What’s the best eReader for Textbooks?  One of the best things about the introduction of eReaders and tablet computers over the past couple of years has been that they can be used to read electronic versions of textbooks!  So, instead of your high school or college student having to buy a bunch of books each semester, he or she might actually be able to buy the electronic version (or eBook) and download it to a laptop, tablet computer, or an eReader. 

In the past, the Apple iPad was actually the best eReader for textbooks, however, the cost ($400-$800) was prohibitive.  Now, with the introduction of Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet, your student can have an excellent eReader/tablet combination for under $200!   The price alone brings tablet computing and color eReaders financially within reach of literally any student.

Plus, the Kindle Fire comes with an excellent color PDF viewer, and it supports lots of file formats, so more than likely, your student’s textbook, if it is available electronically, will be supported by the Kindle Fire.  Read our exclusive review of the Kindle Fire here!

Honestly, at this price, the possibilities for use in the classroom are endless!  And, we predict it won’t be long before electronic books replace textbooks at all grade levels…that heavy backpack your grade school child is lugging around may soon be gone forever.

Order your student a Kindle Fire today!

Coming Sunday at Target:  The $139.99 iriver Story HD, a Google branded eReader, is all set to take on Amazon’s Kindle!  Side by side, the devices are very similar in appearance…both are Wi-Fi enabled, both have a 6″ eInk screen, and both have a Qwerty keyboard.  But that may be where the similarity ends.  Beacuse the iriver Story HD is the first eReader integrated with the Google eBooks platform.

Can Google compete with the dozens of digital readers already on the market?  Even more importantly, can it take down Kindle and Nook? 

Best eReaders is proud to announce the creation of our own online store!   

We already have a huge selection of the best eReaders on the market, the best accessories, the best tablet computers, and much more, in our onine store, and we’ll be adding to our store on a regular basis!  Now, instead of trolling the entire internet, searching for the best deal on an eReader, you can simply browse through our new online store, compare all the features and prices you want, and buy your eReader from the Best eReaders. 

Even better, you can check out with your Amazon.com account, so you know it’s a safe, secure place to buy your eReader!

So, go ahead, visit the Best eReaders Online Store today!

At the Best eReaders, our goal is to provide you with the information that you need to choose the Best eReader…the one with the features you need at a price that you like!  Over the past few months, we’ve been reviewing many of our old posts, and have decided to remove those that don’t fit into our goals! 

Rather than provide you with too many “cookie cutter” pages and posts, we would prefer to remove those and replace them with better, more indepth reviews of the latest eReaders, tablets, accessories, and even the best eBooks out there!

So, we want to thank you, in advance, for your patience as we improve our site!

Considering purchasing an eReader?  Confused about the difference between tablet computers and eReaders?  Not sure which one you should buy? 

With the introduction of the iPad last year, many predicted the quick demise of the eReader, since the newest device could function as both a computer and an electronic book reader.  However, several significant differences between the two continue to make both eReaders and tablet computers excellent, but equally different, personal electronic devices.  Here’s the rundown:

eReaders are devices that are essentially dedicated to reading.  While they do have the capability to surf the internet, the best use of the device is and will continue to be reading your favorite books without the distractions that you will find on other devices not specifically designed for reading.

• The best eReaders use E-Ink technology, which means that the page that you are reading on your eReader will appear more like a real book, and less like the “computer screen” you will be reading on a tablet computer.  E-Ink technology also makes it easy to read in places that a tablet computer just won’t do, like outside in bright sunlight. Currently the best eReader, the Amazon Kindle, uses the E-Ink technology, and continues not to include color enhancement, simply due to the fact that current technology, in color, actually provides a distracting reading experience that can result in eye strain. If you are an avid reader, this is NOT a negative feature for the device, since 95% of what you read in a traditional novel is not in color.  
• eReaders make it easy to go to your favorite eBookstore, browse the selection of eBooks, purchase them, and quickly download them to your device.  
• Many eReaders come with free 3G service for the lifespan of the device.  This includes purchasing books, surfing the internet, checking your email, and other online activities that you can do with the device.
• Nearly all eReaders come with other functions, such as internet browsers, MP3 players, games, WIFI capability, document readers that enable you to carry your own documents with you, and much more.
• The battery life on an eReader can be anywhere from one week to over a month, since the power required to operate the device is far less than a tablet computer.
• An eReader is light, typically weighing about eight ounces, usually less than an half inch thick, and  sized comfortably, just like your favorite books.
• The best eReaders typically sell for hundreds of dollars less than the least powerful tablet computer, and can more justifiably be replaced as the technology advances.

Tablet computers are devices that are designed to function like personal computers. Not only can they read books, but they can do so much more that the eReader function in a tablet computer is almost like an afterthought.

• Tablet computers use LCD technology, which means that the page you will read is “backlit,” and while they definitely provide an excellent visual experience for all of the other functions of the device, they can also be extremely distracting or cause eye strain when you are reading for long periods.  
• Tablet computers also make it easy to go to your favorite eBookstore, browse the selection of eBooks, and easily purchase and download them to your device.
• Tablet computers do not come with free 3G service.  In order to utilize 3G with a tablet computer, you will be forced to purchase the device (and a cellular service contract) from one of your local cellular service providers, and certain devices are specific to certain service providers.  
• Tablet computers are available with WIFI, meaning that you can connect to existing wireless networks free of charge, and surf the internet, download books, etc.
• The battery life for a tablet computer is limited, at best, to a few hours, so you’ll need to charge your device daily, or even multiple times daily, if you are a heavy user.
• A tablet computer typically weighs three times what an eReader weighs and can be somewhat uncomfortable to hold for longer periods of time.  
• Depending on the specific model you choose, many tablets can record HD video and take high-quality photos. And, tablet computers can display and play any type of media, including music, movies, and games. They have fully functioning web browsers, email capabilities, and you can manage your calendar and your contacts just like you can on your smart phone.
• Unlike eReaders, tablet computers cost hundreds of dollars, and for me, cannot be justifiably replaced as quickly as my $189 Kindle when the technology changes (and believe me, it will).

As you can see, there are significant differences in the devices, and your choice should definitely be based on the intended use. 

As an avid reader, I chose to purchase both an eReader and a tablet computer. And, this is a decision that I do not regret in the least. For the best true reading experience, no device matches the Amazon Kindle, and for the best computing experience, no device matches the Motorola Xoom. And, my advice to you is to choose the best device for your needs…and, if you find you need to, get both devices!  You won’t be sorry!

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Here’s a hands on for the dual-core Dell Streak 7 tablet – again, another contender in the tablet wars!  The electronics giants are making it really hard for us to decide on a tablet these days….

Sharp has a new file format, known as Next-Generation XMDF, or ever-extending Mobile Document Format, and has introduced two prototype eReaders, signalling their intention to take on the Kindle and the iPad!

Both eReaders, announced in Japan this week, will have full color screens and feature the new file format. This file format allows a much more fluid integration of both text, audio and video when viewed on eReaders.

According to the corporate press release, “The next-generation XMDF enables easy viewing of digital contents including video and audio, and allows automatic adjustment of the layout to match and meet publishers’ needs.”

With persistent rumours of TWO new models of the popular iPad, and Kindle releasing a color version, this year’s Christmas gift season should be HOT for eReaders! And, we as consumers, can expect some EXCELLENT deals!

Going to the beach on vacation this year?  If so, how many books are you planning to take with you?  As a perpetual reader, for a week, I might take three or four books, with visions of laying in my lounger under the umbrella reading them…  or you can just take your Kindle! 

Instead of loading up on books from the bookstore, you can load up on digital “beach reads” and take your Kindle with you on vacation!  Not only can you easily read outside in bright sunlight, but you can read anywhere, in the hotel/condo, in the airport waiting for the plane… and the list goes on.  This year, picture yourself on the beach with your Kindle!

If you’ve already ordered your 3G wireless iPad, not to worry, yours will still ship by “late April,” however, if you’re ordering it today, don’t expect to receive it until after May 7th.  Updated shipping data on Apple’s website indicates the shipments will not happen until May 7th.