The world of reading is undergoing its biggest change since the days of Gutenberg and the invention of movable type . The last few years have seen an explosion in the variety and types of devices available for reading both online material , and the other relatively new invention in the world of reading – eBooks . The changes are coming so fast and furious that it's difficult to stay abreast of what exactly are your choices in this brave new world of eReaders and tablets . Let's sort out the basic elements we now have to consider before deciding which , if any , to purchase . And the first thing to determine before running out to buy one of these devices is what exactly you want to use it for ; reading eBooks only , or for accessing a wide-range of internet activities .
E-Readers :
If you are one of those who simply wants to read eBooks , and online magazines , and newspapers in black and white – like you've always done – then you have the easiest , and most economical choice of all . The devices designed for this function utilize a technology called e-ink . Devices using e-ink are not back-lit , as are regular computer screens – so the reading experience is essentially the same as reading a regular printed copy of a book .
There are several dedicated eReaders available , with the Amazon Kindle Touch and Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch being the most advanced versions utilizing touch-screens , and the Amazon Kindle being the best entry level , non-touch screen version . Fortunately , all of these type devices use the same e-ink technology designed by Pearl Screen . This means that no matter which version you buy – you're getting the exact same screen .
The major advantages of a dedicated black & white e-reader over a tablet ( like an iPad ) are that you can read them in sunlight , they tend to be less tiring on the eyes ( because they're not back-lit ) , and they weigh much less ( approximately 6 oz . ) than a tablet . Using a non-back-lit device is like having the