The 5 Top E-Book Readers for Gifting

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The 5 Top E-Book Readers

E-book readers will be a hot gift item this year. The prices are coming down, new models have been released, and more people are seeing the cost benefits of having an electronic book reader.

E-Reader technology has changed over the last year. The two main types of e-book readers now include:

-->e-ink readers with black and white, paper-like display and long battery duration; cost $79-$149.

-->tablet readers with color LCD screens, including music, apps, games, etc., but short battery duration; cost $199-$249 (this does not include the larger tablets such as Android and iPad which can also be used to read digital books).

This lens features the five top e-book readers for 2011, with reviews and where you can get yours for the best price.

Remember, the top Christmas gifts sell out early! Read the reviews, decide on the devices, and buy today before they run out of stock!

#1: Kindle Touch 3G E-Book Reader

Kindle Review: Simplicity Wins!

"What do I love about my Kindle? With so many features, I'll focus on my top five. First of all, the selection of downloadable books from Amazon is amazing--over 630,000 books! Plus, I can browse the Amazon Kindle Store with free 3G wireless and download books in seconds. Third, learn more. . .
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Where to Buy the Kindle Touch 3G

#1 E-Book Reader for Christmas 2011

Kindle Touch 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6 E Ink Display - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers

#2: The Nook by Barnes & Noble

Nook Review:

nook touchCustomer Review:
"Pros: eInk display preserves traditional reading experience and has great clarity and contrast. Reads PDF (both scanned pages and OCR) and EPUB book formats with no hassles or conversion required. In-store help and extra features from B&N. Page turning speed is much improved with most recent update. Android OS allows for almost unlimited software improvements and added features. Replacement batteries can be bought and installed easily. Accepts SD cards for increased storage capacity (this really comes in handy if you want to use the device as an mp3 player or for audiobooks).

Cons: eInk display requires you to operate at a bit slower pace than the touchscreen alone would allow."

"I've played with an iPad and it's a very fun device. But what I don't like is a glowing backlit screen, as I look at a monitor all day. When I read, I want to relax and give my eyes a break, and that's why I prefer eInk displays.

The Nook's primary advantage over the Kindlle is that it allows you to read EPUB and PDF books (scanned or text; either works) and buy books from various online ebook stores, including the Sony Reader store. This has already allowed me to read two titles that I wouldn't have been able to get for the Kindle. It also works very easily with Adobe Digital Editions software, a huge plus."

Where to Buy the Nook

#2 E-Book Reader for Christmas 2011

Barnes & Noble NOOK Touch eBook Reader (NEWEST model, WIFI Only)

#3: The Kindle Fire

Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi

kindle fireCustomer Review:
"I have had the Kindle Fire for a little over a week now, and I think that is enough time to provide my first impressions on the device. The first and most important thing that should be said is that this is not an "iPad-killer." It is not designed to be. I have seen so many articles and comments comparing this to the iPad, and surveys where people are asked if they will be buying a Kindle Fire over an iPad this Christmas. If you are expecting an iPad, or even a tablet, you will be disappointed. The main purpose of this device is to deliver Amazon content to you more effectively. It is designed for consumption, not creation. That is the reason it is so cheap and why Amazon is taking a loss on it. They are hoping to make up for that loss through sales of videos, music, books, and apps through Amazon's Web Services. You can also use it to view your own movies and media, but will find that it is more limited in that way than a regular tablet. Personally, as someone who has ordered several rentals from Amazon Video, and had to contact customer support for every single one of them due to problems with Amazon's Unbox player or purchases not appearing in my downloads, I can really appreciate this. But if you don't plan on using Amazon at all to obtain your media, you may want to take this into consideration before purchasing the Fire. Additionally, the reason this product is so hyped, and one of the reasons I like it so much, is due to the ridiculously low price. Amazon reviews shouldn't focus on price, but it is hard not to with this device. On price alone, this is a five star device. However when looked at the Fire overall, and when compared with other touch devices (what little there is to compare it to), I have to give it four stars, since there are a few areas I feel could use definite improvement."

Where to Buy the Kindle Fire

#3 E-Book Reader for Christmas 2011

Kindle Fire, Full Color 7 Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi

#4: The Nook Tablet

Barnes & Noble NOOK Color eBook

nook tabletProduct Description:

"Nothing brings your reading to life like our VividViewTM Color Touchscreen. The rich high resolution backlit display uses more than 16 million colors to illuminate stunning images and crisp text for easy reading day or night. NOOKcolor lets you go beyond reading with our built-in Wi-Fi® connection. Surf the web, check your email, read a favorite blog or search GoogleTM - it's all just a touch away. Our exclusive LendMeTM app lets you lend and borrow books from friends, all with just a few taps. You can also share passages and recommend books right from the page you're reading via Facebook® or Twitter®. From designing your home page to personalizing your bookshelves or choosing just the right font, NOOKcolor lets you create a customized reading experience that you can really call your own. Get ideas for books you'll love with our exclusive NOOKbook Personal Shopping. Our expert booksellers will make recommendations based on books you like, so you can enjoy one great read after another. Kick back and have a little fun with the growing array of exclusive NOOKextras. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Chess and Pandora® internet radio are among the fun additions to the NOOKcolor experience."

Where to Buy the Nook Tablet

#4 E-Book Reader for Christmas 2011

Barnes & Noble NOOK Color eBook

#5: The Amazon Kindle DX E-Book Reader

Kindle DX Review: New Features and Best Size

"Many discerning buyers turn to the Kindle DX for it's features, most importantly it's size. Those with vision difficulties can avoid squinting or struggling to read with the large 9.7" diagonal display. You can also increase the text size to your preference. This makes it a great gift for grandparents."

"The busy professional in your life--whether it's your boss, a co-worker, a friend, or a relative--is sure to enjoy the portability features of the Kindle DX. The new sleek graphite color makes this the perfect Christmas gift for those more discerning people on your list."
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Where to Buy the Kindle DX

#5 E-Book Reader for Christmas 2011

Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 9.7 Display, Graphite, 3G Works Globally â%u20AC

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Christmas: December 25, 2011

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