Giving the Gift of an eReader?
Nook Tablet, Kindle Fire or iPad2?
Wireless download or USB? Touchscreen or Backlit? There are so many choices!
Use these resources to figure out which eReader is right for you – or that special someone on this year’s gift list.
New to eReaders? Start with:
- Buying an eReader Checklist – A series of questions from TeleRead.com that will help determine what you want in an eReader.
- FAQ about eBooks and your Library
The Latest eReader and Tablet Reviews:
- ConsumerReports.org [free access via the Library website when you login with your Library card and PIN] – Search for “e-Book Reader Buying Guide” – updated November, 2012.
- 2013 Best eBook Reader Reviews and Comparisons - Compare and contrast
- cnet.com – Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which eBook Reader Should You Choose? – Choosing an eBook Reader Updated August 7, 2012 - a good review of what you need to know about Google’s Nexus 7, new Kindles, New Sony Wifi, Apple iPad with iOS 5.
- Digital Trends - How to pick the right e-readers.
- Kindle Paperwhite vs Nook GlowLight – Comparison of two devices with built-in lights.
- ElderGadget.com reviews individual eReaders with an eye towards elder-friendly features
How do you know which devices are compatible with Library eBooks?
- Holiday Gadget Guide - OverDrive supports the latest and greatest gadgets and devices.
- OverDrive’s list of compatible eBook Devices. A list of popular devices that work with the OverDrive EPUB or Kindle format.
More interesting eReader News:
- The Kindle Fire was the first Kindle where Library eBooks can be downloaded without a computer, over a wifi connection. An OverDdrive Media Console (OMC) app is now available from the Amazon App Store, which allows download of EPUB (rather than Kindle format) titles to the Fire.
- NEW and improved: OverDdrive Media Console (OMC) has improved functionality in the apps for Apple, Android plus a brand new app for the NOOK HD, NOOK HD+, NOOK Tablet™ and NOOK Color™
- The Sony Reader WiFi - was the first dedicated eReader which allows Library downloads “over the air” – includes a button to access your public library directly from the device. Read the cnet review of the latest model, the Sony Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T2.
I love my Sony Reader Pocket edition but people should know that the Arlington County Library does not have many selections in its e-Collection. Also, the Overdrive software is not user friendly. My wish for the holidays is that you improve the Library's e-offerings and searchability.
Hello Anonymous November 25
Please take another look at the Library's eCollection. There really are thousands of titles to choose from and more are added each week.
Also, please take a look at our >FAQ on downloadables. It explains why some titles might not be available either in the Arlington collection or to public libraries in general.
We’ll share your comments with Overdrive regarding their user interface. They do make improvements on a regular basis so please stay tuned. And if you ever need assistance with downloadables or any other Library issue, please don't hesitate to contact us – We're here to help you.
Thanks for using Arlington Public Library and best wishes to you for the holidays,
Office of Public Information
703-228-3346
I have a nook and have had big problems trying to load e-books from the library so I can read them -
Mary,
Have you checked out our Help & Troubleshooting page? If you don’t find answers to your library eBook/Nook issues there, please send an email to Library tech support, and we’ll be happy to help you.