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iPad or eReader: What Should Book-Lovers Buy?

  • Dec 28, 2011
Even though people who love physical books may wish it weren't so, publishers and authors agree that the publishing industry is rapidly becoming digital. But for book lovers who want to go digital, there are a lot of questions. To make a smart purchase, and to join the eBook revolution, Sam Costello gives you some answers and helps you figure out what eReader or tablet is best for you.
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This article identifies 11 key characteristics of eReaders that book-lovers need to take into account when making a purchase and examines how the leading devices—Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kobo, and Sony Reader—stack up.

The Two Kinds of eReaders

When it comes to choosing an eReader, there are two basic categories: traditional eReaders and tablets.

Traditional eReaders are devices dedicated specifically to reading. These devices—like the Kindle or the Nook—have grayscale screens optimized for text and to make it easy to read for a long time. Their screens are about the size of paperback book, and the devices are light.

Tablets, on the other hand, are larger, heavier devices that can be used for reading eBooks, but do many other things. Tablets, like the iPad, have color screens more like what you’d find on a laptop and can run apps and access the Internet.

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Last Update: November 17, 2020