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| | | All eReaders offer the ability to store many books in one easy to read handheld device. The different models vary according to screen size, memory capacity, format compatibility, wireless connectivity and battery life. Some double as MP3 players and photo viewers, while others include the level of functionality more usually found on a netbook computer. One of the key considerations when choosing an eReader is the selection and cost of compatible eBooks, newspapers and magazines. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Amazon offers two Kindle eReaders. The Amazon Kindle2 costs $259 for a 6-inch display and a 1.4 GB memory that can store up to 1,500 books. The Kindle DX features a 9.7-inch display with enough storage for 3,300 books for a cost of $489. See How Much Does a Kindle Cost for more details.
- Sony offers three eReader models, each compatible with the EPUB as well as text formats such as PDF. The basic, entry-level unit is the Sony Reader Pocket Edition which costs $159, sports a 5-inch screen and includes 512 MB of memory, enough to store up to 350 books. Sony's midrange eBook reader, the Reader Touch Edition costs $259 with a 6-inch touchscreen display, audio output and 512 MB of memory that can be expanded via memory card. The top of the range Sony Reader Daily Edition also uses a touchscreen navigation system and costs $359. It features a larger 7-inch screen and 2GB of onboard memory plus 16GB of extra storage via memory card, enough to store up to 12,000 ebooks. See How Much Does a Sony Reader Cost for more information.
- The Barnes & Noble Nook costs $259. It offers a 6-inch touchscreen and a 2GB memory that can be expanded by adding up to 16GB via memory card, large enough to hold up to about 12,000 ebooks. See How Much Does a Barnes & Noble Nook Cost for more information.
- Released in April 2010, the Apple iPad costs from $499 to $829 and offers many advanced features not offered by other eReaders. See How Much Does an Apple iPad Cost for more details.
What should be included: | - Most eReaders include a USB cable, rechargeable battery, Mac and PC-compatible software.
- Except for Apple's iPad, an eReader's wireless connectivity is included in the cost, so there are no monthly data charges or wireless commitments.
- The iPad and Nook both offer Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Google Books offers many public-domain books for free download.
Additional costs: | - Sony's Reader Store, Amazon's Kindle Store and Barnes & Noble's eBook Store boast a huge selection of ebooks, magazines and newspapers. Most Best Sellers and new releases cost $7.50 to $10. Monthly subscriptions to US or international newspapers or periodicals cost about $1 to $14 per month. Prices for content from the Apple eBook Store are not yet available.
- The iPad 3G models require an AT&T data plan deal costing $30 per month for unlimited data or $15 per month for up to 250MB. There is no contract so it can be cancelled at anytime. There is no charge for wireless connectivity for the Kindle, Nook and Sony Daily Edition.
- There are more than 140,000 applications available for the iPad from the Apple iPad App Store including games, social networking, shopping and financial tools.
- Protective cases for an eBook Reader range from $8 to $120. A clip-on reading light costs about $20; a bookstand costs about $25. Ear buds cost about $5 while noise-canceling headphones cost $20 to $500. Memory cards cost $13 to $90.
Discounts: | - Sites such as B&H Photo Video offer discounts for federal, educator and student buyers. The Apple Store for Education offers discounts for college students, teachers and administrators and Apple Store for Government offers special prices for government agencies and employees.
- Sony Outlet offers discounted and refurbished Sony Readers and accessories. Online retailers such as Amazon.com sell Sony Readers in discounted kits that include the Reader, a protective cover and accessories such as an AC adapter or reading light.
- Barnes & Noble offers free shipping on the Nook and same day delivery in Manhattan, NY.
- Audible.com offers a $100 discount on a Kindle to subscribers of the AudibleListener Gold Plan.
- Warehouse Deals at Amazon offers discounted Kindle accessories.
Shopping for an ebook reader: | - Wired offers a buying guide to eBook readers, as does PC Mag.
- Find competitive prices online at sites such as Amazon then look for comparable or discounted prices at local electronics retailers such as Best Buy.
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Article updated June 2010 |
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