Ereaders 101: NOOKs, Kindles, and iPads, oh my!
If you have wanted to purchase an ereader but were overwhelmed by the choices, this program is for you! Come learn about ereaders and ebooks at this informational session. You will also learn how to download the library's ebooks to your device.
3. Ereaders: what and why?
ereader - a hand-held device with software for reading on a screen.
A device such as a smart phone or computer can function as an ereader
with an app that is made for that device.
ebook – a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of text, images,
or both, and produced on, published through, and readable on computers
or other electronic devices.
4. Ebook formats and DRM
Different types of ebook formats
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-book_formats
DRM = Digital Rights Management
One copy = one checkout
Think of DRM as a cellophane wrapper around the book you are
looking at in a bookstore. You can see the book, touch the
book, but you can’t thumb through or read the book.
5. Connectivity or methods for getting
content
USB connection between ereader devices and
computer – ‘tethered’.
Wi-Fi wireless Internet connection built in to
ereader devices.
3G or similar cellular network connection built
in to ereader devices.
6. Where to get ebooks/econtent
Direct from ereader manufacturers/book vendors
(i.e. Barnes & Noble’s NOOKbooks store, Amazon’s
Kindle store, Sony Reader store, Apple iBooks store).
Direct from the publisher.
Project Gutenberg : over 36,000 free downloadable
titles.
Inkmesh : search engine that searches 30 online
sources for free ebooks.
From Randolph County Public Library’s
Digital Depot, for free!
14. randolph.lib.overdrive.com
You need a valid library card and PIN number.
21, 14, or 7 day lending on all items.
May return ebooks before lending period ends.
Maximum of 3 simultaneously borrowed items.
May place holds on unavailable items (up to 3)
You receive email notification and have 3 days
to download.
On NOOKs, Adobe Digital Editions must be installed, an account created, and
authorized before transferring library ebooks to your device.
If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or if you own a NOOK, you will need to connect a
USB cord to download library ebooks.
Link to PowerPoint How-tos:
www.slideshare.net/RandolphCountyLibrary
15. Important things to remember
When looking for an ereader:
What device will fill your needs?
What do you want to use it for?
How does it feel in your hand?
16. Randolph County Public Library does not
endorse any specific brand or vendor.
Questions?
Notas do Editor
USB connection – purchase and/ download ebooks and content to computer first, then transfer to the device.Wi-Fi – purchase and/download content directly to the ereader device when in the vicinity of a wireless network.3G or similar – purchase and/ download content directly to the Ereader device anywhere within cellular coverage areas – no wireless network necessary.
Most big publishers direct you to bigger vendors like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.Some smaller publishers and self publishers will sell directly to consumers.Google Books – for devices that support EPUB and PDF contentProject Gutenberg – through OverDrive – downloads are EPUB onlyOn www.projectgutenberg.org, you may choose between EPUB, Kindle, HTML and simple text formats. Mention ebookfling.com – can swap ebooks for free with other readers nationwide while still retaining ownership. For every 5 tittles listed to loan out, you get 1 credit towards borrowing.
Specs on Sony EreadersThe lightest of the bunch. Web browser – yes, but probably not great functionality.Touchscreen, and also comes with a stylus.Super easy to download library ebooks.www.sony.com for more information on the specs.Show OverDrive video. http://youtu.be/8pWIdrb9JMcOne thing this video does not mention: the device doesn’t need any extra software; however, you will need to activate the device with an Adobe ID.
Kindle DX (not shown) – Screen size – 9.7 inKindle (cheapest) – no keyboard, not even virtualIPad 2 – extra monthly plan fee for 3GBattery life – hours or day, or even weeks and months; while reading 30 minutes a day.Screen size – how large a display would you like on your device. Displays commonly range from 6 – 10 inches.Screen technology – eink or color LCD display. Eink – slower to refresh, grayscale display, similar to paper, able to read outside. Color LCD – quick refresh times, color, video, could potentially cause eyestrain, difficult to see under direct sunlight.Controls – touchscreen buttons/joystick controlsConnectivity/Wireless data – do you always need always-on wireless data? 3G vs. WiFi vs. USB
Sony Wifi – the lightest of the bunch, but not by much.Price – How much do you want to spend? Ereaders can vary from $150 to over $500 for a device with additional capabilities.Additional features – audio players, text-to-speech, games, screen flashes when turning the page, font styles & sizes, dictionary lookup, ability to make notes, selection of ebooks/content – ebooks, emagazines, enewspapers (not so much of an issue with any of this models).
Just for reading ebooks – then I would get a dedicated ereader.Something more? – magazines and newspapers are better on the NOOK Tablet, Kindle Fire, or IPad b/c enriched content includes diagrams, pictures and illustrations – better on these devices.Encourage them to go out to a couple stores to demo the devices they are interested in.
Petting zoo, refreshments, handouts, and program evaluation.