eReaders come in a variety of forms. They can be devices designed specifically for eBooks and other digital content, or software applications used on computers and smartphones. All are innovative in the same way – by giving users access to full-length electronic texts. The advent of eReaders has shaken the world of books almost as much as the invention of movable type. eReaders have had a profound effect on the way libraries and the publishing industry function, and no less the way individuals use books. eReaders present a new realm of possibilities in technology and education, and at the same time have forced us to re-examine traditional concepts of print format, copyright, and information sharing. This resource serves as a starting point to understand the evolving world of eReaders and eBooks.
TOP RSS News Feed for eReaders and eBooks
This RSS feed draws on the Blogs and News sites listed below.
TOP eReader Models: Direct Links to Manufacturer Websites
This is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
| Apple IPad | http://www.apple.com/ipad/ Information on the original ipad and now the ipad 2. Provides an overview of technical specifications and features as well in-depth information on its uses in education and business. |
| Bookeen Cybook | http://www.bookeen.com/en/ Provides an overview of the Cyberbook Opus, the Cybook Orizon, and the Cybook Gen 3. The site also offers support for these devices. |
| Ectaco JetBook | http://www.jetbook.net/ The Ectaco site which provides an overview of their various eBook devices. Though the site itself is a little overwhelming with regard to its layout and color scheme, it still is a good resource for these eBook readers and translators. |
| Hanvon Wise Reader | https://www.hanvon.com/show-5-1-1.html Hanvon is a Chinese manufacturer of eReaders. They offer two types of eReaders: 6 and 9 inches. You can find an overview for each on the site. |
| Iriver Story | http://www.iriver.com/ The Iriver website where you can view their eReader’s the Cover Story and Story. The site provides overviews of their products as well as general support and information for their devices. |
| Kindle | http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_200127470_ksupport_trouble?nodeId=200510540 This site provides support for all the generations of the devices as well Kindle software for other devices. The site also includes answers to frequently asked questions, simply scroll down the page to see the list. |
| Kobo | http://koboeReader.com/user-guide Kobo’s eReader guides website provides both user guides and warranty information for Kobo’s line of eReaders. If more help or information is needed they also provide a contact email on the page. |
| Nook | http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/support/index.asp This site offers a variety of information on the Nook from how to shop on it to how to manage your library and update the device. |
| Onyx Boox | https://onyxboox.com/product This page on the Onyx Boox website provides an overview of each of the Boox e-readers with sorting options such as screen size, WiFi availability, and lighting. Users can also access reviews and user guides for each of the e-readers as well as the online store on the website. |
| Pocketbook | https://www.pocketbook-int.com/au/products Swiss company Pocketbook offers a host of e-readers in sizes 6, 7, 8, and 10 inches. The website provides product overviews, an option to compare the products, and additional support information. |
| Tolino | https://mytolino.com/ Tolino’s website provides several e-reader options with information about each one’s specifications. It also has a guide for choosing the most suitable Tolino e-reader, instruction manuals, and software updates. |
TOP eReader Software Applications for Computers or Smartphones
This is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
| Aldiko | http://www.aldiko.com/features.html Application for Android smartphones available in a free or paid version. Supports eBook formats ePub, PDF, and Adobe eBook DRM technology. |
| Calibre | http://calibre-ebook.com/ Free, open source eBook management system and eBook viewer. Use to manage your eBook library, convert files, sync eReader devices, and for online access to your eBook collection. |
| FBReader | http://www.fbreader.org/about.php Free, open source eReader software application for use on Linux, Windows, and some smartphones. FBReaderJ, also available on this site, is for Android devices. |
| Internet Archive BookReader | http://openlibrary.org/dev/docs/bookreader Free, open source online eReader for use with Internet Archive eBooks. Can also be used with tablet devices like the ipad, and allows you to embed a book in a blog or website. |
| Kindle App | http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_ipad_mkt_lnd?docId=1000493771 Free Kindle app for almost any computer or smartphone |
| Kobo | http://www.kobobooks.com/getting_started Free apps for smartphones, tablets, and for use on Windows or Macintosh. |
| Libby | https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/ Free eReader app that also has a collection of audiobooks as well as options to borrow books and read offline |
| Microsoft Reader | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/reader/9wzdncrfhwg5 Free software for any Windows-based device. |
| Nook | http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/free-nook-apps/379002321/ This site provides an overview for all of the Nook Apps and the devices they operate on which include PCs, Ipads, Iphones, and Android devices. |
| Wattpad | https://www.wattpad.com/ Free eBook reader app for computers and smartphones that provides curated book collections to explore as well as options to write and share content |
TOP eReaders for Kids
The following are eReaders designed with youth in mind.
| Leapster Explorer | http://www.leapfrog.com/explorer/ For ages 4-9. A multi-purpose learning device that supports eBooks, games, and videos. |
| Kindle Kids edition | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NQKJVKR/ The Kindle Kids edition is the most recommended e-reader for kids with its glare-free screen, built-in dictionary, and vocabulary builder. The absence of web-browsing capabilities makes it ideal for children to read without distractions. |
| Nook | https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/nook/_/N-1pbl With its backlit display and parental controls, the Nook is also a good e-reader option for kids. It works well as a tablet too since it comes with the Google Play Store app allowing for suitable android app downloads. |
TOP Digital Rights Management (DRM) and eBook formats
DRM
DRM is a term used to describe the technology to protect the copyright of digital works. The following resources give an overview of the basics of DRM and current issues. Digital Restrictions Management http://drm.info Basic DRM information, including background, implementation, and FAQ’s. Hosts many articles and related media. Run by the FSFE (Free Software Foundation Europe), it’s main goal is to provide information to both users and developers on current trends and issues of DRM. A Semantic Web Approach to Digital Rights Management http://rhizomik.net/html/~roberto/thesis/ Thesis written in 2006 which covers the relationship between DRM and the Semantic Web and provides comprehensive, detailed, yet brief overview of the most prevalent issues in DRM. Digital Rights and Digital Wrongs: Pushing the Impossible http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/sep/04/lightspeed This article is written by author/blogger Cory Doctorow and highlights many of the most pertinent issues that affect end-users. It covers key #0.1_topics in DRM; ranging from cost-benefit to accessibility.
eBook Formats
eBooks come in a variety of formats, and not all formats will work on every eReading device. The following resources describe the different eBook formats and which devices can read them. Different E-book Formats Explained https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ebook-formats-explained/ This contains a list of various e-book formats and information about which of them are compatible with which e-reader. Comparisons of E-book Formats – Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-book_formats This is a description of the different eBook formats; it includes a table displaying the formats that work on each device. Content is generated by a community of users and may change at any time. Information should be verified using other sources.
TOP Reviews and Comparisons
This section contains websites that show comparisons and reviews of different ebook readers. PCWorld E-Reader Reviews http://www.pcworld.com/products/tablets/ereaders.html A list of individual reviews for individual Readers. Each review discusses the pros and cons of the device, a detailed review by a professional reviewer, and links to reviews by users. The information is authoritative and maintained by PC World, which is a known authority in the field of computers and technology. Wikipedia Comparison of e-book readers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-book_readers A very thorough and detailed comparison of all known and available eBook readers, broke upon into several categories such as, e.g., model, weight, screen size, wireless capabilities, storage capabilities, and supported file formats. Very good for quick comparisons to judge whether a particular model fits with what the user wants. Since this relies on user-generated content, it is subject to change without notice and should be verified using other sources.
TOP
eBook Libraries The following websites offer free eBooks or ways to borrow eBooks online. Free-ebooks.net http://www.free-ebooks.net/ Free-ebooks.net provides a search tool for discovering free ebooks and magazines to download. The site requires a membership, however there are several membership levels including a free one. The site also supports a method of self-publishing and sharing your own work online. Google eBookstore http://books.google.com/ebooks Search for ebooks in a variety of formats. Downloading requires a Google account. Beyond simply searching, the eBookstore also provides a way to organize your eReader content, as well as a central place to access your downloads from anywhere. Browse free ebooks by clicking on the “Best of Free” section from the main page. Internet Archive http://www.archive.org/details/texts With over 2,500,000 items and counting, the Internet Archive Text Archive has a variety of fiction, children’s books, and historical works that are either out of copyright, or have a Creative Commons license. View titles online or download for eReader devices or applications. All content is free. MobileRead Wiki – EBook Lending Libraries http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/EBook_Lending_Libraries This page is maintained by a community of users and provides a list of sites where you can find eBooks to borrow. You will also find information on online eBook stores and how to find free eBooks. Lending Library from Open Library http://openlibrary.org/borrow Borrowing requires free membership and a user profile. Open Library is an online cataloguing initiative linked with the Internet Archive, and together they have partnered with Overdrive to provide a searchable online eBook lending library. Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/ The first collection of free eBooks for download online. Find eBooks in a variety of formats. No fee or membership is required.
TOP News and Blogs
eReader and eBook technology is constantly changing. Check out these blogs to read about the latest news. The Digital Reader http://www.the-digital-reader.com/ A resource for news on eReaders, eBooks, and digital publishing. Provides eReader reviews, a user forum, and links for how to find free eBooks. Look here for regular updates on industry news and new and forthcoming devices. The eBook Reader Blog http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/ Part of the larger The-eBook-Reader.com. The site is maintained by an expert-by-experience, who comes to eReaders as both a reader and a writer. The Blog offers nearly daily updates on new devices and eReader news and tips. Good e-Reader https://goodereader.com/blog/ This website is a great resource for eReader, ebook, and audiobook information, news, and reviews. It also has an easily accessible online store for quick purchasing of e-readers. TeleRead https://teleread.org/ TeleRead is a blog for all those interested in books and gadgets. The site provides information and updates about e-readers, phones, and tablets among other gadgets alongside news and reviews about useful apps.