Arlington Public Library News, Arlington Virginia: Trying to Choose an eReader?

Nook Tablet, Kindle Fire or iPad2? Wireless download or USB? Touchscreen or Keyboard? There are so many Library-compatible eReaders these days, it can be hard to choose!

Luckily, we've compiled a list of useful articles, charts and lists to help you decide what kind of eReader or Tablet is right for you - or that special someone. And check out our FAQ about eBooks and your Library.

Are you relatively new to eReaders? We recommend you start with TeleRead.com's Buying an eReader Checklist - a series of questions to help determine what you want in an eReader.

Latest eReader Reviews:

ConsumerReports.org [free access via the Library website when you log into your Library account] - eBook Reader Guide added Nov. 23, 2011
cnet.com - Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which eBook Reader Should You Choose? - Choosing an eBook Reader Updated Nov. 23, 2011 - a quick cheat sheet on what you need to know about new Kindles, New Sony Wifi, Apple iPad with iOS 5.
PaidContent.org - Comparing E-Readers—And Tablets | November 2011 - Updated Nov. 22, 2011. All the models listed here are compatible with the Library's free downloadable eBooks.
PCWorld - Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet: Which Should You Buy? Updated Nov. 18, 2011
ElderGadget.com reviews individual eReaders with an eye towards elder-friendly features

And in interesting recent eReader News:

The Sony Reader WiFi is the first dedicated eReader which allows Library downloads "over the air." It even includes a button to access your public library directly from the device. Read the cnet review of the Sony Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T1.

What devices are compatible with downloadable eBooks from the Library? Make sure to check OverDrive's Device Resource Center to see a list of devices that work with the EPUB or Kindle format.

2 comments:

AnonymousNovember 25, 2011 at 10:08 AM
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.
Arlington Public Library, Public InformationNovember 28, 2011 at 8:30 AM
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.
http://library.arlingtonva.libguides.com/ecollection

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:
http://arlingtonvalib.blogspot.com/2011/10/frequently-asked-questions-downloadable.html

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.
http://library.arlingtonva.us/departments/Libraries/LibrariesContactEmail.aspx

Thanks for using Arlington Public Library and best wishes to you for the holidays.

Office of Public Information
703-228-3346

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