Part One: How to pick the reader that’s right for you
August 2nd, 2007 | 
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I believe that all tech should work right of the box. When it doesn’t it can be so frustrating to get it to work that I feel like throwing it out of the nearest closed window. Other than unboxing the best part of getting a new “toy” is turning it on and using it. Notice I didn’t say spending long hours talking to tech support. At that point, even if the problem has been solved my perception of my new device has diminished. That said, I have come up with some pointers on choosing your first e-book reader. Certainly, this is a guide, so at the end story pick one that you like.
1. Dedicated or non-dedicated: A dedicated reader can be used only for reading. An example is the Ebookwise 1150. So if you want to listen to music you’ll have to lug around your mp3 player. If you want your calendar, contacts, to-do list, you have to have your PDA with you. So if you are a minimalist you may want to consider getting a non-dedicated device that has more built in functions. The functions include those listed about and most like email, web browsing, games, and other software. Examples of non-dedicated devices include the Sony ereader (only because it allows you to listen to audio files) and the Palm TX (which is a PDA).
2. Screen size: How big of a screen do you need? Screen sizes can vary from 2.5” to 10 inches. To decide, think about the screen size of gadgets you use on a daily basis. You know best about your optimal screen size needs. I have a Motorola RAZR cell phone and would dread reading on it, but you may find the screen adequate. Still, you would be constantly pressing the forward button if you are reading a novel. Of course the bigger the screen size the bigger the reading device will be.
3. Reading software choices: This is the software used to read your book. The major players are Microsoft Reader, Palm’s Ereader, Mobipocket. Most dedicated e-book readers have only one choice and usually it is a proprietary application. This means that your choice of reading material is limited. You will not be able to buy e-books from any source, but the maker of your device. Why? Well other than keeping you coming back to them to spend your money, a lot of this is due to Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM is their way of saying they don’t trust you not to share you books with others. Part Two later…
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This is a wonderful site filled with useful information. Hope that many will visit to learn and share. Thank you for establishing this site, as it will likely prove to be quite valuable for the growing commmunity of E-book users.
Dr. Braye,
Thanks. That means so much coming from you.
Ellen
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article Part One: How to pick the reader that’s right for you, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
Excellent insight into e-readers. My question is, being an avid e-reader and mostly using Microsoft Reader, is there an appliance for me? [and I know there's a rude answer to this!!]
I’ve had another thought – what’s the advantage of an e-reader over an ultra light mobile pc say with a 7″ screen. Same sort of money and more features. Also you would not be tied to any particular type of e-book.
Pauline,
No rude answers from me. I usually buy all my books in MS Reader format. Then I convert them to read on my Sony reader. I started converting because the activation of MS reader kept giving me problems. So if I just want to read using MS reader I just downvert them and they are readable. I still use my iPaq 4700 which is great. My only gripe is page turning with the buttons.
As far as the UMPC with a 7″ screen: If you can afford it, go for it. Now if you are addicted to gadgets, well, it won’t really save you that much money. I have a Samsung Q1B and I love it as an ebook reader. Back light, and since it is Windows, all the popular software for ebooks work on it. The only thing is that the UMPC doesn’t fit in your pocket and heavier than a PDA or Sony reader. It does fit in a purse. I bought a leather purse from Ross that reminded me of a small laptop bag and that’s how I carry mine around. Some people use a Portable DVD case as a bag.
So shop around. I think that it is a good alternative to a dedicated device (more bang for oyur buck).
Ellen