Do You Need a PDF eBook Reader?

Certainly most people buy an ebook reader to read books, but you can also get a PDF eBook reader that will also allow you to read documents. That means even if you are away from your computer, you can read any PDF format document you care to on your ebook reader. Keep in mind that PDFs aren’t the main type of file used with most eBook readers, so you need to know what to look for if you want to be able to use your eBook reader in this fashion.

Differences Between Reading PDFs and Standard eBooks

To begin with, there are some important differences in how an eBook reader displays a standard eBook (in its main format) in comparison to a PDF. With regular eBooks such as AZW eBooks for Kindle or ePub eBooks for others there are some extra features available that include:

• Capability to search through the content.
• Capability to use the table of contents to browse more easily,
• Capability to change the font size, and
• Capability for some eBook readers to use text-to-speech to read the eBook to you.

If you are reading PDF files, these features are not available. Granted some of the best PDF eBook reader options allows a person to highlight words and make notes, but the PDF text size is a lot harder to change and is usually limited to zooming in or out on a particular area of the PDF.

What Features Are Best For a PDF eBook Reader?

A larger screen is helpful when trying to read PDF files. With a big screen it helps avoid the need to zoom in to read, which cuts off some of the text. At present, the Kindle DX is the largest eBook reader, although you can get the effect of a larger screen on other readers by simply changing to the landscape mode.

If PDFs will be your main reading material, you might want to consider buying a tablet computer instead of an eReader. They have more powerful processing power than eReaders, and often come with apps that are made specifically to deal effectively with PDFs, making reading them an easier task. Of course, the downside to the table computer is that generally costs a lot more to buy one, and also doesn’t use e-Ink to look like real paper.

Here are some examples of PDF eBook Readers:

Image
Title	SKYTEX Primer 7" Color E-reader and Media Player	Kindle DX, Free 3G, 3G Works Globally, Graphite, 9.7" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology	Libre Ebook Reader Pro (white)
Brand	SKYTEX	Amazon	Aluratek
Feature	7" color LCD display (800x480 resolution) Open standard designs supports most popular eBook formats, including epub, pdf, txt, html, etc.. Support for Adobe DRM protected ePub and PDF (rent ebooks from the library, or purchase from a number or online resellers) This all-in-one media device lets you play back music, movies, view photos and listen to FM radio Built-in recording software, speakers, and mic		Supports PDF (Adobe Digital Edition DRM/non-DRM), TXT, FB2, EPUB (Adobe Digital Edition DRM/non-DRM), MOBI (non-DRM only) Supports BMP, JPG, GIF, animated GIF picture format Includes 2GB SD Card and 100 free eBooks Content search for easy navigation between books and pages Bookmark and auto page turn function
Height	5.2 inch	0.38 inch	2.7 inch
Weight	0.85 pound	1.18 pound	1.55 pound
Width	0.49 inch	7.2 inch	8.2 inch
Length	8.14 inch	10.4 inch	9.6 inch
Link	More Info	More Info	More Info

Option: Convert PDF Files To The Appropriate eBook Format

There is an alternative method for reading PDF files so you don’t have to rely on a PDF eBook reader function, and that is to convert your PDF files into the eBook file appropriate to your reader. For instance, you could use the software program Calibre, which works on both Windows and Mac, to convert PDF files into a variety of different eBook formats to suit all devices. The output isn't always perfect, but it does allow for all the capabilities of real eBook files mentioned above will be applied to your document.

Conclusion of PDF eBook Reader Guide

To summarize, you can get a PDF eBook Reader that will allow you to read PDF files with an eReader, buy a tablet computer, or get a program that converts PDF files to an ebook file. Choose the option that suits you best!