A lot of people don't seem to know what the difference between an eBook reader and a tablet computer is - and it's hardly surprising. Many online reviews compare one against the other - the Kindle (eBook reader) versus the iPad (tablet computer) is a good example.
The fact that Amazon has recently expanded its Kindle family so that it now includes eBook readers - the Kindle 4, the Kindle Touch, the Kindle Keyboard (formerly known as the Kindle 3) and the Kindle DX - and a tablet computer - the Kindle Fire.
Barnes and Noble also has both an eBook reader - the Nook Simple Touch - and tablet computers - the Nook Color and the Nook Tablet - under the Nook banner. Consider also the fact that a tablet computer can be used to read eBooks and it's hardly surprising that people get confused. So what's the difference when all's said and done?
An eBook reader is a specialized device that is intended for reading eBooks. It uses an e-ink technology display which is not back-lit and is therefore a lot easier on your eyes. Reading on an e-ink display is as close to reading text printed on paper as it's possible to get. Once you've been using an eBook reader for an hour or two then, as long as you're engrossed in a good book, you'll be completely unaware that you're reading on an electronic device rather than leafing through the pages of a paperback novel.
Another advantage of e-ink displays is the fact that they only use power when refreshing the screen - "turning the page" if you prefer. That means that eBook readers have a long battery life - several weeks on a single charge is typical. Both Amazon and Barnes and Noble claim a two month period between charges for their Kindle and Nook readers respectively. That's based on an average of thirty minutes reading a day.
On the downside, the refresh rate of e-ink displays is slow in comparison to LCD screens. That makes web browsing a bit clunk at best and makes eBook readers totally unsuitable for watching video.
Tablet computers, on the other hand, have full color LCD displays which are backlit. They are ideal for surfing the web and watching video. The downside of these devices is that they can produce eye strain if you read on them for prolonged periods of time, they use a lot more power - so expect to last for hours rather than weeks between charges, and they cost a good deal more than eBook readers.
So which should you choose? It really depends upon what you intend to use your device for. If you want to mainly read books, possibly with a little web surfing and sending the odd e-mail thrown in - but you aren't too concerned about watching video (or you have some other means to do this), then an eBook reader is probably a good choice for you.
If you want to watch video and surf the web a lot, and you aren't too concerned about a long battery life, a tablet computer might be the right choice for you.
Find out more about the Amazon Kindle 4 and take a look at the huge selection of Kindle accessories available to help you personalise and protect your reader.
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