Here’s an article for all avid readers who love bringing their books anywhere. Above all, it’s for those that don’t like to feel like carrying around a cart of bricks. Never mind the purists: ebook readers might not have that awesome smell, but they won’t hurt your back. Besides, ebook readers are much better for those who spend hours in front of a screen. Not all ebook readers are born equal, though.
eBook Readers vs Regular Tablets
Those who buy an ebook reader expecting a functional tablet are in for a bitter disappointment. Ebook readers, or simply e-readers, are gadgets dedicated to reading. The core difference between tablets and e-readers is that e-readers use E-Ink screens, while tablets use LCD backlit screens.
It means that a tablet is much brighter than an e-reader. It means it’s much less tiring for the eyes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most of these e-readers do nothing but display ebooks and PDFs. Some tablets can emulate the e-reader view while running other apps, like social media and online casino games. However, a tablet is brighter than an e-reader, even when trying to emulate one. If you want to go for the real thing, check your best options in this article.
Amazon Kindle
- Kindle Paperwhite
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature
- Kindle Oasis
Kindle is arguably the most popular brand among e-readers. There’s even a specific model for kids: the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite for Kids. The kids’ version has a 6.8-inch screen. This model is also waterproof, streams audiobooks, and has Bluetooth. The lines Paperwhite and Oasis are the best ones the brand offers so far.
Kobo
- Kobo Sage
- Kobo Libra 2
- Kobo Elipsa
Kobo is one of Kindle’s main competitors in the e-reader market. Its flagship model, Kobo Sage, has an 8-inch screen and realistically allows users to make margin notes. With Kobo Elipsa, for instance, it’s possible to make handwritten notes on PDFs and ebooks. Unfortunately, it’s not possible yet to export such annotations. Anyway, that’s a very handy tool, especially for those who use Kobo for academic purposes.
Onyx
- Onyx Boox Nova Air C
- Onyx Note Air Plus
- Poke 4 Lite
Onyx took e-readers one step further. Onyx also uses an E Ink system, but unlike Kobo or Kindle, it can display colors. It’s built on an alternative version of Android and can also download a considerable variety of apps. Indeed, no other e-reader can brag about such a feature. Unsurprisingly, its price tag is also considerably above its competitors. The flagship model, Onyx Boox Nova Air C, can be found for approximately USD 420.
