The Pocket Edge

by: admin - Filed under: eReader News & Updates

Pocket eDGeAs is expected, dozens of eReaders will be launching over the next few weeks, in advance of the busy Christmas shopping season.  Today, we learned that Entourage is preparing to release a pocket-sized version of its eDGe eReader/tablet. 

Like the original eDGe, the Pocked eDGe will be a combination dual screen e-Ink reader/ LCD touchscreen netbook.  However, the size, 6″ e-Ink screen on the left and a 7″ color LCD on the right, will make the pocket eDGe far more manageable than the original. 

It will still run the Android OS, and there’ll even be a 3G edition of the Pocket eDGe for Verizon, as well as a separate, WI-FI only edition.  Other features mentioned include a USB port, camera, micro SD card slot, and non-removable battery. 

For more details, visit http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/09/entourage-pocket-edge/#ixzz10TMrZcbD

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The Top Three eReaders for Students

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, Apple iPad

Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite - Latest GenerationConsidering an eReader as a gift for your college student this year?  Perhaps you are a student and wondering how much you could save on the cost of textbooks?  Can you replace textbooks with the same versions via eBooks?

The truth is, you can save lots of money on textbooks by switching to electronic versions of the same information.  The real question is, which of the vast number of eReaders on the market are the best eReaders for students. 

Here’s a quick rundown of what we consider to be the top three, and the features that make them the top three eReaders for students:

Amazon Kindle:

1. Amazon lists over 700,000 books, magazines, and newspapers in the Kindle store.  All are available for immediate download at very reasonable prices, with over 1m free to Kindle owners.
2. Priced at $169-$379, the Kindle is an excellent investment, and it won’t break the bank. The more expensive models come with free 3G wireless connection that doesn’t require any type of monthly data plan (additional charge).
3. Battery life is typically 10 days to 2 weeks, and the Kindle works well in all kinds of lighting.

Sony Reader PRS600 Touch Edition:

1. The Sony eBook store features hundreds of thousands of books, magazines, and newspapers, available for immediate download, and offers access to over 1m free titles as well.
2. Priced at $169.99, the Reader is reasonably priced, and offers free 3G wireless access.
3. Battery life is about 14 days, and as it also features e-Ink technology, it works well in all kinds of lighting.

Apple iPad:

1.  The Apple iBookstore features less titles than the Kindle Store, but the number is growing.
2.  Priced at $499-$829, the iPad costs more up front and requires a monthly data plan, starting at $14.99.  However, it should be noted that the iPad is more of a tablet computer, and not an eReader, so there are more functions and apps designed for the iPad.  Still, it won’t replace your laptop.
3. Battery life is typically 10 hours, and as it’s an LCD screen, it doesn’t work well in bright sunlight.
Any way that you choose to go, an eReader can definitely save you money on textbooks…and you won’t have to lug around nearly as many books in your backpack!

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What’s the Best eReader?

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReaders

Here’s a review posted last holiday season…with the holidays coming soon, this might be a good time to review the features of the best eReaders, and plan this year’s holiday gift list!

Note:  The prices on eReaders has dropped drastically over the past few months…and that makes it easier than ever to give a Kindle to someone you love this Christmas!

Kindle Ad Exposes iPad Flaws?

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates, eReaders

The newest ad for the Amazon Kindle does a fantastic job of exposing the flaws with the iPad, and just might make you think twice about the Kindle, especially if your interest is in a true reading device.  Check out the ad, and decide for yourself, which one is the best eReader:

See the Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6

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Color eReaders: Inevitable or Evolution?

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates, eReaders
 

 This past weekend, The New York Times examined the new wave of eReaders with color displays that, even though their application is currently inscrutable, makes their onset appear inevitable.

Citing two minor eReaders, scheduled to be released before the holiday shopping season, the article notes competition and the iPad have “forced e-book reader manufacturers to innovate,” said one analyst.  This innovation, of course, is remarkably similar to the progression of technology used in computers, televisions and mp3 players.

Near the end of the article, it’s mentioned that many users don’t really want the color feature, or how it would even be implemented.  Still, we can’t help but remember how the low-power black and white display was one of the main selling points of the first generation Amazon Kindle: 

“A reading device must be sharp and durable, Bezos says, and with the use of E Ink, a breakthrough technology of several years ago that mimes the clarity of a printed book, the Kindle’s six-inch screen posts readable pages. The battery has to last for a while, he adds, since there’s nothing sadder than a book you can’t read because of electile dysfunction. ”

While the article has some good points, this blog is eager to see the upcoming releases, particularly the e-Ink technology that will undoubtedly result in the next generation Kindle!

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Kindle Beats iPad

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, Apple iPad, eReader News & Updates

Amazon KindleLONDON, ENGLAND–(Marketwire – Sept. 6, 2010) – A survey of over 1000 US and UK users by news navigator http://www.onenewspage.com/ found the Kindle scored strongly over the iPad as an e-reader. 

Although OneNewsPage’s users admitted the iPad was “more compelling” than the Kindle because of the iPad’s multi-functionality, if it came to a straight head-to-head choice between e-readers, almost two thirds (64%) preferred Amazon’s Kindle to Apple’s iPad.

Interestingly, 16% of the OneNewsPage survey sample said they owned both a Kindle and an iPad, two of the best selling e-readers on the market.

Winning the e-reader popularity contest wasn’t the only good news for Amazon. Amazon was seen as the likely victor in an e-book marketing battle with Apple – albeit by a very small 2% margin. Fifty-one percent said their money was on Amazon to win the e-reader battle, versus 49% who were backing Apple.

Despite sales of e-books outselling hardbacks on Amazon for the first time, OneNewsPage users felt the physical book has a healthy future. Almost three quarters (73%) believe there is still a place for physical books.

But perhaps the most surprising finding of the OneNewsPage survey was that e-books are now more popular than paperbacks for reading on holiday. 

Again, while there was little in it, fifty three percent preferred to pack e-books rather paperbacks for their beach reading. 

Dr Marc Pinter-Krainer, CEO of One News Page, says:

“The e-book has come of age. The Kindle has built a strong position as a specialist e-reader. Its new version is considerably cheaper and lighter than the iPad, which may explain why two thirds of our users preferred it to the iPad as an e-reader. 

“That said, it’s clear the iPad as an e-book platform is already giving Amazon a stiff challenge and there’s everything to play for as Apple only launched the iPad in March this year.”

Notes

The e-reader market is dominated by Amazon’s Kindle, which is believed to have a between 60% and 80% share (the total market size is difficult to quantify). 

Article courtesy of Marketwire.

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