mind is that choosing an eBook reader is no different than choosing another electronic gadget or even a car. It all depends on what you want to do with it, there is no one-size-fits-all eBook reader, and its features can make a difference in terms of choice. Since features are what matter most, below you will find a list that explains what you need to pay attention to:
- Memory: how many eBooks or documents can the reader contain? Is it possible to expand the memory?
- Supported formats: Can the reader handle several formats, or does it use only one format (re-read the previous steps)? Is this ability (or lack thereof) evident in the price?
- Connectivity: Does the player have a 3G or Wi-Fi connection? Nowadays the most recent ones have them.
- Characteristics of the screen: you need to check the readability of the screen, the color, the size and if it is equipped with anti-glare.
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Readability: is it easy to read? Who is the reader who seems most like a book? Some readers are better in this respect than others.
- Color: Is the screen black and white or color? Both have advantages and disadvantages. Black and white allows the eye not to strain when reading a novel, or under the sun (see "Readability"), while illustrated books, comics and electronic magazines, where color is necessary to be able to appreciate its beauty and illustrations, they need a color eBook reader.
- Size: Compare the size of an eBook reader to that of another surrogate electronic device, such as a tablet or laptop, and decide which one you prefer, and whether you are willing to use a small screen while reading.
- Reflection: One of the advantages of black and white eBook readers (which use E-ink technology), is that they can be read in the sun without any kind of reflection or loss of readability, unlike laptops., colorful eBook readers and tablets. If you intend to read outdoors, remember to take this aspect into consideration.
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Weight and comfort: Everyone has their own preferences regarding the weight and convenience of an eBook reader, but there are a few things to consider:
- Does it weigh less than a regular paperback book? It should.
- Is it easy to handle and transport? It is best to choose a product that is not bulky, uncomfortable or difficult to handle. Try to hold the eBook reader in the store to check its weight and make sure it fits.
- You'll be spending a lot of time with your eBook reader, so it's important that it's comfortable and practical. For example, the eBook reader you choose may have a great screen and very comfortable buttons, but if after five minutes you notice your eyes are getting tired, then that's not good. You need to be able to read it for a long time without experiencing eye discomfort or headache.
- Battery life: How long does the battery last according to the manufacturer? Better not to buy a device that drains after an hour, especially if you took it to the beach. I might as well bring you a book! Can the battery be replaced personally or does it have to be sent for service?
- Ease of downloading content: is it easy to download eBooks? Do you have to connect the device to the computer or can you do it even without? This particularity can be important if you buy the eBook reader for an elderly person who is not very familiar with new technologies.
- Sharing: The ability to transfer an eBook from one device to another is very important, especially if you need to transfer the books you have purchased from an old device to a new one. If your reader doesn't allow it, you run the risk of losing all your purchases if it stops working. Does the eBook reader allow you to share your books with friends?
- Other characteristics: what other features does the device have? For example, does it allow you to write notes? Is simple? Some eBook readers have keyboards that work well. Others are quite difficult to use and can be distracting when reading. Is it easy to go back and search the text? Does it contain any dictionaries? Is it possible to upload more?
Step 3. Read online product reviews
Even if it takes some time, it is important to do so when buying an expensive product, especially one like this in constant and rapid evolution. You need to be sure that the product you are buying is the best of its kind, and figure out if it has all the features you need. To carry out a thorough and satisfying search you will need to read both professional reviews and those of buyers, in this way you will have a balanced opinion. While people who review tech products on a professional level get paid to exalt some features, the external perspective of consumers will give you a realistic perspective on whether or not that eBook reader is really worth buying.
Ask people you know. Friends and family may have their own idea of what's important to know before buying an eBook reader. For example, some readers only allow you to read books, while others have internet access that allows you to visit blogs and sites. Asking questions directly to people who have used this accessory is better than looking for information online, and people are usually very interested in making sure someone doesn't fall into the same rip-offs they have been a victim of
Step 4. Pay attention to where you buy your reader
Although the idea of buying an eBook reader overseas might be tempting, first check that it works here in Italy as well. You may have trouble downloading the books because you are in a different state than the one in which the reader was purchased. Be careful as you may lose money trying to save! Also, check what method the reader uses to download the books. Some allow you to download files from the internet and transfer them via USB, while others only allow transfer via USB. What is the method that suits you the most?
- Check if there are any special offers in progress that allow you to have free eBooks with the purchase of the reader. Some producers, in collaboration with some book stores, provide free or loaned content. Remember that the ability to download or borrow books for free varies from shop to shop.
- Check if your local library offers eBooks. Many libraries nowadays have electronic books in their catalog that they lend just like paper books. Ask the librarian in your country if there are compatibility problems with your reader, especially if you intend to use the library often.
Step 5. Some eBook readers support much more content than others
The ideal would be to buy an eBook reader with the highest compatibility, in this way you will be able to access all the content that interests you. However, thanks to the rapid transition from print to digital, this problem hardly exists anymore. What's important is being able to access the content that interests you. If you haven't been able to figure this out well through your research, ask the retailer directly for more information.
Step 6. Visit the store and try the eBook reader
When you have completed your searches, compile a list of features you like (read the suggestions presented above) and take it with you to the store. You will have to visit different stores to try out the largest number of eBook readers. Take some time to understand how they work and ask all the questions that cross your mind to the clerk. It is important to touch the product with your hand before buying it, because it gives you the opportunity to understand if it is able to meet your needs.
Try reading at least one chapter of a book to test the readability of the device. As you read, try to figure out if it's easy to read, turn pages, and search for information
Step 7. Don't rush
It is always better to go home after trying the product to rethink the purchase. You've done the necessary research and tried the products, now give yourself a few days to consider what's the best. Do not be rushed by boredom, loneliness, stress or the desire to have the latest technological gadget. These devices are new, so they change very quickly. If you want to spend a lot of money on it, then you need to be sure you are buying the right one.
- Some readers have very advanced features, but if you just need the basic ones for the moment, consider buying a cheap one, this way you can buy a better one in the future. Note that since the first eBook readers went on sale, prices have dropped substantially, so it doesn't hurt to be patient for a while.
- Consider buying a second-hand eBook reader. Older models are often more functional than those that replaced them, and can be found at lower prices.
- Make sure you check the warranty carefully. New products may present problems that have not yet been detected and it is better to be sure that you can return them in case something goes wrong, also try to understand what would happen if due to technical problems you lose the eBooks you have purchased.
Advice
- Read first the most recent reviews about the products currently available and the content of the libraries from which to download the books. Do not base your purchase choice on outdated information, eBook readers are part of a new technology, so they change and improve from year to year.
- Each product has its own warranty specifications, so don't think they are the same for everyone.
- Consider buying a cover to protect the reader. This is useful for avoiding scratches and bumps, especially if you have children or pets at home that could cause it to fall.
- When researching online, be sure to consult multiple sources. If you only read Amazon user reviews you may find partial information, because not all the products available on the market are on that site.
- As with traditional books, many eBook readers need a light source in order to be read in the dark.
Warnings
- Ask yourself this question: "Do I really need an eBook reader NOW?" If you can wait, it is always better to delay the purchase a bit, since devices in the long run tend to be more functional and cheaper than those available now.
- Check for content restrictions. Remember that there are readers that only support certain types of eBooks. If you use multiple formats, whether for business or personal reasons, the eBook reader you choose may prove unsuitable for your needs.
- Disable wireless when reading to extend battery life.
- Ask yourself if you really need an eBook reader or if you are simply influenced by the urge to have a new technological accessory. If you read a lot of books, novels or poems then an eBook reader is a useful tool. If you are not an avid reader, then buying such an accessory will be just a waste of money.
- Obviously reading a book on one of these devices is not the same as reading a real one, made of paper and ink. Always try to read something on the device before buying it, in this way you will avoid the embarrassment of bringing it back and asking for compensation because you have discovered that you do not like it.
