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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.

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.