E-book readers

An e-reader, also called an e-book reader or e-book device, is a mobile electronic device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital e-books and periodicals.

Any device that can display text on a screen may act as an e-reader, but specialized e-reader devices may optimize portability, readability (especially in sunlight), and battery life for this purpose. Their main advantage over printed books is portability: an e-reader is capable of holding thousands of books while weighing less than one.

An e-reader is similar in form factor to a tablet computer. A tablet typically has an LCD screen capable of higher refresh rates which makes it more suitable for interaction and is versatile, allowing one to consume multiple types of content as well as create it.

The main advantages of electronic paper e-readers are better readability of their screens, especially in sunlight, and longer battery life. Commercially sold electronic paper devices are only available in black and white via using shades of gray. The Sony Librie, released in 2004 and the precursor to the Sony Reader, was the first e-reader to use electronic paper. The Ectaco jetBook Color was the first color e-reader on the market, but its muted colors were criticized.

Many e-readers can use the internet through Wi-Fi and the built-in software can provide a link to a digital Open Publication Distribution System (OPDSS) library or an e-book retailer, allowing the user to buy, borrow, and receive digital e-books. An e-reader may also download e-books from a computer or read them from a memory card. However, the use of memory cards is decreasing as most of the new e-readers lack a SD slot.

E-readers are a convient way to read e-books since the battery can last for several weeks, compared to a smartphone or a laptop that needs daily battery charging; in addition an e-reader does not have apps that can distract it user from reading.

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Wikipedia