Getting started with e-readers

Hello and welcome to my Blog.  

I'm looking at e-readers and what to think about if you're considering whether or not to buy one for yourself, or as a gift.  

This also includes iPad’s, Android and other tablets plus smart phones and e-ink devices, all of which are capable of displaying e-books.

I don't promise to have all the answers, but I've done some thinking and research, so hopefully this information will help you decide what e-reader option(s) could suit you best.

So, are you sitting comfortably?  Then I'll begin!

Reasons to buy an e-reader

·                     First, the cool factor.  You just want one, you know you do!  Now, thinking with your head not your heart, here are some better reasons.

·                     Portability.  Your library can fit in your pocket.  No more filling your backpack with holiday reading, or prescribed texts, as most e-readers are no heavier than a paperback.

·                     Some models let you highlight and add notes, important when studying.  You also don’t need to print out every article you want to read whilst waiting for a bus, etc.

·                     There are a number of sites with free to download books.

·                     The range and variety of publications available is increasing rapidly.  For example, Amazon has announced it’s planning to introduce e-textbooks for rental or purchase.

·                     Turn pages by pressing a button, or swiping the screen.   Bookmarks capture where you reached. Both of these could be useful for someone with impaired dexterity (e.g. arthritis).

·                     You can enlarge the font, making it easier to read. Some models have text to speech ability, if vision is really an issue.

Possible reasons not to buy an e-reader.

·                     Cost.  Although the price is falling, purchase of an e-reader is still a considerable outlay.  E-books also vary considerably in price, and new (better?) models are being introduced.

·                     Library services for e-books are still developing and are not available in all areas.  The e-book collections are not as extensive as the paper ones.

·                     If several members of your family want to read the same item, it’s easy to pass around a book, but not always easy to transfer items between e-readers.  

·                     If you lose/damage your e-reader you may lose your entire book collection.

·                     Battery life is not infinite.  A paper book won't run out of charge just when you reach the exciting bit…..

What do you want to use it for?

If you still want an e-reader, start thinking about how it’s going to be used. This will affect which options you seriously consider.

·                     Do you want just to download and read books, or are you likely to want to look at magazines, newspapers, blogs and download apps?

·                     Where are you going to use it?  Some don’t fully function outside the USA.

·                     Some e-readers are limited to certain e-book stores, and document formats, making it difficult to use for items acquired elsewhere, e.g. borrowed from a library.

That's all for now, in future postings I'll look in more detail at the various options available, e.g. Kindle, Kobo, iPad, Android and other tablets.


Thanks for reading, and I'd welcome any feedback or comments.