About E-Readers
What are E-Readers?
Our definition of an “E-Reader” is a mobile reading device designed primarily for storing and displaying digital documents. They also are referred to as E-books; however, we prefer not to use that term for the devices because it confuses the hardware with the content. Moreover, E-Readers can display content other than digital editions of books, such as periodicals, sheet music and lyrics, presentations and personal documents. Conversely, most E-book titles (digital editions) can be read on a variety of devices from pocket PCs and personal communicators to laptops and desktop computers.
How are E-Readers different from tablet PCs?
Tablet PCs are essentially pen-based laptop computers. E-Readers are not personal computers; they are electronic display media intended as an alternative to paper for reading and interacting with digital documents.
Why would I want an E-Reader?
The most likely early adopters are frequent travelers who enjoy reading and want to lighten their carry-on bags. E-Readers now are about the size and weight of a single paperback book and can hold hundreds of books, periodicals and documents. They also have a long battery duty-cycle (more than 10 hours on a single charge), turn on and off quickly, are relatively simple and easy to use, and can be read comfortably in most lighting conditions, including bright sunlight.
How do you put content on E-Readers?
Digital editions of books and other documents can be transferred to most E-Readers from personal computers via USB connections. The iLiad E-Readers also can download content from dedicated servers via a built-in wireless connection or an attached Ethernet connection. The Amazon Kindle has the most sophisticated wireless capability (U.S. only), which is tightly linked to Amazon’s Web site for locating, purchasing and downloading E-books and digital editions of newspapers and magazines.
Who makes E-Readers?
Three companies are now selling e-readers in the United States — Sony, iRex Technologies (a spinoff of Royal Philips Electronics) and Amazon. All use the E Ink electronic paper display technology. Several other companies are expected to introduce E-Readers with electronic paper displays in 2008.
What is electronic paper?
Electronic paper generally refers to lower-power reflective display technologies designed to mimic the qualities of ink printed on paper. Most E-Readers today use the electrophoretic reflective display technology developed at the M.I.T. Media Lab in the early 1990s and later commercialized by E Ink Corporation and Royal Philips Electronics.
Where can I buy e-readers and what do they cost?
For information on available E-Readers -- Prices, Comparisions and Specs, check out the E-Reader Buyer's Guide.