eReaders: The Next Literary Chapter
Reasons to shelve the hardcover and go digital
If you haven’t tried an eReader yet, it may be time to give the small screen a shot. With their easy readability, effortless portability, and bargain pricing (as compared to print books), even the most diehard paper purists can appreciate the benefits of these simple, practical reading devices.
What’s an eReader, anyway?
An eReader, or eBook reader, is a device that stores and displays books in digital or text form. The typical eReader can store hundreds of books and allows for easy, instant accessibility with the flick of a finger.
Lightweight, portable, and easy to use—even for readers who aren’t particularly tech-savvy—eReaders are quickly making inroads into the modern literary population. Designed to ensure clear display in any level of light, they’re a smart choice for anyone who loves to read but doesn’t want to carry around books or portable lighting.
Advantages of going digital
We’ve already mentioned a few of the cool things about eReaders, but here’s a more comprehensive list of reasons you may want to consider digitizing your library:
No light required: Want to get in another chapter before drifting off to sleep, but don’t want to disturb your partner by turning on the lamp? Illuminated eReader screens are easy to see in any level of light.
Lightweight and portable: If you’re tired of lugging around books, an eReader provides a convenient solution especially when traveling. Smaller than a paperback and about the same weight, they won’t bog you down as you make your way through your busy day or through the airport. Best of all, you can carry around your entire literary collection without adding a single ounce to your handbag or briefcase.
Unlimited titles: No more driving to and from the bookstore or library—now you can browse millions of books and download them right to your handheld device. Instant gratification at its finest!
Easy on the wallet: Although you’ll have to invest a bit of money up-front to purchase the actual device, eBooks themselves are generally much less expensive than their print counterparts, starting at $0.99 and up. Best of all, over 2 million classics and other works are available for free in eBook format. And most libraries offer eBooks on loan for free.
Choosing a new eReader
Today’s most popular eReaders include the Amazon Kindle, the Kobo, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, and the Sony Reader, each of which offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of tools for downloading, accessing, and reading books.
Amazon Kindle – The three generations of Amazon Kindle range in price from $79 – $149, offering touch-screen capabilities, 14 days of book lending, up to 2 months of battery life, an optional keyboard, and up to 4GB of memory (holds 3,500 books).
Barnes & Noble Nook – Priced at $99, the Nook has a touch-screen, up to 10 days of battery life, digital lending between devices, and 2G of memory to hold up to 1,000 books.
Sony Reader – The Sony Reader is at the high end of the price range at $149, offering a web browser, support for multiple media formats, an enhanced touch screen, and up to one month of battery life.
Kobo eReader – With storage space for up to 1,000 books, the Kobo eReader is priced at $129. Its features include one month of battery life, a web browser, and touch-screen capability.
Many people use Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad as eReaders, though they’re not designed specifically for this purpose and may not offer the most seamless reading experience.
Have you tried an eReader yet? What was your experience? We’d love for you to share your story with your fellow readers.