We're all pretty well acquainted at this point with various media technology. An MP3 player plays music. A Blu-Ray player plays movies. So what's an eReader? It displays books in digital format. Books are a popular but different form of media. We read them. So there is not a whole lot of "flashy things" with a book displayed on an ereader. It's the craft of writing delivered to readers in a way that is best for viewing by the reader. Paper has done well over the years, but has barriers such as not being able to change the font size or carrying a lot of books with you. Publishing and distribution also offers it's share of challenges and barriers in the print world. eReaders overcome a great deal of barriers in the book world for readers, authors, and publishers alike.
Can a tablet display ebooks? Yes. Tablets can also play movies, play music, do web browsing, send/receive email, and many other functions. Guess what it's not best compared to . . . an ereader. But many in the tech world keep insisting that be done for whatever reason. Things like a "Kindle or a Nook are no iPad." Um . . . I agree. Because that is like saying an iPod is no Android Tablet. They are two entirely different devices serving very different functions. The iPod is designed to be an awesome music player which it is. A tablet can play music, but it's a bit bulky to carry around for jogging and wanting music. Likewise, the iPad can display ebooks; but is not so good laying by the pool reading due to glare. A great eReader device with eInk display provides a better option.
eReaders do have a bit of tablet-like features added for the user such as the ability to add and play music as well as add and view personal photos. Nook color is probably one of the most confusing ones. This device is the one that borders the most on tablet. It is an ereader first utilizing the full-color touch screen to offer revolutionary new styles of interactive children's books, better display of magazine and newspapers, and additional web functionality.
So which one should I get? A tablet or an ereader?
That's up to the individual. Here's the questions to be asking here:
1. What is it you want to do?
2. What is the functionality you truly need?
3. And what is your budget?
For many a full blown tablet is "overkill" to their needs and budgets. Likewise, if you truly want the best reading experience . . . an eInk ereader is a paper-like display and a great option. Again, if you want a great music player . . . you look to get a great music player. If you want a great device reading . . . you get an ereader. If you want to be able to read books and need a lot of functionality . . . tablet.
So why aren't the tech blogging pro's say this? Because these guys and gals are surrounded by high-end tech all day long. When you get a dedicated device like an ereader that doesn't always have a lot of "flash" to it . . . it confuses them. They just don't know where to place it. No disrespect to them, they provide a great service highlighting new tech; but they are missing the mark quite a bit in the ereader world.
Barnes and Noble's Nooks (TM) are my favorite. In fact, they just released a brand new eink version capitalizing on eink's new touch functionality. The Simple Touch Reader (TM) offers a full touch screen that is eink. So a lot of the great reading functionality you get in tablets and the Nook Color (TM), you now get with an eink display. And at $139 releasing around June 10th . . . it's a great deal.
