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Extras: Do you want fries with that? Access to the internet: With a digital device in your hands, it's tempting to use it to search on Google or check Wikipedia. But while your e-reader may support wireless downloads over 3G, it may not allow for internet access. The Kindle 2 is an exception. It comes with a basic browser that works okay with text-centric sites, but struggles with sites of any complexity. Touchscreen: One of the best aspects of a book is that you can make notes in the margins and use highlighters to mark important information. Ebook readers fall short of delivering a similar experience. A touchscreen and a stylus, as the iRex iLiad and the Sony PRS-700 offer, can make it easier. Kindle 2 also supports annotations, but you have to use the keyboard to do it, which can be little tricky. Illuminated screen: The benefit of most e-book readers is that their reflective, E Ink screens don't have backlights, which actually reduces eyestrain for long reading sessions. If you want to read in the dark then the Sony PRS-700 supplements its screen with LED backlighting. But it's just not bright enough and worse, it can cause additional eye strain. Our advice would be to get a book light. MP3 player and storage: Most e-readers also have the facility to play MP3 files, which is nice for listening to background music or audiobooks. If you plan to use this feature, check if the e-reader also has an SD-card slot that will allow you to add additional storage. Text-to-speech: The Kindle 2 and Kindle DX have a text-to-speech feature, which means they can read aloud to you. But it's somewhat restricted, and not all books will work with the feature. Cost: Break the bank shall we? Buying an e-reader is a lot more expensive than buying a bunch of used paperbacks. But e-books are typically cheaper than their printed equivalents, particularly if you have a habit of buying lots of new hardbacks. At an average price of $25 for a hardback and $8 for an e-book, your $260 e-reader will pay for itself after about 15 books. The good news however is that prices for these devices are falling and stores are offering good discounts. This year, the cheapest e-reader is the basic Sony Reader at approximately $200. Others such as Cool-er, Kindle 2 and eSlick are available for $260. But if you want the works - including a touchscreen, wireless downloads and larger display - prices can go up to $500. Any other choices? Anxious about your purchase being made obsolete by the rapidly changing e-reader market? Relax: There are e-reader alternatives that are here and now. If you've already got an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can use e-book reader apps like Stanza, Eucalyptus or even Amazon's Kindle app. Amazon is even planning a PC-based version of its Kindle reader that you can run on a notebook or netbook. Consider looking at www.ebookereader.com for all up to date prices! Thanks for reading and we hope this has been informative. Happy Shopping!
By: Prince Oversol
Prince Oversol has been involved in innovative technology since 1995 and his new internet offering is roof of this. He has been presenting lectures and publishing informative articles to the public since 2003. Find the very best in ereader technology on www.ebookereader.com
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