- The Two Kinds of eReaders
- Specifications and Features
- The Bottom Line
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The Bottom Line
When you’re planning to buy an eReader, you need to make sure you understand clearly what you want the device to do for you. If all you want to do is read, then a traditional eReader will suit you fine. I tend to favor the Kindle or Nook, because they have the largest companies and catalogs behind them. They’re the most likely to stick around a long time.
If, on the other hand, you want the broader range of things that tablets offer, consider the iPad. While their prices may be lower, the competing tablets from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo aren’t as refined, powerful, or user-friendly as the iPad. They also don’t have nearly the variety and quality of apps offered for the iPad.
Remember, too, that it’s not always an either/or choice. I’ve been a happy iPad user for a couple of years, but I’m about to get my first eReader, a Kindle. I love the power and versatility of the iPad, but I’m looking forward to the easier reading offered by the eInk screen and the Kindle’s lighter weight. The iPad is a tremendous device but with the prices of eReaders falling all the time, being a two-device book lover makes sense for more and more people.
Check out the following chart for a side-by-side comparison of your choices.
eReaders Compared
|
|
Kindle |
Kindle Fire |
Kobo |
Kobo Vox |
iPad |
Nook |
Nook Tablet |
Reader |
|
Device Price |
$109-$189 |
$199 |
$99 |
$199 |
$499-$829 |
$99-$199 |
$249 |
$129 |
|
Memory (in GB) |
2 – 4 |
8 |
2 |
8 |
16 - 64 |
2 |
16 |
2 |
|
Max. Books Held |
3,500 |
6,000 |
1,000 |
10,000 |
12,000 |
1,000 |
10,000 |
Up to 1,200 |
|
Screen Type |
eInk |
LCD |
eInk |
LCD |
LCD |
eInk |
LCD |
eInk |
|
Screen Size (in inches) |
6 |
7 |
6 |
7 |
9.7 |
6-7 |
7 |
6 |
|
Read in Dark? |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
Battery Life |
2 months |
8 hours |
10 days |
7 hours |
10 hours |
2 months |
11.5 hours |
1 month |
|
Internet Connection |
Wi-Fi and 3G |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi and 3G |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
|
Choice of Book Stores |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Apps |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Games |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Weight (in ounces) |
5.98 – 8.7 |
14.6 |
6.5 – 7.8 |
14.2 |
21.3 |
7.48 – 15.8 |
14.1 |
5.9 |