eReading Devices

The very first eBooks published in the 1970s were designed to be read on a computer and used the simple ASCII text format (Lebert 2009. In the intervening years a multitude of formats and equally diverse range of eReader devices have had limited success due to technological deficiencies, excessive cost and limited title availability. The tipping point to mainstream consumer acceptance of eBooks was the release of the dedicated Kindle eReader in 2007. The Kindle was affordable, coupled with a diverse content collection and offered attractive technological features including, lightweight compact design: a non-glare E Ink based screen, easy user interface, straightforward purchasing process via free wireless distribution platform and excellent battery life.

Whilst the majority of the most popular eReading devices will be compatible with the eBook aggregator platforms used by libraries to deliver eContent to clients; there are exceptions which libraries need to be aware of particularly when advising clients. Notably, Amazon’s dedicated Kindle eReader cannot at this point in time in Australia be used to download titles from any of the eBook aggregator platforms listed in the eLending platforms section (link). The exception is the Kindle Fire (tablet with OS) which allows the user to download the Bluefire app used by many library eBook aggregators to facilitate access to content on mobile devices. In 2011 an agreement was reached between OverDrive and Amazon which permitted the download of titles from the OverDrive library onto Kindle eReader devices (applicable to US territories only) . It has been reported that OverDrive will extend the agreement to other regions including Australia in 2013.

E Ink eReaders

E Ink Reader

E Ink screen technology is utilised in the majority of popular dedicated eReader devices: Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Sony eReaders and the Barnes and Noble Nook. E Ink also referred to as electronic paper relies on ambient light as opposed to the traditional backlit screen technology used in PCs, tablets and smartphones. This provides a high contrast screen resolution offering a comparable reading experience of a traditional print book. Unlike backlit screens, E Ink devices can be read in direct sunlight. Another significant benefit is the minimal power consumption of E Ink technology which can deliver a battery life of several weeks before the device requires a recharge. The E Ink eReaders are typically lightweight and compact with sufficient storage capacity to hold 1000’s of eBook titles. The screen refresh rate of E Ink screens is relatively slow when compared to backlit screens.

Recent developments in this technology include touch enabled screens and the imminent release of colour E Ink screens. The ease of use of E Ink devices can vary across products, ranging from difficult, particularly the earlier button based products to relatively intuitive (Choice Australia undertakes periodic reviews of eReader devices ). The download process for these devices is dependent on several factors including, if the eReader device is Wi-Fi enabled (easier than connecting to a PC) and the purchasing download protocols and DRM solution of the eBook content supplier.

It is likely that with the release of the new EPUB 3 [internal link] standard, dedicated E Ink readers will struggle to deliver all the benefits of this format particularly the enhanced multimedia functionality. A recent article also suggests that dedicated e-Ink based eReader sales are on the decline as consumers prefer the multi-use features of tablet devices. This is an interesting trend as consumers appear to be sacrificing the enhanced reading experience offered by dedicated eReaders for the convenience of additional functionality provided by tablets.

Apps

A substantial mobile application software industry has flourished supplying numerous ‘Apps’ to iOS and Android mobile devices. An app is computer software that has been designed to perform a specific task. A tablet or smartphone owner can choose to buy content from a multitude of eBook stores or borrow content from library eContent platforms by simply downloading a selection of mobile eReader apps such as Bluefire, Amazon Kindle or OverDrive. To some extent the ability to purchase eBooks from multiple vendors for a single device negates the vendor lockin which exists with traditional dedicated E Ink readers such as the Amazon Kindle.

Tablets

The popularity of the Apple iPad has had a significant impact on the uptake of eBooks by the general public. One of the key device functions promoted in the initial Apple marketing campaign was the ability to download and read eBooks. The success of the iPad has instigated a dramatic growth in the manufacture of tablet devices with the major technology hardware companies developing and releasing competing tablet products. The dominant operating systems in the tablet and smartphone market place are Android (utilised by numerous manufacturers) and Apple’s iOS proprietary platform.

Tablet devices also benefit from standard Wi-Fi connectivity (optional 3G/4G) high definition colour touch screens and relatively powerful operating systems which have the capacity to deliver the multimedia functionality enjoyed on a typical PC or laptop. This functionality should allow tablets to fully exploit the new features of EPUB 3 [internal link] and BLIO. Another benefit of tablet devices is the relatively low learning curve required to perform basic computing tasks, potentially making these devices suitable for people of all ages.

Whilst the popularity of tablet devices continues to grow there are some disadvantages when compared to dedicated eReaders. Tablets use backlit screens and therefore can suffer from glare in outdoor environments or from strong artificial light sources used indoors. These devices also weigh more than a typical eReader and some users may find tablets to be tiresome to hold over extended periods of time. Although this issue has been addressed with the recent release of the iPad mini and the Kindle fire. Another disadvantage of tablet devices is the significantly shorter battery life when compared to typical operating time of a dedicated eReader. Tablet devices are also considerably more expensive than dedicated eReaders and generally not as robust. One would expect that the price difference between dedicated eReaders and tablets will narrow over time.

Smartphones

Smartphone with book displaying on screen

A smartphone is a mobile communication device which is built on an operating system. According to the recent Telstra Smartphone Index 55% of adult Australians now own a smartphone. Due to their small size and primary communication functionality these devices are generally always with the owner throughout the day. The dominant operating systems in the smartphone market place are Android (utilised by numerous smartphone manufacturers) and Apples iOS proprietary platform. Whilst a smartphone may not make an ideal eReader, due to the small screen size and backlit screen, many people find these devices convenient for serendipitous reading whilst commuting to work or grabbing a quick coffee at a cafe. When combined with a cloud based eBook platform (internal link) the user can easily continue their reading on more suitable devices at a later time.

eReading Devices

E Ink eReaders

Apps

Tablets

Smartphones

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