February 17, 2010

eBook readers: a library in your pocket

Author: Andrew

eBook readers are set to be one of the hottest products of 2010. They are portable, hold hundreds of books, have long battery life, and can be read in bright sunlight. Prices vary from £160 to £300.
Picking the right one can be difficult with so many new models being released. Here are some points to consider when buying.

1. Access to content.
Which content sources your eReader can access is probably the most important factor. Most eBook manufacturers have their own eBook store. Amazon has the largest catalogue with over 285,000 books, while Sony has partnered up with Google which will significantly increase the amount of books available from its digital store.
You can also download free books from Project Gutenberg (30,000 titles) and some UK libraries will even lend you eBooks.

Amazons Kindle

2. Formats supported
The more kinds of file formats your eReader supports the better. Some devices such as Amazon’s Kindle can only read proprietary formats. However Sony, iRiver and Cybook eBook readers can read the open source ePub format. This format is more likely to be free of DRM (Digital Rights Management).
Other useful functions include the ability to read audio and music files, and business documents (PDF, TXT DOC, PPT and XLS files).

3. Connectivity
Devices with a wi-fi connection will allow you surf the web, purchase books directly, read blogs, newspapers, magazines, and RSS feeds. Devices with an USB connection or that use memory cards require the transfer of content from another source. Compatibility with PDAs and laptops is also important so that you can transfer eBooks easily.

4. Screen size
The most common screen size for eBook readers is 6 inches. Smaller 5 inch models are cheaper, and come with a smaller font size meaning that you will have to flip pages more often. Larger 7 to 10 inch readers exist but are more expensive and are generally geared towards specialist reading such as magazines, newspapers and textbooks.

5. Storage capacity
The more the better. Readers that have external memory slots as well as internal memory offer greater storage possibilities.
If you are on a tight budget then an entry level eBook reader that reads eBooks but doesn’t do much else may be for you. If you are looking for more versatility then go for readers that support business and music files.

Sonys iRiver Sonys Cybook


It seems that many people are in the market for an LCD TV, as our results shows that they are among our top product searches on Twenga, with Samsung, Sony, and Philips leading as the most popular brands. If you’re one of the many trying to figure out what is a LCD and what features are important, we’ve compiled a short guide to help you out.

The advantages of LCD:
o    LCD screens are more eco-friendly as they consume less energy and experience longer lives than does plasma screens.
o    LCD screens come in a wide variety of sizes, which tend to be lighter than comparably sized plasma screens.
o    Prices of LCD TVs are becoming increasingly competitive, with standard 32” screens running for less than £300.
o    Unlike plasma screens, LCDs are not at risk for image “burn-in” that can happen when the screen is left on for too long.

Screen Sizes:
The two most popular screen sizes on Twenga are:
o    32” screen (81 cm)
o    37” screen (94 cm)
However, if you are looking for a larger display, you can find LCD screens up to 70” in diagonal length (178 cm).

Key Features:
o    “Full HD” screen resolution provides a high-quality image for a reasonable price (about £400 for a 32” screen on Twenga)
o    Satellite receptors and integrated DVD, flash card, and disc readers are also popular features.

Technological Advancements:
o    Newer LCD TVs with 200 Hz provide more fluid and realistic images, and start at just over £1,000 for a 40” screen.
o    Samsung’s LED TVs (light-emitting diode) are the most lightweight models on the market, providing the most luminosity while consuming 40% less energy than classic LEDs.

Some of the most popular LCDs on Twenga:
o    Philips 32PFL5403D
32” screen (82cm), HD ready
From £249.99
o    Sony KDL-32W5500 LCD TV
32” screen (82cm), HD ready, Full HD 1080p
From £504
o    Samsung LE32A656 LCD TV
32” screen (82cm), HD ready, Full HD 1080p
From £500

uk philips 32pfl5403d lcd tv

uk sony kdl 32w5500 lcd tv

uk samsung le32a656 lcd tv