eBook Reader Comparison

eBook Reader – Comparison of Some Other Emerging Players

eBook reader comparison does not mean it should only be limited to the Amazon Kindle or the Barnes and Noble Nook. Whilst these two are the market leaders, it's fair that some of the other eBook reader devices are looked at to see what else may be on offer. The Apple iPad, while a tablet, is used as a comparitive device but bear in mind it is a backlit display and any so called 'real' eBook reader should not have a back lit display as the simulation of a print book includes limited eye-strain. 

Here is a look at some emerging models in the competitive eBook reader market…

eBook Reader – Sony Touch Edition

The Sony eBook Reader Touch Edition offers an easy to read screen (must be that E-ink technology). Love the flip page with a swipe of your finger just because I like that I still can feel like I am flipping the pages of a book.  You can get a cover for it, which I like because inside the cover there is a place to hold a pad and take notes. The touch screen is very responsive and there is no glare to speak of. This touch screen sets it apart from the competition.  Another plus is the eBook reader supports a wide range of formats unlike other similar devices.  The eBook reader device is very easy to use thanks to the touch screen and battery life is very good. I cannot imagine how I would have highlighted text or taken notes on the articles I read without it. This e-reader is also small and portable- definitely compact enough to fit in a purse or carrying bag/case.  There is not a color screen and you do need to hook this up to a computer in order to download, so if you prefer having a color screen or do not always have computer access for downloads, these two things may be an issue for you.  Price-wise, this e-reader is more expensive than other e-readers so it just comes down to what features in whatever e-reader you decide upon are and are not important to you. 

Sony Reader Reader Touch Edition PRS-600B eBook reader (Black)
publisher: Sony
ASIN: B002MWYUFU
EAN: 0027242771864
sales rank: 3566
price: $109.95 (new), $60.00 (used)

The eBook Reader Touch Edition features a 6-Inch display with simple, easy-to-use touchscreen navigation. Turn pages with the swipe of a finger and enjoy fast and intuitive navigation of your favorite books. Take freehand notes and highlight sections of text you want to revisit later, just as you would in a real book, using the included stylus. If you prefer, a virtual keyboard is also available for entering quick notes or searching your eBooks. If you want, you can even export your notes to your computer using the eBook Library software. Enjoy access to a wider number of books from a wider number of places. By supporting both industry standard formats, ePub and PDF, you can access books at Sony's eBookstore, check out books from public libraries, access over 500,000 free public domain titles from Google, as well as sharing sites, online aggregators and personal publishers (Internet access is required). Not sure which books to bring on your trip? With the Reader Touch Edition, you will never have to make that choice again. 512MB of onboard memory lets you carry up to 350 of your favorite books at a time. Whether you're venturing across town or across the country, the Reader Touch Edition makes an ideal travelling companion. Measuring just 0.4-Inch thin and weighing less than 9 ounces, the eBook Reader Touch Edition is thinner and more lightweight than almost any book, and even many magazines. The eBook Reader Touch Edition utilizes E-Ink screen technology to deliver an amazing, paper-like display that's more like ink on paper and fully readable in direct sunlight. Enjoy up to two full weeks of reading (7,500 continuous page turns) on a single battery charge. Paper-like display for easy, natural reading. Two full weeks of reading on a single battery charge. Built-in Oxford American English eDictionary. Intuitive eBook reader Library software for PC and Mac 5 adjustable font sizes.

Sony eBook Reader Daily Edition
This device is very nice to handle, since it feels pretty solid. With a 7 inch screen using this eBook reader feels just like reading a paperback book.  Software bugs have seemed to be an issue, although there have been many improvements and most if not all of the major bugs have been fixed.  Customer service and support is quite good- not as great as Kindle3 support, but definitely close to it.  The Daily Edition has a clear, crisp screen and the touch screen is great, responsive and easy to use. Page turns quite a bit faster compared to older models. Love the larger screen size- Easy to use and figure out. The layout has the closest look and feel to the Kindle, although price wise there the Sony Reader Daily Edition is priced quite a bit higher than the kindle.  Probably the best features of this e-reader are it’s compact size and ease of use.  Unlike the Reader Touch Edition, the Daily Edition does have WiFi capability.  This device is definitely in tight competition with the Kindle when it comes to ease of use, Wifi capability, durability, portability, style and design.

Sony eBook Reader Daily Edition – Black ( PRS900BCKIT )
publisher: Sony
ASIN: B002YC0N4K
EAN: 0027242258006
sales rank: 5723
price: $279.49 (new), $104.99 (used)

With the all new Sony PRS-900BCKIT Daily Edition eBook Reader – you can download books and periodicals wirelessly. Experience the freedom to wirelessly browse, purchase and download books and periodicals from the Reader™ Store with free 3G wireless access11. Measuring just 0.6" thin8 and weighing only 12.75 ounces, the Reader Daily Edition™ also features a 7" paper-like display and touch screen navigation. With six adjustable font levels you can be sure to read easy in either portrait or landscape format. Plus, the Reader supports multiple formats including ePub and PDF while giving you access to over one million free public domain titles from Google Books.

BeBook Neo
The Neo ebook reader offers up to 16GB storage and Wacom touch screen technology.
The open market (virtually endless availability of books, etc. on global internet sites worldwide) , comfortable design and large storage make reading enjoyable using the Neo.  One potential negative/downside with this product is that there is no dedicated content service is available on the Neo.  Although not as popular in the US, the Bebook is one of the dominating ebook readers sold in the rest of the world.  The Neo has a comfortable, easy to use physical design and is compact enough for use on the go but large enough to be functional as well.  Battery life on the Bebook Neo is fairly comparable to most other ebook devices is competes with- averaging around 7,000-8,000 page turns when fully charged.  Another plus for Bebook is that it takes only 3 hours to recharge, whereas most other devices take 4 hours to fully recharge.  Perhaps where Neo could improve is by having a faster processor to increase the response time of the controls and navigation.  

Kobo Wireless eBook Reader
This Wireless eBook reader is great if you are looking for just the basics that an e-reader has to offer and not a lot of added user functionality.  This device is light, easy to use/hold and pages turn seamlessly.  Overall, this eBook Reader is a simple, clean devices without all the bells and whistles you would get with other ereader devcies.  Some negative aspects that may come along with purchasing this device include lack of top notch customer service and support that you would receive if you spent more for other e-reader devices like the Nook or Kindle.  Also this e-reader does not have a dictionary, which may or may not be a factor for you to consider. 

Kobo eBook Reader – Black – Wi Fi Wireless – With 100 Free eBooks
publisher: KOBO
ASIN: B00519FBTK
EAN: 0817866000576
sales rank: 819
price: $84.99 (new), $55.00 (used)

Specifications: * With WiFi B/g – browse and buy books on the go * BLACK * 100 FREE Classics preloaded * 6" E Ink diagonal display for no glare reading * 1 Gig of Built in Memory * Expandable to 8,000 eBooks with SD memory card * Charge up to 2 weeks or 10,000 page loads * Stores up to 1000 eBooks * Intuitive D-pad for easy navigation * 3 unique library views: list, text or by virtual book * 5 selectable font sizes and choice of font styles * Only 10mm thick and weighs only 221grams * Download free eBooks from your local library * Sort and browse by last read, title or author * Unique quilted back makes it more book than device * List Price for this item is 39.99

Pandigital Novel Reader

The Pandigital Novel eBook reader main features include a color touch screen; built-in Wi-Fi; access to Barnes & Noble eBook store; SD expansion slot for additional memory; Web browser and e-mail capabilities; displays images and some video formats; support for audio and MP3 playback.  Some struggles you may experience with this device include slow performance in comparison to its’ competitors, issues with touch screen capability and a slightly complex user interface. Additionally, battery life is only around 6 hours in reading mode, which pales in comparison to other eReaders on the market. On the bright side, the Pandital Novel is an affordable eReader device and with color screen and ties to a major bookseller (Barnes & Noble).

Pandigital Novel 2GB 7-Inch WiFi Multimedia Android Tablet and Color eReader R70E200 (Black) – Factory Remanufactured and Warrantied
publisher: PanDigital
ASIN: B005KOJEHQ
EAN: 0843967071627
sales rank: 187
price: $84.99 (new), $79.99 (used)

The Pandigital Multimedia Novel 7" ANDROID Multimedia Tablet & Color eReader will change the way that you curl up with a good book. Barnes and Noble is on board with over 2 Million books, newspapers, and magazines to sample, lend, and enjoy. Plus, you can easily download and install new ANDROID Apps for even for flexibility and enjoyment. Features include: touch screen control for easy navigation, 2GB internal memory can hold hundreds of books and periodicals, expandable memory to carry your full library (books, videos and music files), Wifi/Wireless LAN connectivity for easy downloads and web access. The eReader also contains some handy tools, including: built-in dictionary, word search feature, variable font size, create bookmarks, highlighting important text and note taking on virtual keyboard.

The most effective way to decide on an ebook reader would be to determine your needs. It sounds like a no-brainer but so many people buy into the bling factor and end up with something that is beyond their needs and the upmarket price way more costly then what you needed to spend.