Tablet vs eReader

First, let's go over the basic differences between tablet devices and ebook reader devices. They are very different in most ways, but they share the capability of acting as e-readers, which has many folks wondering if they should get a dedicated ebook reader device, or a more full-featured tablet computer.

Functionality

This is the big, obvious difference: tablet computers do a lot more than read ebooks. You can use a variety of apps on them, just like you can on a smartphone like an iPhone or Android phone. Depending on the model, tablets can record video (sometimes in HD) and take high-quality photos. With a tablet, you can play music, watch movies, browse the entire internet including your social media websites, play games, print wirelessly, email, use Google maps, play games, manage your calendar and contacts, and more.

With most e-readers, you have limited browser functionality. Some function as MP3 players, and some don't. They are devices that were designed for book reading, and not much else.

Price

Currently tablet computers are priced at around $500-$800. eReaders cost about $130-$300.

Screen

The type of screen that a tablet computer has is very different than the type of screen that most e-readers have. Tablets have LCD screens, just like any touch-screen phone, or a laptop screen. LCD screens are back-lit, meaning that they emit their own light. The screens are glossy, which means that they get reflections and glare in sunlight. They are capable of displaying video and animation.

eBook readers like the Kindle, Nook, or BeBook use e-Ink (electronic ink) screens. These screens are matte instead of glossy, which means that they do not get reflections or glare even in bright sunlight. This means that you can use them to read outside or directly by an indoor lamp. They do not emit their own light, so the effect of reading on these screens is very similar to reading from paper. e-Ink is not capable of displaying media like color photos or video. It is made to render words in a very print-on-paper type of way.

Battery Life

The battery life of e-readers is significantly better than that of tablet computers. e-Readers can typically go for a month or more of regular use without having to be charged. Tablets run out of battery life within a few hours or so. This is mostly due to the screen type (discussed above) and the fact that they do a lot more internal processing.

Size and Weight

eBook Reader devices generally all weigh about the same as a standard paperback book -- about 8 oz or so. Tablets weigh approximately 2 to 3 times that much. This all varies with each specific model.

eBook Selection

When deciding on any tablet or e-reader, if ebook reading is going to be something that you will do a lot of, it's important to find out how and where you will be able to get ebooks for the device. For example: if you have a tablet that runs on the Android OS, you'll need to use an ebook app for Android, and you'll have to find ebooks that can be opened in that app. Another example: If you have a Kindle, you're pretty restricted to only using Kindle eBooks from Amazon.com. On the other hand, if you have an e-reader like a BeBook, Nook, or Kobo, you can get Adobe-format ebooks from just about anywhere. If you have an iPad you can use the built-in iBooks application, or a variety of other ebook apps. No matter what you choose, make sure you understand how the apps work and what you'll need to look for when downloading ebooks.

The Amazon Kindle is probably the most well-known ebook reader. Amazon has done a great job of promoting this product and making it a household name. This has been great for the ebook industry as a whole.

Here are the important things that you need to know about the Amazon Kindle:

eBook Selection

The Kindle can read Kindle eBooks sold at Amazon.com. Most are priced at $9.99, and the ebooks are delivered directly to your Kindle device. You can also use the Kindle app to read Kindle ebooks on other devices like the iPad, Android, or Blackberry.

Kindle users are basically restricted to buying ebooks at Amazon.com in their Kindle store. Some other non-DRM ebooks will work on it, but not many book publishers are selling their ebooks without DRM right now.

More Details

I have more details posted on my "eBook Reader Comparisons lens in the Kindle module.

The Barnes & Noble Nook comes in two very different flavors: the original Nook, and the Nook Color. The original Nook device is similar to the Kindle and other e-readers, as a dedicated ebook reading device that uses an e-Ink screen. The Nook Color is like an e-reader/tablet hybrid device. It has a color LCD screen and runs on the Android OS. Some people have figured out ways to hack this device and turn it into more of a tablet than it was designed to be.

Here are the important things that you need to know about the Barnes & Noble Nook:

eBook Selection

The Nook can read ebooks purchased at Barnes & Noble in their NOOKbooks store. The Nook is supported by Adobe's DRM content server, so it can also read Adobe DRM ebooks from other sources.

More Details

I have more details posted on my "eBook Reader Comparisons lens in the Nook module.

The BeBook Neo is the most fully-featured e-reader model in the BeBook line. It can read ebooks from many different sources, and even includes a portal to help users find an ebook store anywhere across the globe. It has a touch-screen that is used with a stylus.

Here are the important things that you need to know about the BeBook Neo:

eBook Selection

The BeBook Neo is very versatile in terms of ebook selection. It can read all PDF and ePub ebooks, with or without DRM. It can also read your documents in .txt, Word, and HTML formats. It's a good choice for those who don't want to be locked into any one particular ebook source.

More Details

I have more details posted on my "eBook Reader Comparisons lens in the BeBook Neo module.

The Kobo eReader is the most friendly-seeming eReader, in my opinion. Something that I find appealing about the Kobo is that it comes with 100 classic ebooks pre-loaded.

Here are the important things that you need to know about the Kobo eReader:

eBook Selection

Kobo eReader users can get ebooks directly from the Kobo website. Like the BeBook Neo, the Kobo can read all PDF and ePub ebooks, with or without DRM. And like the Kindle, there are Kobo apps for your other devices, including PC, iPad, Android, and others, so you can share your Kobo ebooks with all of your personal devices.

More Details

I have more details posted on my "eBook Reader Comparisons lens in the Kobo eReader module.

Sony has released at least six different Sony Reader models so far, but the most recent are the Touch, Daily, and Pocket editions (Touch shown in the photo here).

Here are the important things that you need to know about the Sony Reader:

eBook Selection

Sony Reader owners can get ebooks from Sony's "Reader Store". Sony Reader models can also read PDF and ePub ebooks, with or without DRM. Sony has Reader apps for PC and iPad, as well as a feature for library ebooks.

More Details

I have more details posted on my "eBook Reader Comparisons lens in the Sony Reader module.