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Posts Tagged ‘portable ebook readers’

A Review of Barnes and Noble Nook

March 24th, 2010

Launched last October 2009, Barnes and Noble’s Nook, one of the latest handheld ereaders out there today, was seen as a possible contender to unseat the Amazon Kindle from its dominance in the ereader industry. What has it got that makes it a significant challenger This Nook review explores the many features of this ebook reader.

Size and Display

First off, the basic specs. The Nook’s surface dimensions are fairly standard. It is 7.7 inches in length, 4.9 inches wide, 0.5-inch thick, and has a weight of 11.2 ounces. It’s about the same size as the 2nd generation Kindle ? only thicker and a bit more heavy. The device also comes with a 6-inch monitor that uses e-ink technology with 16 shades of gray, and a number of choices for font type and size.

But what undoubtedly gives it a wow factor that’s not present on most ebook readers today is its 3.5-inch capacitive color touchscreen. Located just below the e-ink screen, the LCD monitor replaces the standard keyboard and buttons used for choosing ebooks and navigating within the ereader and the text itself.

More Noteworthy Features

The Nook is pre-loaded with 2GB of internal memory and a micro-SD expansion slot so it’s easy to add more memory as the need arises. The ebook device also comes with a replaceable lithium ion battery pack, 3G connection through the AT&T network, wireless connectivity, MP3 player, speakers, and a dictionary so you can easily look up unfamiliar words.

Other Nook features that are completely unique from other ebook readers are its book lending and store browsing capabilities. As the term implies, book lending refers to being able to lend out an ebook in your library to another ereader user for a 14-day period. The in-store browsing feature, on the other hand, means having the chance to browse full ebooks at no cost in brick-and-mortar Barnes & Noble shops.

Some Concerns

This Nook assessment won’t be complete if we fail to mention a few of the concerns expressed by current Nook users. One is the absence of web browsing capacity despite its WiFi connectivity. Another serious concern is the Nook’s seemingly insufficient battery life as compared to other ereaders. Barnes & Noble says it could last about 7 to 10 days with the WiFi deactivated, but for actual users, 4 to 5 days is more like it.

Considering the Nook’s superior features and Barnes & Noble’s value-added services, the Nook could have a big impact on the ereader market. Still, this Nook review points out that you’ll still find quite a few changes that have to be made, for the device to really take off in a big way.

Is the Nook from Barnes and Noble the best ebook reading device for you? Drop by the site to look over an detailed Nook review and see how it compares to other portable ebook readers availabletoday!

Travis Van Slooten Technologies , , , , , , , , , , ,

Steeper Prices for Ebook Users: Macmillan’s New Model

March 19th, 2010

Giant online retailer Amazon.com recently stopped the selling of Macmillan titles. Macmillan is considered as one of the top 6 publishers worlwide. Amazon had to resort to this action as a result of a disagreement on the consumer’s price for Amazon Kindle and ebook users. According to a notice at Amazon.com, the Kindle Team wrote that they would sooner or later have to accept the Macmillan terms, because they want to give the customer the option. Macmillan’s titles will range from $5.99 to $14.99.

The Macmillan group states that they will actually generate less profit while Amazon makes more using the digital agent model. The retailer (Amazon) will receive 30% commission from the ebook sales. The physical book industry has followed an agency model that has provided profit to all involved, and Macmillan states that the digital market needs a model to follow as well.

It is true that the publisher, retailer, author and/or illustrator is in business to generate money. This monopoly, however, will hurt the customer in the long run.

Amazon’s temporary exclusion of Macmillan titles is to express their disagreement on the cost, and according to Macmillan’s CEO, the miscommunication is about the long term market. Obviously the retailer and publisher have different view points. Amazon believes that other publishers won’t follow Macmillan’s move. But since it is clearly for their gain, what would hold other publishers back?

If we look at the tangible book market, a consumer who wants to buy the newest and best hard cover books will do so. If the desire can be tamed, then they may wait for the cost to take a bit of a dive. The issue is, why should things be any different in the digital book market?

A boycott against Macmillan is perhaps a suitable response, but, would it really last? Once a reader is tempted by a new title from one of Macmillan’s brilliant writers, the cost doesn’t have much weight any longer.

The consumer will continue to buy what feeds their reading habit. The simple pleasures of reading a book has become convenient and so accessible by using Kindle technology. This alone is enticing, and when you add a new Macmillan book, reading enthusiast will bite. We haven’t been able to fight the urge when it’s time for an exciting read.

Amazon has over 400,000 titles available so even if Macmillan ebook prices are steeper than the $9.99 ebook cost that Amazon would like to stick to, the Kindle owner still has a wide range of ebooks to choose from. Visit us to find out what else the Amazon Kindle has to offer and why it is the best-selling ebook reader today.

Travis Van Slooten Technologies , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Plastic Logic Que for the Mobile Individual

March 17th, 2010

The Plastic Logic Que, one of the most recent entries in the ereader industry, impressed many at the Consumer Electronics Show last January. In partnership with AT & T 3G network as the broadband provider, the Que offers WiFi connectivity. With the company behind it claiming that it is a truly exceptional device, the Que is the first of its kind that is is said to be the ideal companion for the active professional. And because it is lightweight and purposely intended to be convenient to bring around, having it with you anytime, anywhere is no trouble.

Some may shy away from the Que because of its hefty price tag. The WiFi 4GB model will dent the pocket by 650 bucks, while the WiFi 3G 8GB model will have you shelling out 150 bucks more. Many are questioning — why the steep cost? Following suit with other digital ereaders, the Que enables the users to read their preferred books, magazines, and newspapers, but on top of these conventional features, Que owners can also use Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

The 4GB model can hold up to 35,000 documents and the 8GB model holds up to 75,000. Finding reports, files and presentations is simple, and only requires a few taps. With this technology, you can just about say goodbye to a briefcase bursting with documents. This function is truly the reason why it’s most effective for the traveling professional or businessman. Likewise, students could also find the Que a useful device for them.

The Que is a sleek and fine gadget, equipped with a 10.7 monochrome screen built into a thin body. It measures 8.5 x 11 inches, similar in size as an ordinary piece of paper, and doesn’t weigh much. It is simple to bring anywhere, tucked in your briefcase or purse.

Easy on the eyes, the plastic display looks inviting and the e-ink delivers pleasurable reading. The Plastic Logic Que doesn?t come with a stylus, but a powerful virtual keyboard. The user can make notes and highlight crucial content in any document for future reference. The Que has a built-in a USB port, SD card slot and speaker, and isn?t cluttered with excessive hardware. The sole button to be found on the front is the power button located at the bottom of the reader. In short, it looks good!

The consumer will have access to their favorite books, magazines and newspapers with the diverse selection in the QUE Store. Users can enjoy as well their daily newspaper over breakfast, steal a quick glance at their presentation even in the middle of a conference, and enjoy accessible information at all times. Consumers can get their hands on the Plastic Logic Que from local stores in mid-March, or pre-order it at the Que website.

The Plastic Logic Que is only one of the new, multi-tasking ebook reading devices to come out lately. Visit us to learn more about the hottest handheld ebook readers and to discover what’s new in the ereader market.

Travis Van Slooten Technologies , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Apple iPad Unveiled

March 16th, 2010

After the big launch of the Apple iPad, gadget geeks are restlessly pacing the floor, anxiously waiting for the time when they can finally get their hands on this device. The iPad versions built with WiFi are expected to be sent out by late March and the 3G models are to be delivered starting April. It’s no surprise actually; a person who uses Apple products are a rare breed, loyal and have stayed devout to Apple.

It seems like Steve Jobs still got his magic, creating a product that will be flying off the shelves, no doubt. Perhaps hordes of Apple fans will meander in long lines at the nearby Apple Store, standing by for when the iPad will finally go on sale, reminiscent of the iPhone launch. But with all of the buildup surrounding the iPad, will it destroy the popularity of other ebook reading devices like the Kindle and Sony Readers? In order to come to a verdict, let’s take a look at the iPad closely.

It’s not cheap with prices starting at $499 and topping out at $829, and why shouldn’t it be more than a bit costly? Bear in mind that the iPad isn’t just an ebook reader. It looks like an over-sized iPhone, minus the call capabilities. You’ll be able to view high-def movies, stream TV shows, browse the web, and play games on it. The large 9.7-inch IPS touch screen is up to Apple’s high resolution standards. It is equipped with a memory capacity of 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB flash drive.

With such storage capability, this gadget will obviously hold a library much larger than your average ereader. Books are cleverly displayed on a “book shelf”. You can just tap the book you want, and enjoy reading it on a high-resolution, LED backlit screen. It also runs special apps developed for the iPad, and also many of the 140,000 applications from the App store.

Here’s a problem, though. The iPad will only be associated to Apple’s own ebook store, and these books are not compatible with the Kindle and other ebook reader market dominators. If you’ve got a wide collection of ebooks already on another ereader, you’ll have trouble reading them on the iPad. While it remains not confirmed as yet, rumor has it that iBooks will sell for $12.99 and $14.99.

The Apple iPad is portable, lightweight, and most likely really fun to tinker around with. But if you won’t be in need all of the “other stuff”, the ebook readers on the market now will suit you just as well. But if you are a true-blue Apple fanatic, then Jobs and his team have manufactured yet another exciting product for consumers. With amazing clarity and capabilities, you’re going to “iLove” this multi-tasking gadget. The Apple iPad will fit perfectly with your MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and iPhone.

While the Apple iPad is a truly breakthrough device that’s in a class all its own, it’s unlikely to replace the Amazon Kindle as the top ebook reading device in the market. Check us out at http://ebookreadersresource.com to learn more about the Kindle and other widely-used handheld ebook readers available today.

Travis Van Slooten Technologies , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kindle Vs iPad – A New Battle Emerges

March 9th, 2010

Putting together a feature-for-feature Kindle vs iPad review, which gadget will likely prevail? No doubt about it, the Apple iPad, with its recent much hyped about launch, is the “in” thing today. True-blue Apple patrons can scarcely wait to get their hands on one as the WiFi models are expected to ship in late March, and the 3G units are arriving in April. When that time comes, we will no doubt see long lines in front of every Apple store just like what happened with the release of the iPhone.

But what of the ebook reading devices like the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Reader? The ereader is fast becoming a mainstream consumer device, with the Kindle getting the lion’s share of the market. Seeing the promise of such a device however, many such ebook readers have also cropped up, with most of them sporting practically the same features as that of the Kindle. Now with the entry of tablet PCs like the iPad which can also ably function as an ebook reader, the gadget need may shift to multi-functional devices. Can the iPad really make a significant setback to the ebook reader industry? Let’s take a look at the significant elements.

First off, the negatives. The iPad will only be associated with Apple?s own ebook store. While getting an iPad is a smart move for those who are still considering buying an ebook reading gadget, if you already own a ton of ebooks, you won?t be able to access these in the iPad. Actual ebook prices are still for confirmation, but there’s word that buying iBooks in the Apple ebook store is going to run you around $12.99 and $14.99. This can be a little steep for those who have to start from scratch. Plus, Amazon’s ebooks are still retailing at $9.99 apiece.

Still, getting an iPad has its own set of benefits, as it’s a device able to perform a lot of functions. You can use this oversized iPhone lookalike, sans the “phone”, to view high-def movies, watch your favorite TV shows, browse the net, and have fun with games on a 9.7 inch IPS touch screen. Sticking with Apple standards, the clarity and color is amazing, and the package includes your choice of 16-GB, 32-GB or 64-GB internal storage. With such storage capacity, the Library can hold a lot of books, which are cleverly displayed on a “book shelf” design. With one simple tap, you may choose your ebook, and read it on the high-resolution, LED back-lit display. Depending on your memory and connectivity preferences, prices start out at $499 and end at $829. It does run special apps developed specifically for the iPad, and you’ll have access to most of the 140,000 other apps at the App Store.

On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle is a device intended for the user’s most relaxing and convenient reading experience in mind. Unlike the LCD screen of the iPad, the Kindle, like the current batch of ebook readers, utilizes e-ink display, which many say, is unarguably best for reading for longer periods of time. The Kindle’s battery can last as long as two weeks without recharging, so it could also make the right traveling companion. The 6-inch model is priced at $259, while the 9.7-inch Kindle DX costs $489.

So which gadget gets our nod in this Kindle vs iPad matchup? Definitely for the gadget geek, the iPad will go perfectly alongside his MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and its smaller counterpart in looks, the iPhone. Jobs and his staff have created yet another brilliant product for the hardcore Apple user. But for the booklover just looking to read in the most conjucive “environment” and don?t require all of the other extra features, the Kindle remains to be your best option on the market today.

Handheld ebook readers continue to grow in popularity as more reading enthusiasts get to know the convenience of using one. But how will tablet PCs like the iPad fit into the picture? Visit us to read our detailed Amazon Kindle vs Apple iPad comparison and to know more about the most popular ebook readers today.

Travis Van Slooten Uncategorized , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EBook Readers Guide – Kindle 2 And Kindle DX Comparison

September 21st, 2009

When The Kindle ebook reader by Amazon came out several years ago, few of us had ever heard of digital book readers. At that time several companies had some kind of electrical reading device out on the market, but because of format or functionality problems they had not made any kind of impact. The Kindle reader was different. It was an instant hit. Amazon was quick to react to the markets needs and quickly responded by releasing an improved versions, the Kindle 2 and seven months later the Kindle DX.

The portable ebook reader market has exploded. New ebook readers are coming out weekly. Companies are competing to come out with the best product imaginable. But Amazon is the leader of the pack with its two ebook readers. If you are in the market for a digital reader, then it would be worth your while to take a look at the Kindle 2 and the Kindle DX. See which one would be right for you.

In comparing the two Kindle models, the Kindle DX is the larger of the two. As a matter of fact the DX is the largest ebook reader on the market right now. It measures 10.4″ in height x 7.2″ in width x .38″ in width. Amazon, with its forward thinking, designed the DX to be able to accommodate textbook content as well as for the better reading of newspapers and magazines. The Kindle 2, which measures 8″ x 5.3″ x .36″ respectfully, was meant it to handle smaller formatted material such as handbooks and novels. The Kindle 2 is much easier to handle and can fit into any carry bag or purse.

Both the Kindle 2 and the Kindle DX display written content in the same way. They both use eInk technology which gives the user the feeling that they are reading from actual paper rather than from a glowing monitor screen. Compared to the Kindle 2’s six inch display screen, the DX’s screen measures 9.7.” Besides its larger screen size, The DX’s display can be rotated from portrait to landscape by simply tilting the device. This can make it a more comfortable reading experience for viewing charts and diagrams.

The Kindle DX has integrated PDF support built in. Pdf files can be downloaded directly to the reader. This is not the case for the Kindle 2 where PDF files must be converted. To do this the files must be sent to Amazon support via email. They can convert the files for a small fee. Also the DX has about double the storage capability of the Kindle 2. The DX has 4GB to Kindle 2’s 2GB. But the most important determining factor is of course the price. The smaller Kindle 2 goes for $359 while the Kindle DX is $489.

Yes the prices are somewhat high, but compared to other digital readers nothing comes close to a Kindle. You can find cheaper ebook readers. Sony just unveiled three new readers priced under Kindle 2’s price tag, but none have the features of the Kindle 2 or the the Kindle DX. The ebook reader market is getting crowded with new models coming out all the time. Prices are bound to come down. The choices will become more difficult, but it all boils down to which is the right electronic book reader for you.

The prices of electronic reading devices differ. Picking the features that are right for you will decide the price you pay. The eBook Readers Guide will help in making a proper ebook reader comaprison. Visit www.guideforebookreaders.com.

Mario Del Sol Technologies , , , , , , , , ,


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