You either know by now, or you will hear about it tirelessly in the months to come. Google has debuted its new Google eBookstore. Much like the offerings from Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, and others, the service gives you options for reading the books on various mobile devices as well as via a browser on any computing platform. The power of Google is behind this new offering, of course, so it will be interesting to see how it fares next to its competition.
When I first learned of the availability of early digital book platforms like Amazon’s Kindle, I thought it was a “cool” device, but I didn’t ever picture myself having a reason to use one. I mean, I worked on a computer all day and the last thing I wanted to do was to read something online when a good, old-fashioned book would do just fine. Then, several years later, I bought a Kindle when it was on sale. I must say, I’m a convert. So, I’ve already revealed that I have a Kindle, thus possibly hinting at some bias. I will assure you, however, that I try to remain fairly technology and brand “agnostic” when considering the merits of the myriad of new product offerings that come to market at a steady pace. I think that the digital “e-book” revolution has some great advantages, possibly some disadvantages, but much to offer the average consumer. Before I begin highlighting some points to consider when choosing an e-book device and/or platform, I want to recognize the fact that there are other options available beyond those which I will mention here. All have merits, and for the most part, each may be an acceptable “substitution” or even supplement to others. For those that aren’t very acquainted with this whole topic, though, here are some basic things to think about and consider.
1. Will your books be available to you from anywhere you want to read them? Several of the big providers like Google, Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble’s Nook, and Apple’s “iBooks” offer devices that allow a reader to read books on various platforms. This means, if you download a book to the device (Nook, Kindle, iPhone/iPad), the providers also make software available to read the book on your PC or Mac. In addition, you can “sync” your books across all devices (a book that is available on your computer is also available on your provider’s device, etc). Most of the providers also allow a reader to download free books from various sources, or even PDF files on a computer, to the device to read it on the electronic reader – such as Kindle, Nook, iPhone/iPad, etc. Wow. All this sounds confusing, right? Not really. Everything in this point simply means that the “big guys” in this field have provided the means for their customers to have access to their books when and where they want them.
2. What display technology do you prefer in a “dedicated reading device”? Focusing on the big 3 (Kindle, Nook, and iPad) and display technology, the major decision is between “passive” and “active” reading technology and web browsing features. Amazon became known for its “digital ink” technology on the Kindle. This technology basically makes the print on the device’s screen appear like a standard, “Paper” book. It is easy on the eyes and the size of the text is adjustable. The nook and the iPad offer color “active”screens (the Nook has a model that is only black and white as well). The active screen models have screens that resemble the experience of reading a book on a laptop or desktop computer. Which, then, should you choose? This depends on your personal preferences. I suggest going to a big electronics store, which will usually display each of these devices, and try them out for yourself. After trying the different options, you will have a better idea of which screen format works best over the long term. Some view the Kindle’s lack of an “active”, color screen as a disadvantage. Therefore, they also think that the limited web browsing features on the device are vote against it. I can only speak of my preferences here. I like the passive display that reads like a real book. I actually do not want an active display. Again, I have my computer for that. If I do want to read on an active display, I can use the Kindle software on my pc or iPhone and get the same effect. As for web browsing, this is also not something that is important to me. I use my Kindle for reading and only reading. I like it this way. You simply have to decide what is best for you with regard to these options.
3. Will the technology be here to stay? Maybe I’m just a skeptic. So be it. When I consider a standalone device of any type, I want to know, as best I can, that the device will be around for awhile. Yes, if the device uses formats that are “universal”, that’s a plus. If one of the vendors was ever to “phase out a product”, or worse, go out of business, hopefully they would make the customer’s products available to them in a format they could download and use elsewhere. That said, I enjoy Amazon’s service because Amazon is an entity that appears to have longevity. I’m not saying the competitors don’t have longevity, just that Amazon seems to be a “safe bet” to me. Secondly, I can store my “library” on their servers and download them whenever I want. This is a plus for me, as the iTunes model of “backup your files so you don’t lose them” is simply an inconvenience to me.
4. Is the Price right for you? Maybe this is not as much of an issue for you, but for me, it is the tie breaker. At the time of this writing, the newest model of Amazon’s Kindle is available with 3G Wireless (no subscriptions needed) and Wireless internet connectivity for about $189. The other devices I’ve seen so far, such as Barnes & Noble’s Nook and the iPad, while they certainly have far more features and “flashiness”, start out around $300 or more. If you are looking for a device that will almost replace your need for a laptop, maybe the iPad is the correct choice. If you don’t need quite that many features, but you want color and better web browsing capability, Barnes and Noble’s Nook is worth a look. If the experience of reading a real book is all you need, and price is an issue, definitely consider the Kindle. As far as the other devices that exist, like devices from electronics brands that are not tied to an online retailer, this is an area of research that you’ll have to do on your own. My personal opinion is that part of the “economical benefit” of the three devices mentioned here is that each is tied to a content provider (Apple, B&N, and Amazon), and therefore they add value to their product and a certain “peace of mind” about their product and its continued success.
Hopefully this information has been helpful. The new world of digital books seems confusing at times, or maybe some do not see any reason why one would want this medium. It is certainly a matter of choice and there is no “perfect answer”. The good news is that the devices and product offerings are far greater than ever and the prices for the devices and the books are even lower than ever before. Oh yes, forgot to mention that. Digital books often are significantly cheaper than their paper counterparts. How much cheaper? A typical new release hardcover book in a store could cost from $20 to $30, depending on how popular it is. It’s digital equivalent is usually no more than $10 to $15 at the time of release. After time, as with hardcovers and paperbacks, the price will fall. Several of the vendors, such as Amazon, even offer many titles for free, either for a limited time (promotions) or permanently.
UPDATE 10/08/2010:
Immediately after I posted this entry, Amazon announced “Kindle for the Web”. With the addition of this service, readers will now be able to read any Kindle ebooks in any web browser. This means that, beyond simply the ability to read your Kindle books on your computer, this “service” will allow you to read your Kindle books even on other devices, such as the Nook, the iPad, or any other device with a web browser. This opens up more possibilities for consumers. This development underscores the purchase criteria that I mentioned as part of my personal opinion: price and display type (active or passive). This is good news for those considering the Kindle platform. Look for other providers to offer similar capabilities in the near future as the competition intensifies.
