There are quite a few options when it comes to reading books electronically. There are many different portable devices available, e.g. iPad, iPod, Android, Kindle, Nook. Smartphones and tablet devices have free apps to read ebooks. Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes and Noble (Nook) have recently developed tablets to read books, magazines, surf the web, play music and apps. Keep in mind, in addition to the cost of the device, most apps and ebooks cost $. Below is a break down of some options:
e-Book Reader Options:
1. Kindle Touch. The Kindle version with the 5 way controller ($79) and Kindle Touch ($99) come with WiFi or 3G and a 6" display. They do come with ads, but you can pay additional $30/$40 respectively to get one without the ads. These two versions are strictly black and white and the only options are to read books, magazines and newspapers. They also make 2 other b/w Kindle devices that have full keyboards. Download ebooks directly from the device in the Amazon Kindle Store.
2. Kindle Fire. Tablet with full 7" color display. Download apps, read ebooks and magazines, watch movies, surf the web, and listen to music. $199.
3. Nook Touch. Black and white device to read ebooks. WiFi built in, 6" display, no ads. Download ebooks from the Barnes and Noble Store. Also, magazines and newspaper available in b/w. $99
4. Nook Tablet and Color. $199 for Nook Tablet and $169 for Nook Color. Both color with 7" display and WiFi. As far as I could tell the main difference is the Tablet is faster and has a longer battery life. Download apps, read ebooks and magazines, watch movies, surf the web, and listen to music.
5. iPad/iPod/iPhone. Prices vary, for these devices use an app to read ebooks. Many apps available such as, iBooks, Kindle, Nook, and Stanza. Apps are free, but ebooks cost money. Download audio books too from apps like Audiobooks and Audible.
6. Android Tablets. The Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab are the most popular. They have different display sizes available. The 10" displays run $499 and are powered by Google. They have all the same features as the other color tablets listed above.
To sum it up: The black and white ebook Readers (e Ink) have longer batteries (~1 month) and when reading, look just like a book. The color tablet versions have a much shorter battery life (~8-10 hours), but have options with apps and more memory (8GB+). Most ebook devices have built in dictionaries and adjustable text size. Plus, ebooks and audio books are available for loan from the Arrowhead Library System for 2 weeks (if a member).
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