This step-by-step eReader comparison guide was created as an attempt to help the consumer decide on the right eReader for them. Due to the fact that this is a rapidly growing market that can be hard to keep up with, this guide aims to provide the reader with easy-t-follow steps to find the right eReader for them.
Step 1 - How much are you willing to pay?
Fortunately for the consumer, some of the best eReaders on the market are some of the cheapest as well. It is not necessary to pay more than 0 for a 6 inch screen eReader without 3G and 0 for a 6 inch with 3G. If you want a larger screen, like a 9 inch, you should get away with about 0. Any less than 0 and you are risking buying an eReader that does not do the job.
So, if you are prepared to pay up to 0 for the right eReader, go on to step 2. If not, I don't believe I can help you.
Step 2 - What type of screen do you want?
The second step is deciding on what type of screen you want on your eReader. Some people tend to confuse eReaders such as the Amazon Kindle with tablets, such as the iPad. eReaders are meant for reading books, newspapers and magazines which you can download directly from the Internet at a very low cost compared to going to the store and buying the physical product. A tablet on the other hand is an electronic device with an LCD screen which is ideal for browsing or watching a movie, but has flaws when it comes to reading books.
Most eReader manufacturers have developed applications that allows the consumer to read books on their tablet, however reading on a LCD screen can become very tedious after a while. So, if you are after a tablet, stop reading right now and go buy yourself an iPad or a Samsung Galaxy. However, if you are after an actual eReader, keep reading.
When choosing an eReader you should always go for the eInk screen. An eInk screen appears like real ink and is easy on the eyes. Nothing is worse than using your eReader for half an hour only to be left with a headache. Most eInk screens will prevent this from happening.
Screens usually come in sizes from 6-12 inches. In my opinion, a 6 inch screen does the job well as you are able to increase the font size on most good eReaders which will make the book easier to read should you have a vision impairment.
Step 3 - How many books do you plan to store?
This is an easy one as most eReaders today allows you to store hundreds, if not thousands of books. If you do not need to store more than 3500 books, the Kindle 3 is your choice when it comes to storage. If you need to store more than this, the Nook allows you to add memory through a SD card if you need more memory.
Step 4 - How portable do you need your eReader to be?
The weight on eReaders vary greatly and I would always choose the lightest one. It simply feels better in your hand and is easier to hold onto for extended periods of time. The most popular 6-7 inch eReaders today range from 7.5 to 16 ounces. The lighter ones include the 7.58 ounce Sony PRS-650BC, 8 ounce Kobo eReader and the 8.5 ounce Kindle. The heavyweights include Nook Color (15.8 ounces) and Nook Original (12.1 ounces).
I would steer away from anything heavier than 10 ounces as they are less portable and takes more effort to hold onto when reading.
Step 5 - How much content do you need?
This is where it gets tricky. Having the best eReader in the world makes no difference if you can't access your favorite book. Through your eReader you need to have access to as many books as possible. In my opinion Amazon (Kindle), Barnes & Noble (Nook) and Borders (Kobo) have the largest selection of eBooks to choose from so any of these three would work out well.
I hope this guide has brought you one step closer to choosing your next eReader. For more information and eReader comparisons check out my website.
