Ebook readers: Ebook readers interactive tool

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Ebooks: Connectivity

Headphones

Most ebook readers will have a headphone socket. This gives you the opportunity to listen to audio books (.aa and .aax files) or text-to speech functions with some privacy. Many ebook readers can playback digital music (MP3) files too, so you can listen to music while reading an ebook.

SD card slot and SD card

On average, the readers we’ve tested can store almost 2,500 ebooks apiece. If you want more storage space look for devices with a memory card slot, for SD cards for example. This will let you boost the storage capability of your ebook reader. If you buy an SD card for your ebook reader, check that it supports cards of this size.

USB port

Your ebook reader will have a USB connection − and you’ll probably also find a USB cable in the box. This will let you connect your ebook reader to your PC, so you can load it up with downloaded ebooks and recharge at the same time. Some ebook readers cut out the need for a PC and allow you to connect to the internet wirelessly and download ebooks straight to the reader.

Wireless connections

Some ebook readers are able to wirelessly download content, using the same network as a mobile phone. This makes it easy to choose and purchase new ebooks, or even daily content such as news, but it’ll usually mean that the battery life is shorter than that of other ebook readers. You’ll usually have to pay to download new ebooks wirelessly, though this will probably be included in the purchase price of the new ebook.

Ebooks: Formats

DRM restrictions

DRM or Digital Rights Management is designed to combat piracy and places restrictions on what you can do with your electronic books. For instance, a book from Amazon will be in the ‘AZW’ format and will only work on Amazon products (ie the Kindle). Some ePub books are unprotected and can be used on any device, but those entitled ‘Adobe ePub’ are protected with DRM from Adobe. This means you can use the ebooks on up to six devices (including the computer used for downloading).

ePub format

One of the most common ebook file formats available is the ePub standard - a popular open standard created by the International Digital Publishing Forum. Most ebook readers, apart from the Kindle, work with ePub. Epub books are available from most device-independent stores.

Kindle and Sony formats

Not all ebook readers are compatible with all ebook file types, so check carefully before purchasing an ebook reader or downloading ebooks online. For instance, the Kindle uses the AZW Amazon Kindle format and Sony ebook readers use the BBeB standard. Unlike the Kindle, Sony supports the epub standard in parallel to its native format.

PDF Adobe format

PDF Adobe Acrobat PDF documents are commonly used for free content. Usually the electronic version looks just like the print version. PDFs work on most ebook readers, but tend not to display as tidily as epubs when using zoom or reflow options.

Ebooks: Readability

Electronic ink

Ebook readers look different to normal ‘backlit’ displays (such as LCD screens). They use an 'electronic ink' display − a matte grey-on-grey display designed to be easy on the eye. They are easier to read in sunlight and from different angles than regular LCD screens, and use a lot less battery power.

Text-to-speech function

Text-to-speech software converts words on the display into digitally synthesised speech. For most people, text to speech can be useful, or simply a fun gimmick, but if you struggle to read print, it can be an essential form of access. Unlike a performed audiobook, which includes the emotion and pace of an author's work, text to speech can sound stilted and mechanical, but this can allow you to draw your own interpretation from the text.

Text wrapping

Text wrapping, or reflowable text, means that the text size and display should change easily to fit the screen of the particular device you use to read your ebooks, regardless of your individual settings. So, for example, if you increase the font size the text will rearrange itself so that you can continue to read as normal without having to scroll from left to right.

Ebooks: Alternatives

Battery life

Battery life on ebook readers is impressive − power is only used when you ‘turn’ an electronic page. Most manufacturers claim that you’ll get between 6000 and 8000 page turns before you need to recharge. However, ebook readers using a wireless connection, such as the Kindle, can use more power. Devices with LCD backlit screens use far more power. For instance, the Apple iPad needs a recharge after around 6 to 10 hours, depending on whether the wireless option is switched on.

Smart phone and tablet apps

Smart phones such as the iPhone or some android phones can display ebooks. Such devices are easier to fit into your pocket, but the glossy and bright LCD screens are much smaller and not as easy on the eye as electronic ink displays.
Apple's iBook's application on the iPad is one of the most accessible ebook readers currently available. It features a screen reader (the device reads out not only the content of ebooks but menu options), zoom magnification and white-on-black displays.