E-reader: how to choose a device for reading
An e-book is both a digital book file (ePub, PDF, MOBI) and a reading device (e-reader) with an E Ink screen that does not flicker, looks like paper and runs for weeks on a charge. Well-known brands include Kindle, PocketBook, Kobo and Onyx Boox.
In plain words
An e-reader is like a library of hundreds of books you can carry in your jacket pocket. And the page looks almost like paper: it does not shine into your eyes and is easy to read in the sun. But colourful magazines and video are not its thing - that is what a tablet is for.
How it works
- The E Ink screen reflects light rather than shining into your eyes.
- Power is used only when you turn a page.
- A front light with adjustable warmth helps you read in the dark.
- The e-reader opens ePub, FB2, PDF and MOBI files (depending on the model).
- Books are downloaded from a store, a computer or the cloud.
Where you'll see it
E-readers are sold in electronics catalogues. Key specs: screen size (6-7 inches for novels, 10 for PDFs), resolution, front light, water resistance, supported formats and whether the menu is available in your language.
Does it matter when buying
If you read a lot, an e-reader is much easier on the eyes than a phone. My tips: 6-7 inches with an adjustable-warmth light for fiction, 10 inches for study PDFs, and water resistance if you read in the bath or on the beach. Check which bookstores the e-reader works with.
Myths
- Myth: An e-reader is the same as a tablet. Reality: An e-reader has an E Ink screen for reading; a tablet has a bright screen for everything.
- Myth: You cannot read on an e-reader in the dark. Reality: Modern e-readers have a front light.
FAQ
Which formats do e-readers support?
It depends on the model: most often ePub, PDF, MOBI and TXT.
Can I read books in my language?
Yes - ePub files from bookstores and libraries work in any language.
How long does the battery last?
Weeks, depending on the light and how much you read.