Reading is Fundamental.

Among the most popular gadgets these days are e-readers, such as the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook. The popularity of e-readers have grown significantly due to new display technology, lots of books, tablet features, and COLOR!! Don’t we all love color?

What is an e-reader?

When first hitting the scene, an e-readers was simply a dedicated gadget for downloading, displaying, and storing books for your reading pleasure.   They were quite different from reading something on your typical notebook computer or smartphone.  Now, you have color displays, backlighting, and you can even read them in the dark.  Add in browsing capabilities on models such as the Amazon Kindle Fire, and you have an e-reader turned tablet.

What makes an e-reader better than the real thing?

There are many advantages to having e-books rather than traditional hardcover or paperback books. For example, you have access to thousands of book titles from a device in your hand. You can save shelf space and have a lighter load to carry while traveling. Think of the possibilities if you are still in school – you can save time by not having to go to the bookstore or library. Furthermore, e-books are green, meaning they use little power and no paper. You conserve energy and trees at the same time.

What kind of e-reader should I get?

With various brands and models to choose from, you can easily find an e-reader that is suitable for your needs.  Many e-book formats exist and each format’s creator claims theirs is the best. For each of the many formats, there are even more readers – each with its own set of features and capabilities.

It appears that the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and the Sony Reader are the most coveted models, and yes, you are likely to be able to get a copy of “Gone With the Wind” downloaded.  All of these readers support plain text, HTML, and PDF formats. The Amazon Kindle uses its own proprietary format for downloading and displaying e-books, while the Nook uses the e-reader format. The e-reader format can also be viewed on other devices such as the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch, Blackberry smartphones, and both Windows and Mac OS systems. In addition, both the Nook and the Sony Reader read and display the ePub format, which conforms to international e-book standards.

Deciding which e-reader is right for you depends on your needs and preferences. Follow the links below to being researching popular e-readers and e-book formats.