5 must-read tips for buying your next ebook reader

Blog post for shelved Karma feature (previously unpublished)

While there’s no substitute for reading a book printed on paper, there are several advantages to digital ereaders. For one thing, you can cram hundreds of books onto a device no bigger than a paperback. Most ereaders have a front-lit screen, which is great for night owls who do most of their reading in the dark. For everyone else, ebook readers with an anti-reflective display provide a glare-free read even in broad daylight.

Good on paper

To help you read between the lines and choose an ereader that delivers, we've put together a few useful tips.
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1. Screen size matters
   Ereaders come in screen sizes ranging from about 5 to 10 inches. If you’re mostly reading at home, you’ll appreciate the extra real estate a larger screen affords. However, if you plan to read while traveling, then a more compact screen will be easier to carry around.
   
   
2. Make your eyes comfortable
   Eye fatigue is real and you should do what you can to create a comfortable reading experience. To determine whether you would enjoy using an ereader, it’s worth trying it out beforehand and seeing how your eyes adjust to the electronic ink (aka e-paper).
   
   
3. Long live the battery!
   There's nothing more irritating than getting to the good part of a book… just as your battery dies. Avoid this injustice by choosing an ereader with a battery life that can keep up with your reading habits. The average ereader battery lasts around 2 to 4 weeks with regular use.
   
   
4. Don’t skimp on storage space
   Most ereaders come with roughly 8 GB, which is more than sufficient for the casual reader. For the avid bookworm, Amazon and Kobo offer models with up to 32 GB storage capacity.
   
   
5. Go beyond the book
   ​Looking for a device that has tablet-like capabilities? Some of the best ereaders allow you to surf the web, watch videos, or listen to audiobooks.

On the same page

Ready to re-Kindle your love of the printed word? Bookmark your fave ebook readers with Karma and our smart shopping assistant will find you great deals to suit your budget.