12 best e-books
With the advent of this electronic device, reading lovers have the opportunity to save an entire library in a minimal format. Electronic versions of your favorite works cost less, do not take up shelf space, and will always be there when traveling. In order not to get confused with the choice of a gadget, it is important to immediately determine the budget, the set of necessary functions and the frequency of use of the device. The above review will help you choose the best model from the best presented by different manufacturers.
The best e-book manufacturers
When buying an e-book, the reputation of the manufacturer is of great importance. There are several worthy candidates on the world market, whose developments allow you to purchase a really high-quality and durable model.
Well-established brands:
- PocketBook. The most successful models are presented by this particular company.
- ONYX BOOX. Great performance and feature set at an affordable price.
- Amazon Kindle. The gadgets of this brand boast numerous useful features.
It is best to choose an e-book from those presented by these manufacturers. They are distinguished by an affordable price, useful options, and build quality.
Best Low Cost Ebooks
When choosing an e-book, most are guided precisely by the purchase budget. A high-quality device can also be bought at an affordable price, and these will not necessarily be outdated models. The books presented below are of good build quality, have all the necessary functions, and an affordable price.
PocketBook 614 Plus
This e-book is an improved version of the time-tested and beloved by many PocketBook 613. Built-in memory - 8 GB allows you to quickly open and view files of almost all known formats. The Carta technology screen does not cause eye fatigue, providing a contrast that is comfortable for the eyes.
Of the minuses, it is possible to note the problematic search for a suitable cover, so it is better to buy this accessory immediately in the kit. In addition, push-button controls are a serious disadvantage for some buyers, although, according to reviews, it helps to avoid accidental pressing.
PROS:
- Supports 18 well-known formats;
- Fast processor with a frequency of 1 GHz;
- There are built-in games, calculator, calendar, own library;
- It features a convenient 6 'screen made of glass.
MINUSES:
- Difficult to find a cover.
DIGMA R656
This 2018 model also has mechanical controls and a 6 'screen diagonal. The built-in memory is 4 GB, but if desired, this figure can be increased thanks to a microSD card slot (supports up to 32 GB).
Of the minuses, users note a medium-quality plastic case, so it is advisable to use the gadget exclusively in a case. Some problems occur when reading files with the .doc format.
PROS:
- Supports 10 text formats (including JPG);
- Screen with Carta electronic ink technology;
- Compact size allows for use when traveling.
MINUSES:
- Medium quality case;
- Problems reading .doc files.
Ritmix RBK-676FL
A convenient and stylish gadget has all the necessary functions, including the backlight of the screen while reading. Simple mechanical button operation, intuitive menu navigation.
Among the shortcomings, we can note the difficulties in choosing a cover, but without this accessory it is risky to use the book. Frequent use of the backlight will consume battery power faster.
PROS:
- 13 supported formats;
- Travel-friendly 6 'screen;
- Built-in clock, calendar, screen backlight, small library of classic pieces;
- There is a slot for a memory card (limited to 32 GB).
MINUSES:
- Difficulty choosing a cover;
- Fast battery drain when using the backlight.
The best e-books price-quality
The presence of additional functions determines the cost higher, but when choosing a suitable reader, you can pay attention to the presented models. They are optimal in terms of price and quality, provide advanced features, therefore, at a sufficiently adequate cost, they are in no way inferior to premium-category models.
PocketBook 61
Extremely clear functionality, push-button control and a glass screen are the main advantages of this model. According to its characteristics, it fully corresponds to the popular PocketBook 627 e-book, but at the same time it is cheaper than its counterpart.
Of the shortcomings, many note the impossibility of adjusting the backlight, which is not always convenient when using. In general, the gadget fully justifies the reputation of the brand, is a good help for study and recreation.
PROS:
- Screen backlight;
- Built-in memory in 8 GB, support for memory cards up to 32 GB;
- 12 supported text formats + 5 image file formats;
- Fast processor with a frequency of 1 GHz;
- Built-in programs: calculator, games, library, dictionary, image gallery.
MINUSES:
- Inability to adjust the backlight.
ONYX BOOX Livingstone
This gadget boasts all the available functions, convenient controls, and a large amount of built-in memory. One of the best options at a bargain price, a powerful battery supports up to a month of regular work without recharging.
The downside is the plastic screen and the overall rather fragile case. Due to the "advanced" filling, the gadget can be attributed to successful acquisitions, but using it without a protective case is extremely risky.
PROS:
- Electronic ink technology used - Carta Plus;
- Light weight (only 164 grams);
- Customizable backlight level and color temperature (MOON Light 2 system);
- Touch screen 6 ';
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support;
- Powerful 1.2 GHz processor.
MINUSES:
- Plastic screen;
- Fragile body.
Amazon Kindle PaperWhite 2018 8 Gb
New for 2018 boasts an improved design and additional features. The built-in 8 GB memory makes it easy to build a good library, but at the same time, it will not work to increase the volume due to the memory card. This device does not have a micro card slot, but it does have a wireless connection function.
Among the shortcomings are the limited format recognition characteristic of the models of this brand (6 positions), as well as the already mentioned lack of a memory card slot.
PROS:
- Playback of audio files in AAX format (the ability to listen to audiobooks);
- Excellent moisture protection of the case;
- Automatic backlight brightness control;
- The function of creating multiple user profiles.
MINUSES:
- Limited recognition of formats (6 positions);
- Lack of a slot for a memory card.
Best backlit e-books
Versatile models that combine all the functions you need with superior quality. The backlight adjustment allows you to set the most convenient reading mode without irritating the eyes. In such e-books, an additional parameter is added - color temperature adjustment, which provides protection against screen flicker, and also allows children and the elderly to use the gadget without harm to their eyes.
PocketBook 632 (Touch HD 3)
The "filling" of this e-book is thought out to the smallest detail. Mechanical control and a touch screen with Carta electronic ink technology, support for memory cards up to 32 GB and its own built-in 16 GB makes it possible to collect an impressive library.
Of the minuses, most often users note a plastic case, which can be accidentally damaged. Also in the package there is no headphone jack, does not support playback of audio files.
PROS:
- Stylish case design;
- Convenient travel format, 6 'screen;
- Moisture protection of the case;
- Color temperature adjustment function;
- The battery works without recharging for up to 30 days of active use.
MINUSES:
- Plastic case;
- Doesn't support playing audio files.
ONYX BOOX Darwin 6
The e-reader based on the Android 4.4 operating system provides full compatibility with applications, which significantly increases the list of possible options. The gadget easily connects to a wireless network using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and a smart processor easily processes information.
With such a device, you can read books directly in your browser, surf the Internet. Of the minuses - a rather high cost, although the functionality of this reader is impressive.
PROS:
- Application of Carta Plus e-ink technology;
- Customizable backlight level and color temperature (MOON Light 2 system);
- Built-in memory 8 GB, there is support for microcards up to 32 GB;
- High performance processor with a frequency of 1.2 GHz;
- Support for all common text formats, seamless opening of images;
- Large battery capacity.
MINUSES:
- High price.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2015
The e-book belongs to the middle price segment, but at the same time it has well-thought-out functionality and excellent characteristics. Its main advantage is the possibility of battery life up to six weeks. The good expansion of the screen and the backlight adjustment are also pleasing.
The downside is the lack of a memory card slot, although the built-in storage is sufficient for over 1000 text files. Also, the model does not read some popular files of the FB2 type, so you need to download books only in the formats indicated in the instructions.
PROS:
- 4 GB of internal memory;
- 6 'touch screen;
- Adjustable screen backlight;
- Built-in Wi-Fi module;
- Light weight and compact body.
MINUSES:
- Lack of a memory card slot;
- Doesn't read some popular files like FB2.
The best big screen e-books
It is better to choose an e-book primarily for home use with the maximum screen size. They are more convenient to use, allow you to easily view periodicals, magazines and large-format books. Such models will cost more, otherwise they are just as convenient to use as "road" models.
ONYX BOOX Gulliver
The “speaking” name already alludes to the truly large size of the device. The 10.3 'diagonal screen provides full viewing of images and non-standard formats. The powerful 1.6 GHz processor processes information almost instantly, and the built-in 32 GB memory allows you to store all the necessary documents.
The downside is the rather limited selection of covers (you can choose from accessories for tablets), as well as the lack of screen backlighting.
PROS:
- Large touch screen;
- Stylus included for marking while reading;
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity;
- Reading of all popular formats, as well as quite rare ones (html, zip, chm, xls);
- Robust metal case.
MINUSES:
- Limited selection of covers;
- Lack of screen backlight.
ONYX BOOX Euclid
The ONYX BOOX Euclid e-reader is of interest not only for its enlarged screen size (diagonal 9.7 '), but also for its impressive content. Well suited for studying technical or educational literature, viewing drawings, diagrams, images.
It is difficult to find flaws in the model, perhaps the high price, but it fully pays off with the impressive functionality of the device. The e-book of this brand will be interesting for students, students and simply amateurs to read books and magazines on a really large and easy-to-use gadget.
PROS:
- Android 6.0 based system compatible with apps;
- Support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connection;
- 16 GB of internal memory;
- Touch screen control.
MINUSES:
- High price.
PocketBook 740 Color
This model is a real revolution in the electronic reader market. For the first time, developers have combined in one reader two of the most relevant technological chips at once - a large 7.8-inch diagonal and an E Ink Kaleido color screen.For understanding: color readers used to be only 6-inch, that is, much smaller. This means that reading colored content on them was much less comfortable.
But with PocketBook 740 Color it is already convenient to read any illustrated literature: from textbooks and reference books to children's fairy tales and comics. At the same time, the new color pocketbook reader is just as harmless to eyesight as the black-and-white PocketBook models. The display does not flicker, which makes even hours of continuous reading very comfortable for the eyes (unlike a smartphone, from whose flickering screen the eyes get tired after a couple of hours of reading). And the backlighting of the pocketbooks is soft - it does not hit directly from the screen in the eyes, as it happens with the same smartphones, but illuminates the screen from the side.
In addition, the screen of the pocketbook does not glare in the bright sun. And the battery charge for the color pocketbook is enough for 1-1.5 months of work.
PROS:
- revolutionary solution - large 7.8-inch color E Ink Kaleido screen;
- does not tire the eyes - you can read for hours on end;
- supports all formats of electronic documents - 20 pieces;
- works up to 1.5 months without recharging.
MINUSES:
- there is no protection against moisture (which, for example, is provided in the black-and-white counterpart - PocketBook 740 Pro).
What to look for when choosing an e-book
The characteristics of different models will differ, so it is better to immediately determine the preferred parameters. The simplified e-book device represents such important criteria as the size and type of the screen, the ability to “read” various formats of electronic files, battery capacity, memory capacity, and the presence of display backlighting.
Basic selection parameters:
- Screen diagonal usually ranges from mini - formats 5 'to 10' or more. On a large screen, you don't have to often “flip” pages, but they are more suitable for home use. It is more convenient to take an e-book with a 5'-7 'screen with you on the road.
- Control can be manual or touch. Gadgets with buttons are cheaper and will be more familiar to older people.
- Additional screen illumination allows you to read an e-book in any lighting level. The backlight adjustment function will also be useful, as well as automatic selection of the mode according to the lighting.
- Protection of the case against moisture and dust also increases the cost of the book, but provides a long and trouble-free service for the device. This item is especially important for families with small children or when traveling frequently.
- Number of formats supported in modern e-books it is almost endless. It is most convenient to download files to FB2, because this format is designed specifically for electronic readers, which means that it is well accepted by any device. Among other equally popular formats are pdf, txt, doc, djvu.
- Built-in memory e-books usually range from 4 to 8 GB. This is enough to save about 1200 standard files. If this figure seems insufficient, it is always possible to increase it by installing a memory card.
- Built-in Wi-Fi provides connection to an available network and selection of suitable files from available sources.
- Battery capacity usually two to four weeks of regular work is enough. Due to its low power consumption, the gadget will have to be charged infrequently. It should be noted that backlit e-books use up the charge faster, but the battery in such devices is provided "with a margin".
The device uses a special electronic ink technology. They do not cause eye fatigue when reading, and are economical in energy consumption. There are three generations of such inks, the most commonly used now is Pearl HD technology with a contrast ratio of 12: 1. Compared to previous designs, Pearl (10: 1 contrast ratio) delivers high definition and clarity of text. The most "advanced" technology is Carta ink, which has a 15: 1 contrast ratio.
Important: when buying an e-book, do not forget about useful accessories. This is a reliable case to protect the case from accidental shocks, a mini-lamp for backlighting, a waterproof cover for the screen.
Which e-book is better to choose
An e-book or reader is a useful and developing gadget that allows you to brighten up the waiting time on a trip by reading interesting books. The memory of the device provides storage of several thousand books in a convenient format, and additional functions will make the reading process comfortable. In the information provided, the best models of e - readers of various price categories are considered, which have received high ratings from users.
