Things to Consider Before Buying an Ebook Reader

Any smart shopper is bound to have many questions before buying an ebook reader. Questions about price, compatibility, battery life and size are just some things to consider. First, reviewing a comparison of ebook readers will help any shopper narrow down their choices. But the following will help shoppers decide which ebook readers is right for them.

Price - The Apple iPad Tablet is quite a bit more expensive ($500+) than the Amazon Kindle ($130+), but comes with lots of extra bells and whistles. If you are simply looking for a device that lets you read books on-the-go, you shouldn't have to spend more than $200.

Compatibility - An important variable to consider when in the market for an ebook reader is it's compatibility. Not all ebook readers support the same file formats. If you are hoping to read only books, there should be no problem. However, if you are wanting to read magazines, newspapers, PDF's etc. you will want to check the devices capabilities first.

Connectivity - This is another important aspect to the ebook reader to consider before buying. You will need some sort of connection in order to put material on your reader. These connections will vary. For example, the Amazon Kindle (3G version) lets you download books at any time or place, whereas the Aluratek you will have to plug into a computer first.

Battery - Nobody wants to get deep into the last nail-biting chapter of a Steven King novel only to have the page go blank in front of their eyes. The battery life of each of these devices will vary. Obviously, the amount, where, and how you will be using your ereader is an important factor to consider. The battery life could make or break your decision to buy, or not to buy.

Availability of books - Finally, the heart and soul of why you are here, the books. Most ebook readers are capable of holding enough books for even the most avid bookworm. Although, the availability of books is another story. Each ebook reader will have a different store for you to shop from. For example, the Nook allows you to shop the Barnes and Noble online bookstore, but if they don't have the title you want, you might be out of luck. The Kindle lets you shop the Amazon bookstore, the #1 bookstore on the internet.

If you've made it this far, I'm assuming you have already decided that an ebook reader is right for you... but which one? Whether your interest in an ereader is a matter of convenience, portability, helping the environment or simply to fulfill the need for the latest gadget, I hope this has helped. In the end, the decision lies in your hands. But before you buy, research, compare and decide which ebook reader is right for you.

Before buying an ebook reader, it is helpful to know your options. With this comparison of ebook readers, you can easily see some the specifications and technical differences in some of the most popular ereaders on the market.

Amazon Kindle Reader

With so much to say about the Amazon Kindle, there is no wonder it's currently the best selling ebook reader on the market. The new version is lighter, thinner, longer-lasting, cheaper and crisper, not to mention capable of holding enough books to fill a library. In fact, PC World Magazine declares it's "the best dedicated ebook reader you can buy...Amazon has managed to increase the contrast on the Kindle in a way that sets it above the Nook, Sony Readers, or any other dedicated ebook reader we've tested." With that being said, lets review some features:

Sony Digital Reader

Sony is one of the most trusted names in the business of electronics. A fact that is further solidified by the popularity of their latest ebook reader. It's a perfect for any reader on-the-go, small enough to fit in your purse or coat pocket. The reader uses EInk technology, which makes the display equal to that of ink on paper, whether in the sunlight or indoors. With plenty of storage space, there is no more deciding which book to bring on vacation...just bring them all.

The Nook Ebook Reader

The Nook, brought to you by a mighty fine bookstore by the name of Barnes and Noble. The Nook lets you connect to any Wi-Fi or any AT&T hotspot in order to shop the Barnes and Noble online bookstore. There you can find over 1 million titles. With great readability and equally great price, the Nook is another option to consider when looking for an ebook reader.

Apple iPad Tablet

It's hard to compare Apple products to others, just as it's hard to compare apples to oranges. This particular orange is a great ereader, and much more. If the "much more" part of the Apple iPad Tablet interests you, then it is worth the high price tag. The truth is, the iPad puts every digital item you own (audio books, photos, music, books, contacts, address book, email etc.) into one place: your hands. That's pretty nuts.

Bookeen Ebook Reader

The Bookeen Ebook Reader puts up a good fight and is well-worth considering if in the market for a solid ereader. It has an easy, user-friendly interface that lets you download titles and browse nearby public libraries fast. The accelerometer is a cool feature which switches screen positions for you automatically from portrait to landscape, depending on how you hold the device.

The Ectaco Jetbook Ereader

The Ectaco Jetbook Ereader just might be the genius step-child of the ereader family. With sufficient storage space, slick design, adjustable fonts, screen positioning and much more, I'm having a hard time finding anything wrong with the Ectaco Jetbook Ereader.

The Aluratek Ebook Reader

The Aluratek Ebook Reader is the latest and greatest in the world of ebook readers. The latest technology allow the Aluratek to read just like print and paper. There has never been a better time to move your library from the corner shelf and into your hand.