Comparison of eReaders Features
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What Features Are Most Important When Choosing One To Buy?

With eReaders gaining in popularity, there are more choices today than ever before. It’s nice to have choices, but how do you decide which eReader is the right one for you?

Here's some guidance on what matters most when picking out your very own electronic reading device.

Decide How You’ll Use It and What You Will Need From A Portable Device

There are many types of portable devices out there these days, so before thinking about specifics, it’s important to figure out which electronic device is right for you. It might be that a tablet computer would better suit your needs if you want a greater range of applications. However, if you want an electronic device mostly for reading and that looks as much like a regular book as possible, getting an eReader is the best way to go.

Before looking at the various options, decide which of the following specifications are important to you.

1) Internet Access Comparison of eReaders

Electronic book readers have varying capabilities when it comes to connecting with the internet. Some do not connect to the internet at all, while others will connect via 3G no matter where you are. The most common of these options is Wi-Fi capabilities. For a 3G device you will most likely have to pay extra. On the plus side, Amazon and similar companies will not charge you for connecting to 3G on the Kindle. That’s a huge perk for a lot of users.

2) Considering Storage Space and the Options For Expansion

The amount of storage available on an eBook reader isn’t as big an issue as it would be on a tablet computer, due to the fact books are pretty small sized files.

In fact, the majority of eReaders can store a few thousand books. That is more than enough for most people. However, if you plan on storing other files too, than the amount of storage available would be of greater importance. To have the flexibility of adding more memory, select an eReader than comes with an SD memory card slot.

3) Comparison of eReaders Battery Life

It’s a real bummer to get all engrossed in a book and the battery on your electronic book reader dies. Most eReaders have a pretty long battery life, however, and last up to a month. One thing to note, however, is the fact hooking up to the internet will suck a lot of power, and decrease the battery life of our eBook reader.

4) Comparison of eReaders Screen Type (Color Vs. e-Ink)

When electronic book readers first came out, there were all in black and white (e-Ink) and made to look as much like real paper as possible. However, newer models of eReaders are also available in color.

If you want to be able to read easily in sunlight, stick with black and white screens. They are also less likely to cause eyestrain.

However, if you prefer faster page turns and better images, go with the color eReader screens.

5) Dimensions and Weight of Electronic Book Readers

Does the size of the eReader matter to you? Are you looking for something as small as possible, or is a larger size with bigger screen preferable? Obviously, the dimensions (size) of the eReader makes a difference on the display.

That being said, even if you opt for a smaller size eBook Reader, most will let you change the size of the font so you can see the text easily.

As for the weight, it should be close to same weight of a regular printed book, making it easy to hold comfortably.

6) Comparison of eReaders Formats And eBook Stores

When comparing electronic book readers, keep in mind that the format is not the same for all brands available. Be sure to choose an eReader that has lots of books available in that particular format. Check out the store that carries the format of books that eReader uses, and see if it has enough books available to suit your needs.

That being said, there are ways to convert files if you buy an eReader from a store that doesn’t have as many books, but most of the time it’s just easier to get one that has a lot of books available in the first place.

Decide which of the options above are most important to you when making a comparison of eReaders, than choose one that is closest to your needs!