In this installment of Accessories for Men we take a look at e-book readers. These devices are growing in popularity, and despite some recent controversy, are likely here to stay. Here's a list of the popular ones and a new competitor from Fujitsu that challenges the status quo:
Amazon Kindle2. photo: edificial.com
Though not the first product of this sort, the Amazon Kindle has dominated the market since its introduction. It is thin, light and surprisingly durable. On the plus side: the Kindle is supported by book-selling giant Amazon with access to more than 300,000 books (caution, shameless plug), newspapers and blogs with more being added all the time.
Sony Reader Digital Book PRS-700BC. photo: geardiary.com
Since Sony released the newest version of its Reader Digital Book, the PRS-700BC, it has been getting good reviews from consumers and product testers alike. With its minimalist styling, sensitive, side-lit touch-screen, and fast processor, the Reader is sure to give the Kindle a run for its money. On the plus side: Access to 500,000 titles through a partnership with Google Books.
Fujitsu FLEPia photo: techgadgets.in
The soon-to-be-released Fujitsu FLEPia builds on the well-known and popular platforms of the Kindle and Reader and adds something that a lot of consumers have been waiting a long time for: a color screen. This device is bigger and the screen is brighter than those on the Kindle and Reader, which means limited battery life, but Fujitsu is counting on consumers' yearn for color to help them overlook this little issue. On the plus side: The FLEPia supports WiFi and Bluetooth, has a touch-screen and you can expand its internal memory to 4GB with the addition of a SD card.
Comments
I have the Sony PRS 700, and I love it. I have been downloading books from kirtasbooks.com at $1.95 each usually in clumps of 4 or 5 which usually holds me for two weeks. Color Screen would be nice.
A color display is needed for e-readers to fully succeed in the areas of textbooks and magazines. Unfortunately, color E-ink (or a paper-like color display) is not available yet. The FLEPia uses something other than EPD (probably LCD) and runs Windows CE 5. A netbook would go just as far as this Fuji.
I'll buy a reader as soon as color EPD is here, though it's hard to resist the larger Kindle. I'd like to develop for it.
I still have this feeling that there is a dark horse waiting in the e-book wings. It will be a brand that's not necessarily well-known, but their developers will hit all the right notes - usable design, wide format support, long battery life, storage expandability, downloadable firmware upgrades.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!