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Technically Speaking: Meet the Readers – Between the Lines of E-Book Technology
By Chad Felix
Technology has habitually borrowed the things we love (friends, music, books, etc.) and returned them as something more manageable, more portable and more easily accessible to us. Like all of our most fundamental leisure activities, reading too is now relishing in the world of technological advancement, one fueled by the latest developments, forward-thinking features and intuitive design. Its latest recruit–the book–does not disappoint. Yes, with e-reader devices, our beloved little book is growing up.
E-Book Basic Training
E-readers are revolutionary in that they allow booklovers to access entire libraries of books, magazines, and newspapers in something the size of a trade paperback book. Furthermore, by utilizing 3G and Wi-Fi connections, these devices allow users to browse and purchase millions of titles wirelessly, and remarkably, this Internet accessibility does not incur a monthly fee or a yearly contract.
At the center of the e-reader is the e-book, a digitized version of a physical book. E-readers allow us to carry, store, read, notate, and highlight hundreds if not thousands of these e-books in the palm of our hand. At a lower price than physical copies (typically between $8 and $12, with literature that is categorized as public domain offered free), e-books save us money, space, and lessen our consumption of paper materials. Turn it on, wirelessly download the latest novel in minutes, and then read it, all in the comfort of your own home, on a road trip, or in your local coffee shop.
Fact: If you’re worried about your device breaking and losing all of your e-books, fear not; e-readers are designed to backup your purchases in a digital library.
Tech-E
Using patented e-Ink technology, e-readers provide a glare free and vivid reading surface to present an incredibly convincing replica of an actual paper page. This is where e-readers differ from cell phones and computers. While e-books can be viewed on laptops and many smart-phones, the oppressive glow of LCD screens and the small size of cell-phones provide inadequate reading situations that strain the eyes. These types of screens are also often burdened with glare that can make reading in the sunlight nearly impossible. With e-Ink technology, however, reading is as comfortable as ever. Pass the hours with literary adventure in the plane or prop up poolside and try it out for yourself; just don’t get it wet. Like all electronics, they don’t fare well in water.
E-readers do require an artificial light source for darker reading scenarios, but this trade-up from backlit screens is well worth it. Also, because of e-Ink technology, the battery life for these devices is incredibly impressive. While laptops and cell phones require an overnight charge at least, e-readers need only be charged once a week or even less. This is because the device only uses battery power when a reader is navigating or turning the page of an e-book.
Making the Connection
Most of these devices are available in Wi-Fi or 3G+Wi-Fi models. The necessity of one over the other really depends on the individual user. With Wi-Fi connections, readers can connect to the device’s shopping function only via Wi-Fi networks. Whether they are in coffee shops, libraries or your own home, these connections typically require a user name and a password. Wi-Fi only devices cost less, but with regard to connectivity, they are less versatile. At around fifty dollars more, 3G devices boast a connection similar to that of smart phones, that is, anywhere the 3G provider covers, you are connected. If you plan to do most of your book shopping from your home, and you already have a wireless provider, the Wi-Fi model is for you. Plan on traveling and shopping on the go? The 3G device is the more preferable of the two.
Products to Ponder
Have trouble shopping for the bookworm in your life? Or maybe you are running out of shelf space? Consider the devices that will undoubtedly be all the rage this season.
The Veteran – Kindle (Wi-Fi: $139, 3G+Wi-Fi: $189)
Mention e-readers, and most people will think first of Amazon’s Kindle device. Originally released in 2007, Kindle has seen four incarnations, the latest of which was released in July of this year (Kindle DX). The device holds 3,500 books, weighs 8.7 ounces, and is 1/3 of an inch thick. Kindle also boasts a “read-to-me” feature that can read English-language content aloud to you. E-books for the Kindle are purchased via Amazon.com’s library of over 700,000 books. Downloading on Kindle is fast and simple; books are available to read just 60 seconds after they are purchased. For more information, visit Kindle.com
The New Kid – Nook (Wi-Fi: $149, 3G+Wi-Fi: $199)
Developed by Barnes & Noble Booksellers, the Nook device is comparable to Amazon’s Kindle in most respects. The device holds a competitive 1,500 books right out of the box, weighs about 12 ounces, and is only a half an inch thick. The major differences between the two? Nook features two screens instead of one. The top screen is an e-Ink screen, and the bottom is a backlit touch screen used exclusively for navigation. E-books are purchased through Barnes & Noble’s online bookstore, providing access to over one million titles that can be downloaded directly to the device or transferred from a home computer or laptop. Nook also provides a feature that allows readers to lend their favorite e-books to friends and family for 14 days at a time. After this two week period, the e-book returns automatically to your library unscathed. Because Nook is developed by Barnes & Noble, Nook users have a local resource that can handle all of your concerns. Have technical questions about your device? Want exclusive coupons? Just head to your local Barnes & Noble Bookseller or head to Nook.com.
The Overachiever – The iPad ($499-$829)
Looking for something more than just an e-reader? The iPad is probably more up your alley. This device boasts a similarly extensive array of e-reading possibilities while also offering a whole lot more. What consumers find in an iPad is essentially a large iPhone with all the trimmings. Because iPad is not exclusively an e-reader, it does not utilize e-Ink technology; the screen is backlit. This is important to note, as serious readers will likely find the LCD screen uncomfortable for longer reading sessions. However, if you are feeling more ambitious and do not seek a designated reading device, the iPad is pretty hard to beat. For more information, visit Apple.com.
By its sleek design, long-term financial incentive, present environmental concern and a hard to argue with convenience, this new incarnation of the book is one that is very likely to stick. Design and features aside, at the heart of these devices is the book. So what’s not to love?
Great E-Reads Make Great Gifts
Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen
The gentrified new of an old St. Paul, Walter Berglund bikes to work every day; Sally Berglund shops organic and helps out around the neighborhood. But their children grow up to forsake them for other politics, other love and money. Subtly seductive, quietly addictive, and remarkably accurate in its aim, Freedom is Franzen’s testament to the complexity and humor of contemporary American life.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, by Stieg Larsson
The alleged final outing of Swedish writer Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy is here. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest successfully closes the posthumously released series with all of the excitement and intrigue that has made its predecessors so well loved by crime drama readers the world over. For current fans of the series, this gift cannot be beat. For new fans, check out the first two books in the series: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire.
Medium Raw, by Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain. He’s recklessly outspoken and unnervingly self-effacing, wildly passionate and relentlessly skeptical. Yes, all that we’ve come to expect from the everyman of gastronomy is present in Medium Raw: the fearless ousting of food world staples; his continuing befuddlement with his own success and plenty of what he lovingly refers to as “food porn”. Foodies, travel bugs and culture vultures alike are sure to find something to appreciate in this entertaining, occasionally insightful romp through his delicious, wild and magical life.
