E-Readers are undergoing a resurgence in popularity. This is primary due to so many different types of consumer and professional grade devices. Amazon has three new devices in their portfolio and Barnes and Noble recently unveiled the Nook Glowlight Plus 7.8, their first large screen e-reader. Kobo has plans to release one new e-reader this year. Professional grade e-readers allow you to basically replace paper and all come with WACOM stylus support, some run Android, others Linux. They often cost more, but the Remarkable, Sony Digital Paper, Boyue Likkebook Alita and Onyx Boox Note Pro are all popular devices in 2019. With so many models to choose from, what new e-reader have you purchased this year or are thinking about buying?
Consumer grade e-readers are getting more popular because most brands have a number of compelling factors. A front-lit screen and color temperature system are the norm, this packs white and amber LED lights. Most devices are also waterproof now, so you can read in the bathtub or bring it to the beach and not have to worry about ruining it. A six inch screen is the norm, but tons of brands have decided to release various screen sizes. For example, the new Kindle Oasis 3 has a 7 inch screen, the Kobo Forma has a 7.8 and the Nook is also 7.8. A larger screen means more text can be shown at the same time, making it easier to read. Pocketbook also has a wide array of screen sizes and all of their devices have manual page turn buttons, in addition to a touchscreen.
Digital content is also more readily available. Kobo has Overdrive functionality on all of their current gen of products, you can browse your local branches collection and read books right on the e-reader. The Kindle also has Overdrive, but only for US residents. The Nook has compatibility with Adobe Digital Editions, so you can also borrow ebooks from the library, but have to take the extra step to sideload. Most of the big name e-readers have their own store, making it easy to purchase new reads.
The next big thing in e-readers will be audiobook and podcast support. The Kindle Basic, Paperwhite 4 and Oasis 3 all have Bluetooth for wireless headphones for Audible audiobooks. The Nook has audio support, but only for the Nook podcasts. Kobo e-readers currently do not have support for this type of thing, but I heard they are incorporating support in future products. Pocketbook has audiobook and podcast support, but you have to sideload in your own content.
Android e-readers are becoming the norm and their is a wide selection to choose from. The Likebook Mars and Muses are popular, ditto with the Onyx Nova Pro and Poke Pro. You can install your own dictionaries, fonts and also download millions of apps via Google Play.
Professional grade e-readers are one of the big new E Ink niches. They have various screen sizes from 6.8 to 13.3 and are primarily geared towards professionals, students, artists and people who want to limit the amount of paper they consume. They are also expensive, with the average price starting at around $299 and upwards to $799.
The Sony Digital Paper, Remarkable, SuperNote A5/SuperNote A6, Boyue Likebook Alita, Onyx Boox Note Pro and various others are all really popular. Some run Android, while others provide a robust Linux experience. You can draw, take notes, edit PDF or in some cases, EPUB files.
What new e-reader or E Ink device have you already purchase or plan to buy later this year? Are you waiting for a new product to become available?
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.
