|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Hardware There are several devices that are used for reading eBooks, including multi-function PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), dedicated eBook readers, laptops and desktop computers. Reviews will begin to appear shortly. Most PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) can be divided into PalmOS® and PocketPC. All PocketPCs are color devices and have the advantage of being able to run the Microsoft Reader software, among many other eBook reading programs, and also many powerful apps like PocketWord and Outlook. However, battery consumption is high so they are not the best choice for prolonged use (which the reading of books often requires) unless you are close to a power source. PalmOS devices are available in color and monochrome. The color devices suffer from the same battery life problems as PocketPCs, but have the advantage of clearer fonts and whiter backgrounds. They are also great for reading in the dark. However, for those of you who need a PDA primarily for reading books, I would recommend a monochrome PalmOS device. They are cheap, have very long battery life, most are reasonably ok for limited reading in the dark, and they are perfectly adequate for reading for prolonged periods. Once you get used to reading on a small screen, which doesn't take long (less than 5 minutes for me), PDAs are a great choice for ultra-portable reading. There are thousands of ebooks available in several formats, including PalmReader and Mobipocket Reader (plus Microsoft Reader for the PocketPC). Make sure you get an expandable device and you can carry literally hundreds of books on postage stamp sized expansion cards.
SOFTWARE | HARDWARE | BOOKSTORES | FREE EBOOKS | FAQ | CONTACT Copyright © ReadingeBooks.com 2005. webmaster@readingebooks.com |
|
|||
|
Reading eBooks
DOWNLOADS
|
||||
Dedicated
eBook Reading devices are designed primarily for reading eBooks, though
they may have other uses. They tend to resemble books, in both size and
shape. At the lower price point there is the Gemstar family of readers,
the Hiebook and the Franklin eBookman. These are probably the best devices
for reading fiction and longer narrative works, and some web pages. For
technical and reference works, newspapers and magazines, the more expensive
MyFriend, for example, is probably a better choice.
