E-reader decision aid: 8 things you should know before you buy
5.12.2016
Translation: machine translated
The Christmas holidays are just around the corner. For all those who don't like unnecessary luggage when travelling to warmer climes like migratory birds or just going on a trip with relatives, we recommend an e-reader. Find out now what you need to know about electronic books and which one suits you best.
E-readers are replacing traditional books more and more every year. No wonder: these things are incredibly practical. Compact, lightweight, space for thousands of books and, with the right cover, you even get that real book feeling. But first things first. E-readers are like snow in the mountains - ok, not necessarily a good analogy. So: there are many different devices. You should consider the following points before making a purchase
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1. what they can all do
Tablets like the iPad turn into mirrors in sunlightWhat all devices have in common is the ability to be easily readable even in the brightest sunlight. This is made possible by the so-called e-ink display. This is in contrast to tablets, whose LED or OLED displays reflect even the slightest rays of sunlight so strongly that they can only be used as mirrors at best. Furthermore, e-readers have an enormous battery life, which can amount to several months. Depending on the technology, the devices only require power when "turning pages". This makes them extremely energy efficient.
In addition, e-readers are significantly lighter and more compact than books. You will feel the benefits of this after just a few minutes if, for example, you swap the tome "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R. R. Martin for an eBook weighing 1 megabyte.
2. special features
If you like to read in bed, you're in for a treat - especially if your partner prefers to sleep and you have to switch off the light. Apart from very affordable entry-level devices, practically all models have integrated lighting so that you can also read in the dark. The largest light is the Kindle Voyage, which automatically adjusts the brightness.
While e-readers are less robust than books, some are equipped with practical water resistance. These include, for example, the Tolino Vision 4 HD or the Kobo Aura H2O. Perfect if you want to take a hot bath in the cold season
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4. operation
E-readers are quite easy to use. If you know how to use a smartphone, you can also get to grips with an electronic book. Simply connect to WiFi - this step is not necessary on a device with 3G - and you're ready to go. You can either buy books directly from the integrated shop, in which case you can be sure that the books are compatible. Alternatively, you can also shop on sites such as Books.ch and then transfer the eBook to the e-reader via a computer. It is important to ensure that you select the correct format. Kindle devices, for example, are only compatible with books from the Amazon store (AZW) and PDFs. Otherwise, the most common format is ePUB and, to a lesser extent, mubi. Virtually all e-readers are compatible with these.
If you purchase books online, you may need the free software Adobe ID to successfully transfer the books to the e-reader due to the integrated copy protection (DRM).
5. book selection
Nowadays, practically every book is also available as an eBook. However, you may have to wait a little longer for the electronic version. Amazon offers the largest selection of books. This is good news for Kindle owners, as there are no other legal alternatives. But Weltbild, Orell Füssli and Co. also have a respectable inventory. What's more, as mentioned, you can shop in any shop with most e-readers, so you'll always find the book you want somewhere.
6. library
What many people don't realise is that various libraries such as the Digitale Bibliothek Ostschweiz or the Stadtbibliothek Baden also lend eBooks. This option is available to most e-readers - the exception once again being Kindles, which are not compatible with the required format. Use is only possible there via detours. For everyone else, this offers a cost-effective rental option that is otherwise more familiar from physical media.
For this, Amazon offers the Family Library. This allows you to connect two Amazon profiles and share books. In addition to two adult profiles, you can add up to four children's profiles.
7th cost point
E-Readers are already available for less than 100 francs. However, you can also spend up to 360 francs on premium devices such as the new Kindle Oasis. However, you will amortise the purchase costs relatively quickly with the cheaper book prices. However, these vary quite a lot. You often save 30 per cent compared to a real book, but sometimes the price is the same.
8. disadvantages
While a book never runs out of steam, even the most enduring e-reader has to go offline at some point. Stupid if you're on a train or sitting in a mountain restaurant at that exact moment and there's no power socket nearby (and of course you're in an exciting place).
With a few exceptions, the displays of e-readers are also black and white. This means that they are only moderately suitable for reading magazines or comics. Tablets are predestined for this, as our editorial team colleague Dominik can also confirm.
But which one should it be?
Of course, it's always best if you can get an impression for yourself and take a quick look at the devices. Various devices are on display in our shops. In addition to the appearance, the price is certainly the deciding factor.
The inexpensive and child-friendly: Kindle Paperwhite 2015
The Kindle Paperwhite (2015) is an affordable entry-level device that doesn't have to compromise on convenience. With the Kindle Free Time function, Amazon also offers practical parental controls. This allows you to restrict access to the shop, browser and cloud. The Kindle software also offers a reading progress log. As most e-readers have a glass display, additional device insurance is worthwhile for children. If you like it even cheaper, you can opt for the Kindle Touch (2016), but then you have to do without the backlight.
With Kindles, you have the choice between subsidised ones with adverts on the lock screen and those without.
The practical one: Tolino Vision 4 HD
The Tolino is the response of various booksellers, including Thalia and Weltbild, to Amazon's market dominance. With the fourth generation of the Tolino, an almost completely successful device has finally been released. The display is razor-sharp, the device is waterproof and the price is right too. And on the software side, the Tolino no longer has to hide behind the Amazon reference.
The extravagant one: Kindle Oasis
If you're looking for something really chic, treat yourself to the Kindle Oasis (here's our test). Technically beyond reproach, extremely small and handy and it comes with a stylish leather cover. On top of that, the Oasis has a number of practical functions such as X-Ray and Word Wise, which sweeten the reading experience.
Other e-readers worth recommending are the elegant and water-resistant Kobo H2O and the PocketBook Touch Lux 3 with free-labelling buttons and special PDF display modes.
And a few more book recommendations 😉
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.