eBook reader roundup
We asked the makers of a handful of eBook readers why their products are so great. Here's what a few of them had to say to us.
"NOOK Simple Touch Reader is the most intuitive, easy-to-use eReader ever created. Ultra-light and thin, NOOK boasts the most advanced E Ink display, 80% less flashing, and the longest battery life in the industry (up to 2 months on a single charge)." - Nook spokesperson
Barnes & Noble Nook
Features:
6-inch touch screen2-month battery life
Over 2 million titles available
2GB storage
Wi-Fi connects free at Barnes & Noble locations and AT&T hotspots
$139 at Barnes & Noble or online
Sony Reader Wi-Fi
"We believe in giving readers more freedom and flexibility while reading, and the new Reader Wi-Fi gives avid readers more access to content than ever. Bibliophiles can now buy, borrow or download free books wherever there's a Wi-Fi connection," said Phil Lubell, vice president of Networked Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics.
Sony Reader Wi-Fi
Features:
6-inch touch screen1-month battery life
Over 2.5 million titles available
2BG storage
12 dictionaries, including 10 foreign languages
Available October 2011 for about $149
Kobo Touch edition
"Our extremely popular Kobo Reading Life app was the first social platform to deliver interaction to eReading. Kobo is committed to staying on the cutting-edge of social eReading to realize our mission of inspiring more people to read by allowing them to share thoughts, insights and experiences," said Kobo chief technology officer Dan Leibu.
Kobo Touch edition
Features:
6-inch touch screen
1-month battery life
2GB storage
Soft quilted design
$139 at retail stores
Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle is arguably the most popular eBook reader on the market. Users can now check out books from more than 11,000 public libraries in the U.S. In 2010 the Kindle surpassed "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)" to become the best-selling item in Amazon history. The eBook reader was originally launched in 2007.
Amazon Kindle
Features:
6-inch touch screen
2-month battery life
3,500 eBook storage
$79 on Amazon.com
Alurtek Air
"Our new Wi-Fi enabled e-readers provide you instant access to millions of titles wherever you have a wireless internet connection freeing yourself from your computer," said Alurtek president and chief executive officer John Wolikow.
Alurtek Air
Features:
5-inch screen
Access to Kobo eBooks
100 books included
$129 at Alurtek