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What is a Dedicated Reading Device?A dedicated eBook reading device is an electronic device designed to look and act like a 'read' book. The text is easy to read and has a paper book feel to it. You open the eBook and turn pages with the press of button. They are thinner than a standard book and contain micro computer parts that enable its functionality. They are not programmable, therefore you cannot use them as a PDA to surf the internet, send and receive emails etc. They are not a 'mini' computer. There are about three serious contenders, with another 3-4 devices that are classified as dedicated ereaders. Prices vary from $200 - $900 depending on the features you want in a device. I suggest you decide what features you really want to have as this will determine which device best suits you. From what I can tell, there is no 'super' device that does everything. The International Kindle is great installment for Amazon in that it allows over the air delivery of ebooks to countries previously left in the arid lands of being outside the USA. For readers of mainstream ebooks, the international kindle and the kindle (within the USA) are great devices. I only read lesfic and prefer to use the Sony Reader. |
The following devices are not electronic hand held computers or multimedia players that can double as an eBook reader. They are devices designed and marketed specifically for reading eBooks. Some do have audio capability and will allow you to play MP3 files.
The most popular eReaders are the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Reader. The Amazon Kindle comes in a number of variants (the Kindle, the Kindle 2, the Kindlke DX and the International Kindle). The sony reader comes in a number of versions- PRS-300 Pocket, PRS-500, PRS-505 PRS-600 Touch and the PRS-700.
As discussed in the PDA section of this site, PDAs are mini/micro/handheld computers. They are programmable and most have internet, email, office etc. features. A smartphone is essentially a PDA with mobile phone capabilities. While PDA screen sizes are around 3-4", most smartphones have 2-3" screens. A point to note is that if you are intending to use your smartphone to read eBooks, the battery charge will be considerable shortened. Using a smartphone as a eBook reading device is a good idea if you are not sure whether you will enjoy the eBook experience.
Short for liquid crystal display, a type of display used in digital watches and many portable computers. LCD displays utilize two sheets of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light.
LCD can be read in the dark.
LCD is harsher on the eyes than eInk.
LCD screens are easily damaged if treated poorly.
'Electronic ink is a proprietary material that is processed into a film for integration into electronic displays. Although revolutionary in concept, electronic ink is a straightforward fusion of chemistry, physics and electronics to create this new material. The principal components of electronic ink are millions of tiny microcapsules, about the diameter of a human hair. In one incarnation, each microcapsule contains positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid. When a negative electric field is applied, the white particles move to the top of the microcapsule where they become visible to the user. This makes the surface appear white at that spot. At the same time, an opposite electric field pulls the black particles to the bottom of the microcapsules where they are hidden. By reversing this process, the black particles appear at the top of the capsule, which now makes the surface appear dark at that spot. NOTE: Image not drawn to scale - for illustration purposes only.
To form an E Ink electronic display, the ink is printed onto a sheet of plastic film that is laminated to a layer of circuitry. The circuitry forms a pattern of pixels that can then be controlled by a display driver. These microcapsules are suspended in a liquid "carrier medium" allowing them to be printed using existing screen printing processes onto virtually any surface, including glass, plastic, fabric and even paper. Ultimately electronic ink will permit most any surface to become a display, bringing information out of the confines of traditional devices and into the world around us.' http://www.eink.com/
eInk is not back lit.
eInk devices are not as harsh on your eyes as LCD displays.
eInk devices cannot be read in the dark.
eInk devices have no active lighting therefore draw less battery power and require less frequent charging than LCD displays.
There is a few second delay between page turns (known as refresh rate).
eInk screens contain no glass therefore are more robust and do not become damaged with direct pressure.
eInk has no active lighting therefore cannot be read in the dark. LCD can.
Because eInk has no glare effect, it is easier on the eyes. Reading LCD screens for extended periods causes eye soreness much the same as your computer monitor does.
eInk draws less battery life, therefore the battery charge lasts longer than LCD.
eInk looks like a book page, LCD looks like your computer monitor.
Pages refresh almost instantly with LCD whereas eInk pages take a few seconds to refresh.
LCD screens come in color, whereas eInk is only made in grayscale at the moment.
eInk screens are more robust than LCD.
LCD and other screen technology based devices
You need to be aware that not all eReading devices are compatable with Apple Mac Computers. Please check the manufacturer specifications for compatability.
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