How to Choose an eBook Reader*

1—Know what eBook readers are  An eBook reader is a device for browsing electronic files representing books. Not all eBook readers can handle the same formats. In addition to certain seller-specific proprietary formats, many readers support HTML, plain text, and JPG but not all support the open standard ePub.^[4]This is an important distinction if you want to check out ebooks from your library, or to read the vast library of copyright-free (in the United States at least) ebooks at Project Gutenberg with nicer formatting than plain text files can provide.^[5]

2—Know what to look for in an eBook reader

     Memory: How many eBooks or other documents does the eBook reader have the capacity for?

     Format type: Can the eBook reader handle a variety of file types or only one type (see previous step)? Is this ability (or lack of it) reflected in the price?

    Connectivity: Does the eBook reader have 3G and WiFi connectivity?

    Screen friendliness: Here you need to be concerned about viewability, color, size, and reflectiveness (glare).

     Additonal concerns = Weight and comfort / Battery life / Ease of downloading/  Shareability / Extra features (can you add notes, etc.)

3—Read online product reviews—ask friends who may have one

4—Be careful about the ability to find eBooks and download them to your eBook reader—does it use wi-fi or USB? Can you download from the library?

5—Check the eBook provider's breadth of published content access

6—Visit the store to try the eBook reader—try BEST BUY they have many eReaders all in one place that makes it easy to compare

7– Check the warranty

*This information was provided by wikiHow, a wiki building the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. http://www.wikihow.com/.  Content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons License.

The information supplied here is meant to educate library patrons who may be considering purchasing an eBook reader and is not intended to endorse any particular product.

  The Northfield Public Library subscribes to Overdrive—an ebook supplier. Free ebooks are available through the library website with a library card. Overdrive has a list of devices that you can use to download free ebooks. If you plan to use the library to check out ebooks we recommend you follow this link  -
http://selco.lib.overdrive.com/2681F00B-52C9-4BA3-9BB1-5241B4C4A48F/10/698/en/Default.htm

CHECK OUT THESE ONLINE RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.the-ebook-reader.com/nook-touch.html

http://www.epubbooks.com/ebook-readers

http://www.wired.com/reviews/2011/06/nook

http://willapse.hubpages.com/hub/purchase-ebook-reader

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/1985/top_e-readers.html

Kindle vs Nook
http://www.pcworld.com/article/244282/kindle_fire_vs_nook_tablet_which_should_you_buy.html

Read Consumer Reports discussion list:

http://forums.consumerreports.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=cr-computer08

Also, check the Dec. 2011 issue of Consumer Reports. There is a good review of 21 e-book readers.
See the printed issue in the library or read it online by going to www.northfieldmn.info and clicking on "Electronic Resources" - choose EBSCO and search for Consumer Reports under "Publications" (questions? call the library at 645-6606)

Go to the web site of the reader you are researching and read the consumer reviews posted there. Read the good AND the bad reviews.