Overview of eBooks & eReaders
Ebooks are really just books that you read on some type of screen, but it can definitely get a little confusing. This guide will help you figure the different ways you can read ebooks and where to get them.
| Ereaders |
Laptops |
Tablets |
Smartphones |
|
.jpg "laptop computer")
|
|
|
Ereaders are designed specifically for the purpose of obtaining and reading e-books. They use special e-ink screens for better readability and longer battery life.
Examples:
Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble Nook
Sony Reader
|
These are mobile computers, capable of most functions performed by larger desktop computers.
Examples:
MacBook
Dell Inspirion
Sony Vaio
|
Tablets are mobile devices that merge many of the features of a laptop and a smartphone, and use a touch screen interface.
Examples:
iPad
Galaxy Tab
Nook Color
|
Smartphones are Web-enabled phones that feature a variety of enhanced data services.
Examples:
Blackberry
iPhone
HTC EVO
Droid
|
File Formats
Ebooks come in a wide variety of formats, and knowing a few of the main file types can help you find ebooks that work for you.
EPUB (.epub) - Supported by most devices, but NOT Amazon’s Kindle. Ebooks from your library are often .epub files.
Portable Document Format (.pdf) - Consistent displays on every screen. Most devices can open .pdfs. Requires Adobe Acrobat.
Kindle (.azw) - Only work on Amazon’s Kindle ereader or other Amazon software. Library ebooks do not work on Kindles.
HyperText Markup Language (.html) - The standard format for webpages. Computers can read .html, but most ereaders do not.
Borrow eBooks and eReaders From Your Library!
