eReader: Decision Time

So you’ve decided that you want an e-reader. That’s understandable, with the large storage space, light-weight body and the ease of portability. So, you’ve shopped around, and found the Sony eReader and the Amazon Kindle. Now you’re stuck. Which one?

First off, the Amazon Kindle. Amazon have created a light-weight, affordable and very clever piece of technology. With a new screen which means no glare in the sun, it doesn’t emit its own light, so the illusion that it is actually a book is very good. The keyboard at the bottom allows for easy typing, and when in sleep mode, a number of built-in pictures are displayed. Turning the page is effortless, with buttons located on both sides of the screen for ease of use. The sleek black design bears no fingerprint smudges, and is comfortable to hold. The text-to-speech option enables users to listen to the book, with an option of speed, male or female voice, and pausing facilities. There is an Internet browser, and audio files can be played through its speakers. PDF viewing and editing is also possible. Overall, the Kindle gives you an awful lot for the not-so-bank-breaking price of £111.

The Sony eReader has a heavier feel, but none the less not as heavy as a book. Its storage is the same as the Kindle, but the major difference is the screen. The eReader has a fully functioning touch-screen, which works with your finger, or the stylus provided. The ability to add handwritten notes and drawings into books, and just draw on a notepad style app gives extra kudos to the eReader. Even with lag, the note facility is better than on the Kindle. When making text notes however, the lag is very noticeable, and hard to do. The keypad on the Kindle is easier to operate, but the eReader is still easy to use none the less. For a price of £195, the eReader doesn’t give you a lot more. There’s a lot less, with a touch screen.

Both of these are good. The Kindle is better for the book feel, and the portability, with a battery lasting for a month. The eReader is better for the student studying a book, wanting note making to be easy and quick. For the price, though, the Kindle is a better choice...in my opinion, anyway.