Tablets vs. eReaders

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With all these new eReaders to choose from, many people are just overwhelmed. The question is, which eReader is right for you?

Now that all the major eReaders offer access to public library books, consumers can focus on price and features when considering which device to purchase.

First, you have to decide how you plan on using the device. If you are considering a purchase and only want to read books, then a dedicated eReader like Amazon's no-frills Kindle, the Nook from Barnes and Noble, the Kobo, or the Sony Reader is the correct choice. The screens of the eReaders use eInk, which is designed to be easier on the eyes when reading for hours, and can be read even in the glaring sunshine outdoors. The eReaders in this category are also smaller and lighter, which is perfect when you are in the middle of a book you simply cannot put down.

If you plan on reading magazines, watching videos or playing games (via apps), then you might want to consider investing in a tablet instead. Tablets have color screens, are touch sensitve, and generally offer a more interactive user experience. Amazon has recently released the Kindle Fire, which is an entry-level tablet offering content consumption by the way of eBooks, music and streaming movies, rather than allowing users to create their own content. The Nook Tablet and the Nook Color are other options in this category, and both offer a wide-range of books, magazines, and apps for consumers to choose from. 

Of course, no review of eReaders and tablets is complete without mentioning Apple's iPad. Much more expensive than its competitors (starting at $499), the iPad is still the reigning king of the tablet market. It offers a superb reading experience (with access to the free Kindle and Nook apps, as well as iBooks) and has the widest selection of magazines of any device to date. Users can play a variety of games, and have access to iTunes vast library of media. However, it's significantly heavier than its competitors, and many people won't get enough use out of the features to justify the price.

In short, the choice for the perfect eReader is much like the choice between Domino's or Digiorno. Similar products, and it just depends on individual taste.  

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