With all of the hype around the iPad, WeTab and various other ‘pad’ devices, the humble ebook readers could be seen as a thing of the past. With the summer approaching however, there may never have been a better time to buy one of the, somewhat cheaper, ebook readers on offer. Here is The Tablet Blog’s rundown of the top five ebook readers to take to the beach this summer:
1. The Amazon Kindle
By far the best option for a low(ish) cost ebook reader the Kindle has a few key features that make it ideal for the beach:
- 3G Connectivity, allowing you to download the latest novel whilst eating ice cream.
- Large library, making sure you’ll never run out of books to read.
Of course you would also have to risk getting sand in the $260 device (or $489 for the newer version).
Buy it: Amazon.com
2. The Sony Reader Touch Edition
One of the few ebook readers in integrate touch, the Sony Reader Touch Edition allows you far more control over the book and with only a $10 price increase from the Kindle, this may be the device your looking for. Benefits:
- Capable of handling a wide range of formats, the Sony Reader will work with anything you throw at it.
- Expandable memory, so you can be sure never to run out of room.
Whilst slightly more expensive than the kindle the Sony Reader does lack any wifi connectivity but is perfect for anyone who prefers to buy books from their laptop or PC in advance.
Buy it: Amazon.com
3. The Interead Cool-er
This tablet if the cheapest on review here and does happen to look rather like an overgrown iPod nano, that aside, the Cool-er is a capable device with the ability to handle a wide range of formats and possibly the lightest device on the market, its highlights are:
- Portability, being both light and small this is the perfect device for anyone not wanting to carry a huge ebook reader to the beach with them.
- Price, easily affordable this device is the one you’d be least worried about getting sand in on the beach.
All in all not a bad little ereader, the Cool-er is certainaly well worth considering if you find yourself short on packing space this summer.
Buy it: Interead
4. Elonex ebook
This ebook reader from Elonex has a familiar interface style, whilst lacking any of the advanced connectivity of the kindle its memory is more than enough for over 1000 books.
- With a simple touch interface this device lets reading take center stage.
- Fewer parts, never normally a consideration, the lack of keyboard and other buttons on this device make it that bit more likely to survive the beach.
A good device by all accounts this reader has a lot of potential and with its UK price at only £99 (as yet unreleased in the US), this is one reader that really won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Buy it: Google (UK only)
5. Sony Reader Pocket Edition
Not dissimilar to its more advanced touch screen brother, this device is a capable ebook reader, whilst nothing really out of the ordinary, it boasts a range of colors at an affordable price.
- Unique, with a range of colors this device really allows you to express yourself.
- Small, think hand luggage, this device will fit into even the smallest of gaps.
A great little device this has a good chance to be the ebook reader of choice for the more fashion conscious segment of the market this summer.
Conclusion
With a wide range of ebook readers on the market there will be no shortage of choices this year, it’s just a case of deciding which, if any, will replace that pile of novels in the suitcase.
