The Ectaco Jetbook Lite is a very low cost device that makes the perfect backup e-reader. Online website Newegg is currently offering this for a very cheap $56.00, considering the normal price is $149.99.
The Jetbook Lite features a 5 inch TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 640×480. Although it is not E-Ink, it does use a monochrome based technology allowing it to be read in various lighting conditions. One of the great aspects of the screen is that there is no flicker as pages turn. Entry level e-readers are well known for the delay in page refreshing when you turn pages or access different menus. The Jetbook Lite‘s screen performs very well.
The Jetbook Lite has 100 MB of internal memory to read books and can be further increased via SD card up to 32 GB. This is a great upgrade compared to the Jetbook Mini, which has a paltry 1.4 MB of internal storage. You can literally store thousands of books on your electronic reader.
Most electronic readers have an internal battery used to power it, but not the Ectaco Jetbook Lite. It runs on 4 AA batteries, which give you around 20 hours of constant usage. The one great thing about using tangible batteries is that it brings the cost down significantly, although in the long term your end cost is increased by having to buy batteries. We recommend buying some rechargeable batteries. Another great benefit is how accessible batteries are worldwide. Many different countries use different voltages for charging devices, where as a AA battery anywhere in the world would be compatible with your e-reader.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.