A Roundup of the Best eBook Readers

Not everyone wants a "does-everything-solution"; despite the iPad's popularity, many prefer having a dedicated device as a lecture and reading companion. Here are some options that you may end loving and the reasons they might be a better choice than that device about to updated to 2.0. Some of them even have the option of a browser, email, a color screen, and 3G or WiFi capabilities for more cable-free mobility.

You've likely already heard of or even use/own of the tablets below. But here's a leftfield option from Spring Design, Inc. The Alex eReader. Like the Nook, the Alex offers a dual screen layout, the larger being a 6" 800x600 display, and the secondary 3.5" display below offering a 480x320 touch capacitive touchscreen (the top is an electronic paper display, the touch area is a LCD). This is an Android OS based tablet, so users can browse online, watch videos (yes, it does Flash too), listen to music and tap into Google Android community's offerings designed specifically for the Alex. The more narrow form factor will appeal to some who want a backpack ready device that can tap into wi-fi networks while on the go. Looks like the Alex is popular because the device is currently sold out on the site.

Sony Reader Touch PRS 650
With a capacity for up to 1200 books (before you add your own memory), and access to multiple book stores or your own files, the Sony Reader Touch Edition is the perfect way to bring your library with you... wherever you go. With a light, thin body and super lightweight, it's a dream to carry around. We love the E Ink, high contrast display, thats easier on the eyes than a harsh LCD display, and easier to see in sunlight.

Kindle 3G
This is the easiest option because there is no wireless setup—you are ready to shop, purchase, and read right out of the box. Built-in Free 3G connectivity uses the same wireless signals that cell phones use, but there are no monthly fees or commitments—Amazon pays for Kindle’s 3G wireless connectivity. The added convenience of 3G enables you to download books anytime, anywhere, while on the go—without having to find a Wi-Fi hotspot connection. With wireless coverage in over 100 countries and territories, Kindle 3G remains the strongest dedicated e-Reader device if you're mostly concerned about a reading experience.

Nook Color
This color e-book reader with a vibrant 7" touch screen is second to Amazon's, but just barely, offering fast screen performance, built-in Wi-F, access to the Barnes & Noble Nookbook store, 8GB onboard memory, plus microSD expansion slot. The built-in web browser works well and the Nook supports PDF, Word, and ePub files, displaying most images and some video formats. There's also support for audio and MP3 playback. Eight hours battery life for reading is a little disappointing when compared to other e-ink readers; no access to Android Marketplace or similar app store), so you're limited to what B&N releases. More apps should have been available soon. Note, like Cupertino's designs, the battery isn't user-replaceable.

Comments (8)

Can you say which ones you can access public library ebooks with?

@herong,

All but the Kindle can support library books.

Also, the "8 hour" battery life for the Nook Color confuses me. I know that made me hesitant before buying but I charge my Nook every ~two weeks and read for a few hours each day. Not sure where they whipped that from.

@serendip... The nook color uses a standard LCD screen rather than e-ink. It's little different than a tablet and has a similarly short battery life.

I've got a nook color, and love it! The 8-hour bit on the battery is kind of a pessimistic look, and if I find that I am sitting and reading that long, plugging it in is probably not difficult.

The dirty little secret of the nook color is that if you really want to have access to the android market, and all the apps that entails, it's reasonably simple to do. And it makes the perfect angry birds platform.

@ charmac

I'm aware - seeing as I own one. I was explaining that my heavy use still can't kill the battery in that short of a time period, with the battery lasting much closer to a few days read time.

I'm curious to know why the nook original was not included. I think the 3G version outsells the Kindle version.

@serendip...

Just clarifying since the blog post above would seem to suggest that the nook color is an e-ink device.

I just got a pandigital novel from bed, bath and beyond. I adore it. I gave it some "help", though...I hacked it into a fully functioning android tablet! It was quite easy. I now have access to books from both the nook & kindle markets and apps from the android market.

What makes it even better is that I got it for less than $90. They price matched radio shack down to $139, then had a $30 rebate, and then a 20% off BB&B coupon. bing bong boom! Awesome.