In this post by guest writer Blake Sanders (previous post by Blake) he contemplates the differences, advantages and disadvantages of ereaders and tablets for reading ebooks with.
Read on, the word is with Blake:
eReaders Advantages Over Tablets
There are two opposite ends of the spectrum for those who read eBooks. On the one end, we have the very purposeful, very straightforward eReader. On the other, there is the very powerful, all-encompassing tablet. Each device attains the same end, albeit through much different means. Fortunately for all users, these two completely different devices are evolving into one, but until the ultimate eReader-tablet hybrid hits the market, eReaders will always have the advantage over tablets.
Price and Fees
One of the main benefits that eReaders have over tablets is price. Tablets are more comparable to laptops in price, and there’s no such thing as a free laptop. Many book readers, however, are used reduced-price books, hand-me-downs, book store browsing and other relatively cheap perks that come with enjoying books. Making the move to a tablet for the purposes of reading may be more far-fetched, as users could simply purchase a laptop or netbook for a similar price.
Tablets also have the disadvantage of added fees. Whether it is Internet subscriptions, unlocking added features, or app purchases, these fees are extra and can be costly.
Evolution
A tablet can never be an eReader, as eReaders use advanced E Ink display technology. More eReaders, however, are evolving into tablets. The Kindle Fire is the latest hint at this steady progression.
Rather than upgrade to a tablet or laptop computer, bibliophiles may want to think about opting for an eReader instead. As the more affordable option, eReaders have been gaining popularity on the market due to their attractive price, portability, and simplicity. If you are ready to read on-the-go, an eReader might be the best option for you.
Who Uses eReaders?
According to a report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project, eReaders have garnered positive consumer attention over the last few years. The organization reports that adults under the age of 65, college students and graduates, parents, and people in households earning incomes of ,000 or more a year are most likely to own an eReader. As far as gender is concerned, The Nielson Company reports that women are more likely to own an eReader than men. According to Nielsen, as of 2010, women controlled 61% of the eReader market.
Benefits of eReaders
While many of us are familiar with some of the most popular eReader devices such as Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook, there are a host of other eReader brands available on the market. Pew reported that in 2011, 12% of U.S. adults owned an eReader device – proving these handy devices are quickly becoming a favorite among consumers.
There are many benefits to purchasing an eReader over a tablet computer. For starters, eReaders offer consumers a more attractive price point. Rather than spend upwards of 0 for a tablet computer, some consumers prefer an eReader device because they are a third of the price of tablets – ranging from 5 for the most basic models to 0 for more advanced models.
Variety
eReaders also offer consumers a variety of styles and models. eReaders generally fall into two categories: Wi-Fi-enabled or 3G-enabled. Generally, the Wi-Fi enabled models are more affordable but require users to be near a Wi-Fi hot spot or connected to their wireless signal at home in order to download books or access the web. Some 3G-enabled models allow users to access the internet from any location, but many times, these devices are more expensive and require the consumer to pay a monthly bill with a wireless internet provider.
Portability
Another reason eReaders remain popular is due to their portability. eReaders are lightweight, small in size, and travel well. Additionally, these devices are beloved for their long battery life – which cannot be said of many energy-hogging tablet computers.
While most eReaders only feature a black-and-white text display, some models are now available in color. But regardless of whether you choose to select a color or a black-and-white model, users can customize most devices to display text in a variety of sizes for increased readability.
Blake Sanders:
Blake Sanders is a tech writer at broadband comparison site Broadband Expert. With a knack for all things tech, Blake specializes in mobile broadband, industry news, and how to find free laptop deals.
Note: Photo courtesy of for3w via FlickR Creative Commons.
Thus Blake’s take on the different aspects of dedicated ereaders and tablets.
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