The Next Generation of E-Readers

Do you love reading newspaper, but hate the inky fingers? Do you read books and magazines, but are looking something paperless and portable? Check out the next generation of e-readers and e-reading software that will be appearing in 2010.

What is an E-Reader?

A e-reader is a device specifically created for delivering printed media content —such as books, magazines and newspapers— in a digital format. They typically have low energy requirements and a natural screen that mimics the feeling of reading print. They can store a lot of information in a lightweight, portable format, and can be seen even in bright light (unlike many LCD laptops).

The Original E-Readers

The original e-readers like the Sony Reader and the Amazon Kindle had basic reading functions and supported a limited number of formats. They were mainly designed for reading digital copies of books.

The Next Generation of E-Readers

The new wave of e-readers offer advanced features like expanded media options, extended battery life, and thinner devices. Many allow you to download content wirelessly, either through a wi-fi network (using a wireless access point like you might use with a laptop through a home network, cafe or library) or a 3G/4G network (using cell towers for data transfer like a smartphone would use). There is a wide range of offerings, so check out these links to learn more:

• Amazon Kindle
  A very popular and low-priced option, the Kindle now supports global wireless downloads of reading materials. The latest generation of Amzon’s device has a text-to-speech option to listen to your books, a longer battery life, and can hold 1,500 books — which may come in handy as Amazon has a selection of over 400,000 books for you to choose from, in addition to newspapers, blogs, and other publications. It comes in two versions, a 6-inch model and a 9.7-inch model.
• SONY Reader
  The SONY Reader™ has a paper-like display that allows you to take your books anywhere. For added versatility, this device supports multiple file formats, offering access to more books from more places, including over one million free public domain titles from Google books.
• enTourage eDGe
  The enTourage eDGe™ combines the functions of an e-reader, netbook, notepad, and audio/video recorder/player. It’s a comprehensive device that lets you read e-books, surf the Internet, take digital notes, send emails and instant messages, watch movies and listen to music anywhere, at any time.
• Skiff Reader
  The Skiff Reader works with the new Skiff Service to bring you newspaper, book, magazine, and blog content through wi-fi and 3G connections. It features a larger display on a durable yet paper-thin device.
• Barnes and Noble Nook
  The Nook uses AT&T’s 3G network or wi-fi (which is available for free inside the B&N stores) to download new titles. It allows you to flip through content by a cover image, or by a keyboard search. It comes with 2GB of memory which you can expand with a memory card.
• BeBook
  The BeBook supports the most file formats with its e-paper display. It is available in a 5″ Mini or 6″ One version, and allows you to adjust the font sizes to suit your needs.
• Cybook Opus
  The Opus can read multiple formats and features a motion detecting component for screen orientation. It has USB and card slots, and is readable in daytime light.
• QUE proReader
  Like the Skiff, the QUE features a larger display for full-document reading. The QUE’s target, however, is the business user, as the QUE allows the user to read documents, make notes on them, and make diagrams. It has an extensive library of business publications to subscribe to, and it works with Microsoft Office documents. In addition to Wi-Fi and 3G, the QUE also can use bluetooth to accept documents beamed from your Blackberry device.

Reading Content on your PC

The benefit of having software to read your books both at your computer and on your e-reader is that it gives you options. The software on the computer syncs with your device, therefore making it possible to have all your books in both places. And if you are not ready to buy an e-reader device, using e-reader software will allow you to download and view digital copies of books without paying full price for a hard copy of the book.

• Kindle Reader
  The Kindle reader software is available as a free download for your PC, Mac, iPhone, or Blackberry.
• Blio eReader
  The free Blio software will allow you to read full-color content in 3D on your desktop, netbook, mobile device, or other platform. It also has a read-aloud feature to allow you to listen to your content on your hands-free device.
• Barnes & Noble eReader
  This free software is available for Mac or Windows computers, or iPhone and Blackberry devices.

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