Choosing an e-book: it's time to read with comfort
If you like to read so much that you no longer know where to put the read literature, it's time to switch to new technologies: there are numerous reading devices at your service. But before you choose an e-book, you need to learn about all the features that are in different models. After all, the choice is really great: color and black-and-white, with or without illumination, large and small, with the ability to watch videos or listen to audio recordings - try not to get lost here! Let's start with the main thing.
Contents
- 1 Important parameters
- 1.1 Screen type
- 1.2 Size and weight
- 1.3 Number of supported formats
- 1.4 Memory capacity
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- 2 Control: buttons or sensor?
- 3 Additional features and accessories
- 4 Popular models
Important parameters
When choosing a suitable device for reading, you should pay attention to four most important parameters:
- screen type;
- size and weight;
- number of formats supported;
- memory capacity.
It depends on them how convenient it will be to use the e-book. Consider each of them in more detail.
Screen Type
There are two types of screens:
- E-Ink( electronic ink);
- LCD or TFT( liquid crystal display).
Electronic ink is considered safer for the eyes: when reading from such a screen, the eyes do not get tired any more than when working with a regular paper book or magazine. However, devices with an LCD display are a bit cheaper and are able to reproduce color pictures.
To find out which type of screen is better, you need to get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of each of them:
| E-Ink | LCD or TFT | ||
| Merits | Disadvantages | Meritsget very tired of flickering | |
| When reading in bright light, image quality is not lost | On most models, you cannot watch the video | Clear and bright image on the screen | The charge lasts only 3-7hours |
| Charging lasts for several weeks | Not all models have screen backlighting, so you need to provide good lighting for reading | You can read books in poor light | In bright light, the picture is almost invisible |
| Low weight - only 100-200 g | Expensive devices, especially if the model has additional features | Play almost all formats | The weight of the device is 230-300 g |
| The relatively low cost |
Many devices for readinga liquid crystal display little different from tablets. They provide almost the same features, only slightly inferior in power and speed of work. However, it is the screens made by E-Ink technology that can deliver maximum comfort during long-term work.
Important: choose the LCD( TFT) screen in case you read quite a bit, preferring to watch movies or play games. If you use an e-book only for its intended purpose, you cannot do without an E-Ink-screen.
Size and weight
Regarding the dimensions of electronic books, user opinions are divided. Some people prefer small and light devices that are convenient to take with you on the road, others like models with a 10-inch screen.6-inch devices are in the greatest demand: it is these e-books that are the most on the market. In general, in stores you can find screens from 5 to 10 inches.
Important: if you will use the e-book to view training materials with various images and graphs, it is better to choose a large screen, since all the necessary pictures will be displayed correctly on it. If you read mostly fiction, choose a small device for reading.
The weight of electronic books ranges from 100 to 500 g. Models with a liquid crystal display weigh more, so they are best used only at home. Electronic ink is much more convenient in this respect - they can even be carried in a purse or jacket pocket.
Number of supported formats
The most popular formats among Russian-language literature are fb2, txt, doc and rtf. It is better if your new e-book will easily recognize them. However, it is not at all necessary to base your choice only on this indicator: modern converters will help you to correctly translate the chosen book into the desired format.
Memory Size
E-books have internal( built-in) and external( SD or microSD) memory. At the same time, the amount of internal memory of 2-4 GB is more than enough to store an entire library. You can download a hundred or two books and read only those of them, to which the soul is currently lying. However, the opinion of most users of the "readers" is that the more literature there is in the reader, the less likely you are to read it. It will be correct to still not chase the quantity, focusing on quality.
Control: buttons or sensor?
On the one hand, the touch screen is very convenient: management with its help is intuitively clear to any user. On the other hand, the "reader" is not a device that requires some complicated actions.99.9% of all-time operations are page turning, and all you need is two buttons.
That is why when choosing a suitable model it is much more important to pay attention to its ergonomics. If it is convenient for you to operate with one hand even with the help of buttons, then it is not necessary to overpay for the touch screen. The only exceptions are devices with built-in dictionaries that are planned to be used for reading foreign literature: using a stylus or finger it is much easier to select the right word and find its translation.
Additional features and accessories
Even inexpensive “readers” with an LCD screen have much more features than devices with E-Ink. Many of them can not only play video and sound, but also go online( Wi-Fi).However, all these advantages descend on it due to the large strain on the eyes.
Some readers with an E-Ink screen have a backlight that can be turned on if necessary. Usually it is a LED located around the perimeter of the screen. However, remember that using the backlight significantly reduces battery life( the “reader” has to be charged much more often).
Of the necessary accessories is particularly noteworthy case. It is desirable that it be hard, because the screen can burst even from slight pressure. If the case is not included with the device, be sure to purchase it separately.
Some e-book fans buy special flashlights for reading. As a rule, such accessories are attached using a special clip or are produced in the form of a bookmark that needs to be moved around the screen. In our opinion, this is not a very useful acquisition, as reading with such a flashlight has a strong eye strain. Much better just to secure good lighting.
Popular models
We have selected for you several of the most popular models, each of which has its own characteristics:
- PocketBook 613 Basik New is a relatively inexpensive model that can support many formats. Control with buttons. Ideal for reading fiction.
- Wexler. Flex One is a great option for those who are afraid to break or break the "reader".This model can not only drop, but even bend a little. Thin flexible body is very durable, therefore it is able to withstand many damages.
- Onyx Boox Aurora - "reader" on electronic ink with backlight. The touch screen is sensitive to any opaque objects, so the device can be operated even with gloves. Also, the reader is suitable for reading foreign literature, as it has a built-in dictionary.
- iPad mini can also be used as a reader. True, he has much more opportunities: there is even an Internet connection. Quite convenient, compact and smart "reader".
- The Sony PRS-T2 Reader is equipped with the latest generation E-Ink screen( Pearl).Able not only to go to the sites of popular online bookstores, but also to other web resources.6-inch model weighs only 168 g, which makes it very convenient for travel. True, the device supports only 4 formats( ePub, TXT, PDF and FB2), but in the presence of modern converters, this problem is easily solved.
Of course, there are much more e-book models on the market. However, it is these devices that are trusted among users. When choosing a reader, consider the future specifics of its use and try to minimize eye strain when working with it. Have a good shopping!
