Re: [LM_NET] Tar: Kindle vs. nook vs. Sony ereader

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

I just finished writing a chapter about the use of e-books in K-12 school
libraries and during my research I found several great resources.  Among
them is a website by Terence Cavanaugh http://www.drscavanaugh.org/ebooks/
which includes a comparison of the various e-book formats and how e-books
can be used (in this case, he reviews them for use by students in school
libraries.)

From what I understand, the Nook and the Kindle are primarily "store fronts"
for B&N and Amazon--- so it would definitely depend upon your preferences in
suppliers.  Here is a comparison of the two:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10379125-1.html

None of the e-readers currently have back-lighting which could be a problem
for those needing additional contrast or who might be reading in darker
environments.  E-Ink is used with each program, so there's always a
possibility of eye fatigue--- but it also depends upon your use of
computers.  Some may not experience this fatigue.

My suggestion is that you find someone who owns one of these e-readers and
try them before you buy one.  Librarians are generally your best bet---as
are older adults (who seem to be the group using / buying e-readers---
probably because of the ability to access books immediately and increase
font sizes with ease.)

I know this doesn't help much because it is very subjective to the user's
taste; however, I think we'll be wondering about which is better for a
little while longer.  The Nook is still too new to figure out the "bugs"
that might be problematic and the Kindle is morphing.  The Sony e-reader
offers some different options but again, there isn't a simple way to access
e-books "in all formats" for use by EVERY e-reader.

Finally, I might suggest that you investigate what your public library
offers to patrons as "free downloads" in e-books.  If there is a particular
model of e-reader that is being used or promoted for downloading e-books
from your public library, this might save some extra dollars and make the
e-reader that you select much more enjoyable.

Good luck in your selection--- and keep us informed as to what you choose!

~Shonda

-- 
Shonda Brisco
Assistant Professor / Curriculum Materials Librarian
Mary L. Williams Curriculum Materials Library
001 Willard Hall
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
http://www.library.okstate.edu/cml/index.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://osulibrarian.wordpress.com/
http://www.osu-cml.wikispaces.com
sbrisco@gmail.com

http://okschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com
http://okschoollibrarians.ning.com/

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get
you through times of no libraries." ~ Library Poster

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