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Click here for techy features for the Kindle, Sony Reader and the Nook!

Click here for video reviews of e-Readers!

The Kindle 2, the Sony eReader, and now the Nook. Is it worth investing in an e-Reader?

Purchasing any e-Reader is going to be an investment, no doubt about it. You have to take into consideration when would you break even in your investment? So how do you finally make the decision and buy an e-Reader, and which one for that matter?

For any avid reader, you already know that books can be expensive, especially for newly released hard covers. That's why most people wait for paperbacks.  The library is a great asset but I don't always get there during business hours. Plus I have found that there are waiting lists for a lot of the books that I want to read. I also have come across the issue where I can't re-check a book out because someone else is waiting for it. If I didn't finish it then I'm out of luck.

For me, finding the time to drive to the nearest book store can be challenging. And, if I can speak frankly here, I don't have the mental prowess or the stamina to bring the "little ones" to the bookstore with me. So of course ordering a book on-line is fantastic and SO convenient, although delivery  is not always quick. Having an e-Reader would avoid all of these inconveniences especially when you can download a book from anywhere, and in theory, read at any time.

I often find that I don't always remember to grab my book when I'm heading out the door. But would I always remember to grab my e-Reader? Probably not since most likely it would be on my nightstand right where my actual paperback book would be. But, an e-Reader would fit in my purse easily as opposed to my paperback version...

Among the many articles that I have read about e-Readers, the consistent theme is that e-Reader owners read up to 3 times the amount of books than they did before they owned an e-Reader device. I think the convenience that e-Reader devices provide is the major contributing factor. Amazon has routinely sold eBooks for $9.99 or less, even for newly released books. Now Sony and Barnes and Noble are following suit and are offering the same eBook pricing as well.

Am I willing to pay for convenience? When you consider the convenience of eBook pricing at $9.99 or less, offers of eBook bundles, and no waiting for your book and then compare it to the often high prices of hard covers (typically $20-$30) and paperback versions ($12-$20), the time it takes to search for the best priced book, and then either driving to a store or having to wait for your book in the mail; there is no question anymore for me that I am willing to pay for convenience.

I have done some research on the technical side of e-Readers as well. Based on my research and comparisons of products if I went to buy an e-Reader today I would purchase the Nook. It offers everything I want right out of the box. But the biggest reason for me choosing the Nook is because it uses the operating system called Android. Android is Google's open source operating system which allows third party developers to contribute and build on Android's success. With that said, having an  e-Reader that uses Android would provide opportunities for new software and new tool downloads for free or at minimal cost and, would be able to constantly keep up with changing technologies that will no doubt arise in the future.

Videos and reviews of e-Readers

Video of the Nook!

Video of the Kindle 2!

Video of the Sony eReader!

Technical features for the:

1. Amazon's Kindle
2. Sony's Reader Touch Edition PRS 600 (now coming in December is the new Sony Reader Daily Edition PRS 900--this version will have FREE Wi-Fi)
3. Nook from Barnes and Noble

Amazon's Kindle:  

Kindle: The type of user that would enjoy the Kindle the most is someone who wants a device made specifically for reading books. The Kindle includes everything necessary to start reading so you can basically turn the device on and start using it (of course once it is charged). I was fortunate enough to test a Kindle from a family member. But if you don't know anyone with a Kindle, Amazon offers a unique opportunity where you can find people in your area who are kind enough to let you test drive their Kindle before you decide to purchase. Talk about test driving! My experience with the Kindle was that it was so easy to use. Everything was right at my fingertips and it offered so many conveniences right on the spot.

Here are some of the basic features that are important to know:

• The Kindle 6" screen is thinner and lighter than most magazines.
• 3G Wireless: You can download books from the Kindle at anytime from anywhere. This wireless service (called Amazon Whispernet) is free and has no monthly fees or service plans. Plus you can download a new book in less than 60 seconds and you won't need a PC to do it. Be sure to check out coverage in your area (Just so you know, coverage is for U.S. only).
• You can hold the Kindle just like you would a paper book. The display is crisp and clear and you can read in direct sunlight without any glare (e-Ink technology, basically real ink that is digitized). The Kindle is designed with long-form reading in mind. When reading for long periods of time, people naturally shift positions and often like to read with onehand. Kindle's page-turning buttons are located on both sides, allowing you to read and turn pages comfortably with one hand from any position. The page-turn buttons are now flexed inward so that it will prevent accidental page turns when picking up or handling the Kindle.
• Adjustable Text size: Kindle has six adjustable font sizes to suit your reading needs. Now every book you read can be in large print.
• Read to me Feature: Kindle can read every book, newspaper, magazine and blog out load to you with hands-free capability. You can choose either a male or female voice and increase or decrease the pace as you see fit. This feature can be a bit monotone though so you may want to consider downloading an audio book in this case where it will be read by a human. If you decide to download an audio book from Audible.com, due to the file size, you simply have to download the audio book to your computer and then transfer to the Kindle.
• You can listen via Kindle's speakers or headphones (headphones included).
• Own an iPhone or iPod Touch?: To read Kindle books on your iPhone or iPod touch, simply download the FREE Kindle for iPhone application from the Apps store at Apple.com. With the Whispersync technology it saves and synchronizes your reading location across your Kindle(s) and your iPhone or iPod Touch. Now you can read a few pages on your iPhone or iPod Touch and pick up right where you left off when you return to your Kindle.
• Bookmarks and Annotations: You can make notes anywhere you like just as you would write in your paper book. Since Kindle is digital, you can edit, delete, and export your notes. You can highlight and clip key passages and bookmark pages for future use. Plus, Kindle will remember where you left off in reading and will always open to the last page you read.
• Built in Dictionary: How many of you need to have a dictionary on hand in order to interpret words while reading some books? If you're like me then the dictionary feature will be a welcomed companion. You will be able to look up any word you want by simply moving the cursor to the word and the definition will automatically display at the bottom of the screen. How cool is that? The Kindle also includes free built-in access to the most up-to-date encyclopedia known as Wikipedia.
• Battery life: You can read books for up to 2 weeks on one battery charge. (I think that could be classified as an addiction if you actually tested this part) Battery life will be less if the Wi-Fi is turned on. You can simply turn the Wi-Fi on and off to preserve battery life.
• Battery charge time: The Kindle will fully charge in approximately 4 hours. For convenience, you can charge the Kindle from you computer via the included USB 2.0 cable.
• Books taking over your home? Not any more. The Kindle can hold over 1,500 books. (That should keep you busy for a while). Plus you can wirelessly re-download any books available in your library for free.
• Book samples before you purchase: Do you need a sample of the book to see how you are going to like it and if it reads well? You can always count on being able to read a sample chapter first before you decide to purchase.
• Large Selection of books to choose from. Amazon makes it so easy to shop for books with their enormous library of over 350,000 books plus U.S. and International newspapers, magazines and blogs available. Check out the Kindle Book store.
• Pricing: You can find that most New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases from the Kindle store will be $9.99, unless marked otherwise.
• Content formats: The Kindle comes standard with the following formats 1)Kindle (AZW), 2)TXT, 3)Audible (formats 4, Audible Enhanced (AAX) (this format is used to listen to Audio books), 4) MP3, 5)Unprotected MOBI (where you don't need a special passcode to read a book), 6) PRC natively. The following formats would need to be converted: PDF, HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP. Conversion simply means that the book you download in either PDF, HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP will need to be converted into a language that the Kindle understands. Amazon will convert the file for you and send it directly to your Kindle for a small fee. HOWEVER, they will also do the conversion for FREE if you ask them to send you the converted file via email first instead of directly to your Kindle. You have to then download the file from your email to your Kindle. Amazon has made this latter process very easy and again, it will be for FREE.
• Documentation: You can view the Kindle User's Guide that will be pre-installed on the Kindle to learn how to maneuver around and operate your device. You can also view the PDF of the Kindle User's Guide from the Kindle web site before you decide to purchase.

Latest News for the Kindle: Amazon.com has introduced Kindle DX with Global Wireless – a new version of the 9.7-inch wireless reading device now with the convenience of wireless content delivery in over 100 countries. In addition to the features that have made the 6-inch Kindle the bestselling product across all of Amazon, the new Kindle DX with Global Wireless has a large 9.7-inch electronic paper display, auto-rotate capability and storage for up to 3,500 books. Kindle DX with Global Wireless is available for pre-order starting today for $489 at www.amazon.com/kindledx and ships January 19.

Sony Reader Touch Edition:

*NOTE: The new Sony Reader Daily Edition 7” screen PRS 900 will have FREE Wi-Fi unlike the Touch Edition PRS 600 and will contain a boatload of on-board memory. It will be available to purchase in December! Pricing will be hefty though at $399.  If you can afford the Sony Reader Daily Edition then I think this would be a much better investment choice than the Touch Edition. The Daily Edition will come standard with everything you will need and most likely won't need to upgrade many accessories!

Sony Reader Touch Edition: I have also had the pleasure of testing a Sony Reader PRS 600. My experience with the Sony Reader was much the same as the Kindle. The only thing that I noticed initially were the locations of the page turn buttons. I would have to hold the Sony Reader at the bottom and use my thumbs to turn the pages. But you really can't complain when Sony allows the ability to turn pages just by swiping the screen with your finger. Right now the technology with the Sony Reader is that you have to use your computer to download your books from Sony's eBook Library or Google books. You would have to remember to load all of your books onto the Sony Reader before you left your house. However, now with the new Reader Daily Edition (PRS-900) due to come out in December this won't be an issue at all anymore! You would be able to download books at any time. I think this one additional feature makes the Sony Reader highly competitive with the Kindle and the Nook. Plus, the Daily Edition will still allow for memory expansion slots if you ever have the necessity.

Here are features that make the Sony Touch Edition so appealing:  

• The Sony PRS-600 is thinner and lighter than most magazines and has a paper-like reading experience, which makes it easy to read, even if you are outdoors in the sun. It uses the e-Ink technology.
• The PRS-600 Touch Edition requires Internet connection and is compatible with both PC and Mac computers. (The Sony Reader Daily Edition (PRS-900) 7” screen will be wireless and will be available to purchase in December). The PRS-600 requires either of the following: Microsoft® Windows Vista® (32-bit or 64-bit) home Basic/ Home Premium/ Business/ Ultimate with Service Pack 1 or later. Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit only) Home Edition/ Professional/ Media Center Edition 2004 & 2005 with Service Pack 2 or later. - Mac OS X version 10.4.11 or later, Mac OS X version 10.5.6 or later. CPU: 800 MHz Celeron class processor or better for Windows. - Intel, Power PC G3, G4, or G5 processor for Mac RAM: -128 MB or more (minimum 512 MB for Windows Vista)
• Reader Touch Edition lets you use your finger or stylus to turn pages or highlight words and make annotations. No buttons necessary! If you prefer, you can use the virtual keyboard to make notes. You can export your notes to your computer using the eBook Library software that is built-in.
• You can store and access up to 350 of your favorite books (or more with memory expansion card slots). You can purchase 1GB memory sticks for $19.99 and up to 16 GB memory sticks for $99.99.
• Library of books: You can access books by visiting the eBook Store from Sony, Google Books which has over 1 million free public domain titles or even check out books from public libraries (you will need a library card though).
• Battery life: You can read books for up to 2 weeks on one battery charge (7,500 continuous page turns). You can also charge your Reader Touch through a single USB 2.0 cable.
• Adjustable Text size: Sony Reader Touch has five adjustable font sizes to suit your reading needs. Now every book in your library can be large print.
• Built in backlight for reading at night. You would have enough light to read but won't interrupt the sleep of those around you.
• Built in Dictionary: You can use the search function to look up any words that you don't know.
• Current formats: Adobe PDF, JPEG, BBeB, RTF, and TXT formats are all supported. In order to view Microsoft Word (your PC must have Word installed), HTML, and other file types, it will require conversion through supplied software. You can also read Un-encrypted MP3 files (meaning where you are not asked to supply a key code to read the file) and AAC format audio files. It is not compatible with most digital copyright formatted audio files.
• Headphones are required to listen to unsecured MP3 and AAC audio files. However, headphones are not included and are sold separately.
• Tired of the same old color? The Reader Touch Edition is available in silver, black and red.
• Owner's Manual: You can review the owner's manual to get an idea of what you can expect before you make a purchase at Sony.

Nook from Barnes and Noble: 

Nook: The great thing about the Nook is even though it is new to the market Barnes and Noble makes it easy for you to try out the device by giving you an opportunity to experience it hands on at any Barnes and Noble store. The Nook includes everything necessary to start reading right away so you can basically turn the device on and start using it (of course once it is charged).

• The Nook is very competitive especially with pricing at $259.
• Nook offers two ways to browse. You can use the first ever full-color 3.5 “ touchscreen where you can use your finger to swipe through titles and tap to open the book you would like to read, or you can use the large virtual keyboard to find exactly what you are looking for.
• Uses E Ink display technology (basically real ink that is digitized). Makes for a crisp reading screen.
• No glare screen
• Has 5 adjustable text sizes
• The Nook will have both AT&T's 3G Wireless Network and Wi-Fi technologies. You can receive Wi-Fi for FREE at any Wi-Fi hot spot and of course all Barnes and Noble stores will offer free Wi-Fi access to Nook users.
• Will have 2GB on-board memory. That relates to storing up to 1,500 books, newspapers or magazines.
• Need more books? No problem. You can add a 16 GB memory card that will hold up to 17,500 books. Basically you would become a walking library.
• You can access eBooks -- including thousands of free classic titles and bestsellers for $9.99 -- by tapping the Shop button on your nook. A number of nook features apply only to eBooks purchased through Barnes & Noble.com. These are stored in your online digital library and include: bookmarks, highlighting, notes, lending, rating, recommending, and cross-platform reading. The Nook also supports PDFs, as well as ePub and PDB files.
• You can sample any eBook that Barnes and Noble has to offer before you decide to buy. Many bestsellers and new releases will cost $9.99.
• You can use your current Barnes and Noble membership card to purchase your eBooks online.
• With the Nook you can easily bookmark, highlight words or passages, make notes and export notes or look up words with the built-in dictionary. When you bookmark, you will begin reading right where you left off.
• If you happen to forget your Nook at home you can easily continue reading on your iPhone, iTouch, Blackberry, PC or Mac through Barnes and Nobles FREE e-Reader software. Remember when you bookmark, your place will be saved whether it is on your Nook or iPhone!
• Share your eBooks with friends or family. Most eBooks can be lent for up to 14 days. You can send an eBook to their Nook, computer or cell phone with Barnes and Noble's FREE e-Reader software. NOTE: However, it sounds like you will be able to share any given eBook title up to one time only.
• Read up to 10 days without recharging and with wireless shut off. Wireless activity will drain the battery quicker.
• Installed rechargeable Lithium battery that you can actually change out yourself. The expect the lifespan of a Lithium battery for up to 2-3 years. You can also charge your battery via either  USB connection to your computer or a power adapter.
• You can use your Nook as an MP3 player and it holds up to about 26 hours of audio. Has built-in speakers and has a universal 3.5 mm headphone jack.
• Nook supports the following file types:
  • EPUBZ and e-Reader formats
  • PDFs
  • MP3s and graphics loaded onto your Nook via your computer or micro SD card
  • JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP files to create your own personal screensavers
• You can load your own pictures onto you Nook and create your own personal screen savers.
• Be sure to check the coverage viewer for mobile broadband 3G coverage in your area.
• If you unfortunately lose your Nook device you can go to your B&N.com account to de-register your nook or call Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-THE-BOOK (843-2665) to de-register the device from your account.
• Every nook has a User Guide in its Library
• Still not sure if you want to purchase the Nook yet? No problem. Remember you can go to your local Barnes and Noble store to test drive a Nook.

Was this e-Reader information useful to you? Would you or have you already invested in an e-Reader? Post your thoughts and feedback below. 

If you're not quite ready for an e-Reader, consider an audio book and listen to your next book on your iPod or phone available through Audible.com.