What to know before you buy an e-reader

Storage capacity

The main point of an e-reader is that you can have thousands of books available at the touch of a button. Running out of space will be highly disappointing, so you need to consider the amount of reading you’ll be doing. The more reading you enjoy, the more storage you would want for various digital books.

Display quality

Electronic screens, such as computer monitors, televisions and smartphones, can damage your eyes when used for a long period. To a somewhat lesser degree, e-reader screens can be used if you don’t have the correct display. Consider which display technology will be best for your eyes and compare the different kinds of displays available. Some e-readers allow you to customize the screen, changing the brightness that’s best for you.

Online store for downloads

Electronic books can be downloaded onto your e-reader or mailed directly from your desktop computer. But many e-reader companies have online stores as well where you can browse for books and buy them. Consider which online marketplaces will have the most books that interest you.

What to look for in a quality e-reader

Battery life

E-readers generally have incredibly long battery lives. On a single charge, e-readers can easily still have some battery power after several months of use. Because they draw so little power, they can also fully charge incredibly fast.

Size

When using an e-reader, it has to be comfortable in your hand. It will be distracting if you have to shift positions constantly. A good quality e-reader will have a great feeling when held with minimal effort, and there should be some area to hold it and not touch the display.

Waterproof

E-readers are great for any situation, whether it is on a train, next to the pool or in the bath. So with that, you certainly don’t want to get it wet. But, a good quality e-reader will be waterproof, or at the very minimum, splashproof. Several protective covers are also available if your device isn’t waterproof.

How much you can expect to spend on an e-reader

The average price for an e-reader will depend on the manufacturer, model and storage capacity. Most Amazon Kindles can retail for $80-$150, while other brands can retail for $100-$200.

E-reader FAQ

How do I get books onto an e-reader?

A. There are several ways to get more electronic books onto your e-reader. All e-readers are Wi-Fi-enabled so that you can easily connect them to an online store for downloading more. You can also transfer books from your desktop computer through a USB cable, or you can email downloaded books and documents to your e-reader.

Are there any accessories for e-readers?

A. You won’t need a lot of accessorieswith your e-reader. However, the most critical one is a protective cover. This prevents the outside casing from being damaged and protects the display when not in use. If you have an e-reader with audiobook capabilities, you’ll want to get some earbuds.

Top e-reader

What you need to know: This is a popular choice that’s perfect for any occasion.

What you’ll love: Available in four different colors, the Kindle Paperwhite comes with a 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited. It has a glare-free, 7-inch display, which is also waterproof from splashes. It has an internal storage of 16 gigabytes, which is more than enough for plenty of books. A single battery charge will last you for weeks.

What you should consider: Some people wish the bezel was bigger for more screen protection.

Top e-reader for the money

What you need to know: Lightweight and compact, the original Kindle does not disappoint.

What you’ll love: With 16GB of internal storage and a 6-inch screen, the original Kindle is still the perfect companion for reading on the train, bus or the beach. It has a display resolution of 300 pixels per inch and is compatible with Audible audiobooks.

What you should consider: There’s no cellular connectivity option.

Worth checking out

What you need to know: This kids’ e-reader has all the kid-friendly features needed to help it last a long time.

What you’ll love: It has 16GB of storage and a large, 7-inch screen. It’s waterproof and scratch-resistant, so it holds up to wear and tear. It comes with parental controls and 6 months of Amazon Kids+, with thousands of titles for kids to enjoy.

What you should consider: You can turn off the kids mode, but you’ll get ads if you do.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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