Know Your eReaders
eReaders are one of the many innovations that have helped libraries lurch into the 21st century (along with Libraries of Things, tool lending libraries, etc). They have enhanced the digital library experience since their inception, and the landscape has drastically changed over the years. Some devices try to do it all, but those that focus on just being a reader really shine – amazing quality of life changes like being waterproof, built-in dictionaries, highlighting, dogears, and others I am sure I’m not even aware of.
The best and broadest point you can take away from this article is all the eReaders I talk about are compatible with Overdrive (Libby). I have even more detail below on the big names in the game, and what they mean for public libraries.
Amazon Kindle ($99-$339)
Love them or hate them, Kindles appear to be here to stay. Once Overdrive was integrated, the Kindle became the cream of the crop as they are more responsive and faster than competitors. Though accessing titles from Libby is a bit of a process we are all familiar with at this point, Kindles remain accessible at only $99 (and often go on sale, especially around Black Friday) and easy on the eyes with the E Ink screen. There is also a Kid’s edition, though I’m personally unfamiliar.
Kobo Reader ($129-$399)
Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, Kobo has been sitting pretty in the #2 spot for some time. I just picked up a Kobo Clara BW for myself (because I cannot help being a book hipster), and I have been loving it. I do lament the absence of page up/down buttons, but I’ve swiftly gotten over that. Additionally, the seamless integration with Overdrive (you can borrow directly from your device!) is a huge bonus. It has many of the same features as Kindles – its own ebook store, adjustable brightness, highlighting, dictionaries, and the easy-on-the-eyes E Ink screen. These are often on sale ($20 off a Kobo Clara BW actually right now!), so if you can be patient just keep an eye out.
Apple iPad ($499-$999)
The iPad can do it all, especially if you cell phone is an Apple product. The iPad is as powerful as some computers, and it can be your one-stop shop for streaming, reading, texting, drawing, what-have-you. With versatility and power comes cost, though Some may gawk at the price, and rightfully so, but there are many different models at different price points (including older, refurbished models), as well as payment plans. If you are looking for more than an eReader, the iPad may be your best bet.
The one concern that consistently pops up with iPads is eye strain. LCD/LED screens cause eye strain, no ifs, ands, or buts, especially at night. E Ink is generally touted as the safer alternative, especially since it can be used with no/minimal backlight. No broad consensus exists on this, but please be aware if you already use screens a lot at work or in your personal life!
Onyx Boox ($150-$650)
A relative newcomer, Onyx is another E Ink device *but smaller.* About the size of an iPhone 15 Max, it can fit in your pocket and in your palm comfortably. The biggest draw of an Onyx is it runs on Android (though it is Android 11, an already outdated version of the system). You can install any app from the Play Store, including the Kindle app, Libby, and even Hoopla (a big drawback of Kobo and Amazon—no Hoopla titles!). Though, as we learned with the iPad, with more versatility comes more cost.
And so, there you have it. Other eReaders are out there, like the B&N Nook which miraculously still exists in this diverse and competitive market. If you have any personal favorite makes or models or advice on their use, please let me know! Email me at: smithc2@einetwork.net.
Cheers,
Cameron R.S. Smith | Cooper-Siegel Community Library
