Recently, while upgrading to the long awaited firmware on my Cybook Gen 3, the unit froze and stayed frozen. Subsequently I can't get it to move past the opening image. So it's useless. I had to buy a different ebook reader.
Which ebook reader is the right one for you? I hope to give you some features to think about and help you make a better decision for yourself.
Screen Type
Most of the handheld readers have an e-ink screen. Some don't. I used e-ink and it was ok, but an led screen is faster loading and, at least on my JetBook Lite, has a lighter background, creating more contrast and making reading easier.
Wireless
Some ebook readers have wireless capability and some don't. Do you think you need to be able to purchase books anywhere, at any time? Or do you think you'll be ok waiting until you have some time on the computer to purchase your books?
Lending
I mention this because the Barnes and Noble Nook is advertising it's lending feature. As far as I know, it's the only reader that allows lending. BUT it only allows you to lend one book, one time, to one person, for no more than 14 days. To me, that's useless. You have to read the details!
Borrowing
Does your local library have ebooks you can borrow? If so, you will need DRM capability for the file type they have (mobi, pdf, epub) or you won't be able to read their ebooks.
Screen Size
There are different screen sizes on different ebook readers. What are you planning to use the reader for? If pdfs, particularly for work or study, you will probably want a larger screen for viewing diagrams and such. If you are just planning to read fiction, you can probably do fine with a smaller screen.
File Types Supported
What file types are you planning to read? You need to be sure your new reader will support that file type. I think generally, most of us want the most file type support we can get, because ebooks come in a variety of file formats. For the future, I think epub will emerge as the most important one.
Also, how good is the support for the file types? FB Reader and Stanza ignore and/or rewrite a lot of the formatting that is put into the epub and mobi files. I don't know about other file types. As someone who formats ebooks, I find it very annoying. We need software writers to start writing better software so we can better enjoy the reading experience.
Fonts
The Cybook Gen 3 was very good with fonts. I could add any font I wanted to, and the font size options were also great. Several usable options. My new JetBook Lite has only two fonts (arial and veranda) and no ability to add more. A few different sizes are available. Arial is smaller than veranda so switching fonts will also change the font size slightly.
Support For Links
This is one I didn't even think of, I assumed they all supported links. Desktop version of FB Reader supports tables of contents and links. But as it turns out, my JetBook Lite doesn't support links! The main reason I want links is to use a linked table of contents for navigation. My Cybook Gen 3 regularly neglected to save my place and I'd end up having to page through the entire book to get back to where I left off. Extremely annoying. But so far the JetBook lite hasn't lost my place in a book. Still, navigation is easier, more flexible, with a functioning linked table of contents. A reference book is going to be much easier to use with a linked table of contents. Another thing links are good for is books with linked end notes. Without links it'd be difficult to read the notes while you're at the relevent part in the book.
Power Source
JetBook Lite uses four AA batteries, I think it's the only one that does. The rest use rechargeable lithium batteries. How long does it take to recharge? Wall charger or is a computer usb port required? Can you read while it's charging? Can you change the battery yourself, or will it require a return to the factory? All things to consider.
Price
Obviously price. How much money can you afford to spend, and are you getting a good price for the product? There are sales here and there occasionally. Once you pick a reader you might want to spend some time looking around for sales on it. These things are expensive, take your time and do your research.
Free eBooks That Come Already On The Reader, or on their website.
Honestly, I think this is useless. The books being given away are invariably in the public domain, so you can get them yourself for free from any of several websites. Maybe it appeals to you to have them already installed. If so, take it into consideration.
MP3 Player
Some ebook readers have the ability to play mp3s, I guess for audiobooks. To me, these readers are too large and awkward for toting around while you listen to music or a book through headphones. The size and shape that makes them good for reading makes them bad for listening. There are plenty of mp3 players already on the market that would work a lot better, in my opinion.
Memory
How large is the internal memory? Does it allow expansion and if so, how? Both my readers use SD cards, the Cybook Gen 3 had a limit of a 2gb card. Some people complained about that, claiming they need to be able to carry around thousands of books all the time. I don't think it's necessary, and 2gb is more than enough space. But it's a personal preference. Find out about the memory before buying, and consider what you want to do with the reader. PDFs are generally the largest file format, and can be really large. Stupidly large. If you're planning on a lot of pdfs, and I mean a lot, and you think you'll want to carry all your books all the time, you might want more memory.
Dictionary
Mobipocket allows dictionary use, so if it's real mobipocket software, you should be able to use a dictionary. The JetBook Lite has built in dictionaries which work on most or all file types. Nice, but the dictionary is extremely limited, so it's turned out to be useless to me since I know english. The words I don't know and have tried to look up haven't been in the dictionary. Are they going to tell you that before buying? Doubtful.
That's all I can think of. Anyone else have some that I missed?
Update March 4, 2010:
More features to consider-
* ergonomics
* touch screen
* ability to search books for words
* book selection and prices
* customer service
* return policy on reader and books
Some of these will require you to write to the seller to find out, I don't think any of them have very detailed information on the websites. At least, most I've seen don't. But it's not all bad because if they won't answer a question from a prospective buyer, are they going to answer questions from customers? Another thing to think about.
I don't think there's a best ebook reader out there, I think we all have different needs and should consider our needs to find the right one for us. Good luck with your shopping!
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