It doesn’t matter if you’re going to university or college and planning that next excursion when travel is more comfortable or need an electronic device to read on your commute, or simply staying at home to keep the current epidemic at the horizon, there’s a compelling argument to consider purchasing one of these ebook readers (or an e-reader) in lieu of (or in conjunction with) your existing collection of books. This could come as straightforward as the absence of space or the necessity to travel with a lighter weight.
Yes, the latest high-resolution smartphones and tablets with Kindle or Kobo apps have the same function but the method of reading on a big, bright electronic device is quite different from the way we read on a printed page. E-reader screens are similar to the former in many ways.
According to a report from 2014 by the Stanford Center for Teaching and Learning, we’ve conditioned our eyes to read and swoop around screens (thank you, internet!) always looking for the specific information that we’re looking for which is a non-linear process that the Stanford paper refers to as surface reading’. When we read a book, however, our brains shift to a more focused form of processing information – known as “deep reading” – which actually assists us to better absorb and understand what’s printed on the paper, regardless of whether it’s a digital book which is a copy of the real thing.
We think that this is like a compelling argument to creating a space for e-readers and away from the whirlwind of apps and the constant notifications from our modern do-all devices. With a dedicated e-reader, you can look up new books without leaving your home.
According to a report from 2014 by the Stanford Center for Teaching and Learning, we’ve conditioned our eyes to read and swoop around screens (thank you, internet!) always looking for the specific information that we’re looking for which is a non-linear process that the Stanford paper refers to as surface reading’. When we read a book, however, our brains shift to a more focused form of processing information – known as “deep reading” – which actually assists us to better absorb and understand what’s printed on the paper, regardless of whether it’s a digital book which is a copy of the real thing.
We think that this is like a compelling argument to creating a space for e-readers and away from the whirlwind of apps and the constant notifications from our modern do-all devices. With a dedicated e-reader, you can look up new books without leaving your home.
Which e-reader is the best? do you need to buy it?
1. Kobo Libra 2
Specifications
Screen size: 7-inch
Type of screen: E Ink Carta 1200
Storage: 32GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 215g
Front light: Yes
Touchscreen: Yes
Wi-Fi is available
4G No
There is a six-week battery life
It’s the Kobo Libra 2 that sets the benchmark for e-readers to come, especially by the Japanese-Canadian-based company. It’s the first popular Kobo e-reader that comes having 32GB of storage (the Elipsa was the first Kobo device with that amount of storage, but it’s definitely not mainstream) It’s also the first Kobo device to support Bluetooth and audiobooks, the first device to feature a USB-C charging/data ports… Do you see what we’re getting at with this?
All without costing much over the Libra H2O, which it’s basically replacing. It’s not cheap in any way however you take all upgrades into consideration and the value for the cost is unparalleled.
In addition to the firsts mentioned the Libra 2 is even upping the bar on responsiveness and performance. It comes with the most up-to-date E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen There’s a noticeable difference in performance and performance not just in general and contrast, but also the fact that it has a more vivid screen than any Kobo previously had. The result is that text appears sharper even though the resolution isn’t similar to 300ppi used by earlier Kobo devices.
It also has a larger battery inside the Libra 2 in comparison to Libra H2O (1,500mAh instead of 1,200mAh) which means you’ll be able to read for weeks without having to decide if you’re ready to put aside the battery for a refill. Although charging speeds are now much quicker thanks to the USB-C port the device enters “trickle charging” mode after it has reached 92% of battery, and the remainder of the process is, oddly, quite slow. If Kobo is able to find how to speed this tiny amount up, there’s likely to be much to complain about.
The other features that add to the great features that make Kobo E-readers distinct from Kindles are available – OverDrive support that lets you borrow books from libraries, Pocket integration so you can save web pages to read later, and more extensive support for file formats and a sleek interface.
2. Amazon Paperwhite Kindle (2021)
Specifications
Screen size: 6.8-inch
Screen type Ink type: E
Storage: 8GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 205g
Yes, Backlight
Touchscreens Yes
Wi-Fi is available
3G: Yes
Battery lifespan: up to ten weeks
The most recent version of the standard Kindle Paperwhite feels anything but typical. It has a bigger display that measures 6.8-inches. Plus, the thinner border means less plastic to grab onto or gaze at. The screen comes with a 300ppi resolution and an anti-glare display, which lets you read in bright sunlight without having an issue.
Additionally, it’s faster than the previous version. Amazon promises that it will be up to 20% faster in page spins than before and these improvements will are likely to will add up. The charging process is also quicker due to USB-C support offering up to 10 weeks battery lifespan in this case (an enhancement over the old version).
Additionally, the adjustable warm light so that you can alter the shade of the screen from amber to white, and make it appear as your preferences. Additionally, it’s waterproof and has an IPX8 rating, making it perfect to use in the bath or when you’re relaxing in the pool when you’re on holiday.
It’s expensive for a Kindle however it’s an excellent investment. It’s the difference over smaller e-readers.
3. Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
Specifications
Screen size: 7-inch
Type of screen: Carta E Ink
Storage: 8GB/32GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 188g
Front light: Yes
Touchscreen: Yes
Wi-Fi Yes
4G: Yes!
Battery life Up to six weeks
If you’re looking to spend less and you’re looking for the best lavish reading experience that an electronic ebook reader could offer and that’s why it’s more luxurious than the latest version from Amazon’s Kindle Oasis. Although it’s somewhat long on the back end (considering technology today has a faster time to deliver) it’s still our choice for the top e-reader that you can buy right now.
Despite having an aluminum chassis, the Oasis is much lighter than the plastic bound Kobo Libra 2 listed above and its IPX8 waterproofing allows it to effortlessly handle an accidental splash in the bathtub, in the pool, or even the kitchen sink.
The backlight can be changed between white and warmer yellow shades in order to lessen eye strain and it is also programmed to be warmer towards the time of bed (say 9:15 pm, for instance).
Then there are the typical Kindle Oasis features we saw in the earlier generation: the high-quality and huge 7-inch display that uses the E Ink technology, which makes the words on the page sharp and clear. There’s also there’s a ridge on both sides of the sleek, metal body, which has been made to allow for comfortable and easy single-hand operation.
The buttons that turn pages are easily accessible to your thumb even if you’re using tiny hands and offer the most fluid performances of all asymmetric e-readers currently available with these buttons.
WhisperSync support allows you to quit reading on your Oasis and resume reading in the Kindle app or another Kindle device, though it is necessary for your devices to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
There’s ample storage with 8GB as the base model, but you can also get an option with 32GB of storage on the Oasis for those who have (or intend to build) the largest digital library. The basic model is Wi-Fi, however, there’s an LTE option too that lets you download eBooks through the Kindle Store regardless of where you are.
It’s the e-reader that comes equipped with the latest bells and whistles in the event that you are willing to pay the cost.
4. Kobo Clara HD
Specifications
Screen size: 6-inch
Type of screen: Carta E Ink
Storage: 8GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 166g
Front light Front light: yes
Touchscreens Yes
Wi-Fi is available
3G: No
Battery life can last up to 8 weeks
Kobo’s Clara HD e-reader was a direct response to Amazon’s 10th-generation Kindle Paperwhite (the 2018 version) and, even though it was competent to give its older competitors a run for their money, the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite can pretty much beat it in a variety of ways… however, it costs more.
If that the Clara HD comes at a cheaper price than the Paperwhite that is now available which is why it’s our pick for the most affordable ebook reader. What’s the reason, when there are better models to choose from?
For starters you’ll get a crisp screen with 300ppi, beating that of Amazon Kindle and the Kobo Nia by one mile. Additionally, it has an integrated blue-light filter that utilizes your timezone to adjust the brightness of the screen during evening hours which reduces the risk of sleeping disturbance for those who prefer reading in the bed.
It packs the display in a small body that is lighter than the Paperwhite, making it simpler to fit into almost every bag.
Text and cover art are rendered with a greater DPI (dots per inch) on the Clara HD than other older Kobo e-readers, which means they appear sharper in comparison. It’s also a lot more responsive to touch. Clara HD also introduced a “rapid page-turning” engine that lets you quickly advance in the book by holding the left-hand edge of your screen. A small caveat is that this feature is only compatible with ebooks published by KEPUB, i.e. the ones purchased directly from Kobo.
This responsiveness on E Ink’s screen is extremely responsive. E Ink screen is fast and precise. That’s an impressive feat for a device with older technology. This makes things like selecting text to look up a dictionary (or noting and highlighting) more reliable and less prone to a miss. The device also comes with wireless OverDrive capabilities, which means you can browse and download from the local library’s ebook collection right on your device.
With a battery that lasts for about a week and a battery life of a few weeks, the Clara HD is a feature-packed device that has a display that’s top of the line for an electronic reader at this price. Be sure to keep it out of water since it doesn’t have waterproofing similar to its higher-end counterparts.
5. Kobo Elipsa
Specifications
Screen size: 10.3-inch
The screen type is: E Ink Carta 1200
Storage: 32GB
Resolution: 227ppi
Weight: 383g
Front light: Yes
Touchscreen: Yes
Wi-Fi is available
4G No
Battery life Up to four weeks
It’s heavy and expensive, however, it’s also expensive. The Kobo Elipsa is the 10.3-inch stylus-toting ereader, which is more widely distributed than that of the Onyx Boox Note Air and is lighter as well.
Although it’s certainly a niche product however it would be negligent of us not to include it in this review. While the Kobo Sage comes with stylus support and is more user-friendly with its 8-inch size the Elipsa makes more sense if you’re looking to use an e-reader that can take notes. First of all, it comes complete with a Kobo Stylus and a sleepover (which features a pen nook, which is great to hold the pen, as well) This means there’s no extra cost In the case of the Sage, you’ll need to purchase the cover and stylus separately, increasing your costs.
Despite its name, stylus support, however, the Elipsa is an e-reader first and foremost. Its huge screen is ideal for graphic novels fans. However, the capability of writing directly on your device, and to save lists, notes, or whatever else you need is an enormous benefit. In theory, you can even add annotations to PDFs, making signing electronic documents slightly more straightforward also.
As a Kobo device is equipped with the same features Kobo is famous for, including a broad format of file support, a fantastic UX and OverDrive, Pocket, and Dropbox integration. The Elipsa is a great device and offers a lot to offer with the price… If you’re in require of a notebook-ready stylus-swapping e-reader.
