Monday 19 March 2012

Are you thinking of buying an eReader?


A few points to ponder...There are basically two types -- E-ink and LCD.
E-Ink 
In terms of reading, E-Ink screens are more like physical books printed on paper. They are not backlit, thus they need a light source to be read, just like a book. Their benefits are that they produce less strain on the eyes and are a more natural reading experience. Also, you won’t experience glare in bright lights and direct sunlight. E-Ink also holds its charge for a very long time.

The drawbacks of E-Ink are that they cannot display moving images, such as video or cursors, nor can they display color.  E-Ink can only be displayed in shades of grey.

LCD
An LCD screen on an eReader is the same as the screen on your laptop computer or smartphone. The screen is backlit, thus requiring more battery power. Also, the glass screen creates a glare. LCD screens are also difficult to read in direct sunlight. Viewing an LCD screen over long periods of time is also less enjoyable than reading a book on an E-Ink screen.

The pros of an LCD screen is that it can display full color and video. In fact, many smartphones and tablets double as eReaders.

Which is best for you?
When deciding which type of eReader screen is best for you, there are two things you should consider: your usage and your needs. If you plan on reading outdoors or in brightly lit areas, on the deck, on the beach or for long periods of time, an E-Ink eReader makes sense because of its lack of a glare and its long battery life.  E-ink readers last for days while LCD readers only last for hours.  But if you’d like to read in the dark, such as in bed—an LCD screen may be better. eReaders with LCD screens can offer other options, such as video, gaming or web browsing.

Bottom-line:  for those of you who intend to use your eReader strictly for books and in well-lit areas, the E-Ink models are likely the best for you. If you are looking for an eReader that can do a bit more than simply read books, an LCD tablet or reader could give you more bang for your buck.  You should go to a store and actually handle the different models available to see which feel comfortable for you.

Not all eReaders are compatible with the library software.  Click on this link  to see a list of  compatible eReaders.

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