Tech Wham | Ereader Tablet and Ebook Reader Reviews, Videos, and Comparisons

Shopping around for the best ebook reader for 2012, you may run across the IRiver Story HD, an ebook reader that boasts a higher resolution e-ink reading screen than competitors like the Kindle or Nook. Here is a quick written review of the IRiver Story HD discussing it’s hot features, and the not so hot drawbacks of the e-ink ebook reader.

The High Resolution Reading Screen:

Just like the Nook or Kindle e-ink models, the IRiver Story HD has a 6 – inch reading screen. However, the IRiver claims to have a reading screen with a 63.8% sharper resolution than the Kindle or Nook e-ink reader models. The fact is, the resolution of the screen is quite impressive, albeit still in gray-scale just like other e-ink readers out there.

Google Ebook Store Integration:

The IRiver is the first ebook reader to have the Google Ebook Store on the device. There are millions of free titles, as well as a vast amount of new and old pay titles within the Google Ebook Store. At this point, it does not stack up nearly to the Barnes and Noble ebook store or Amazon’s in terms of the number of titles to choose from.

On Device Navigation:

The IRiver Story HD has a brownish, small keyboard with 4 direction touch bar underneath the screen for page turn and navigation, allowing for left-right and up-down navigation. Next to the navigation bar is the enter button. Overall, it is not as user-friendly as the touch screens on the Kindle Touch or Nook Simple Touch.

Design Of The IRiver Story HD:

Plainly put…the IRiver Story HD reading screen looks ahead of its time, whereas the look of the device looks like a pocket calculator out of the early 1980′s. The tiny, shiny, brown buttons are the culprit. The off-white color doesn’t help at all either. It simply looks perpetually dirty.

User Experience:

Again, the Google eBookstore, though easy to use, just isn’t as robust as the Amazon bookstore or B and N’s bookstore experience. There are no magazines or newspapers to choose from, and the choices aren’t as numerous. Secondly, the syncing of the device with your online account isn’t as “hands off” as, say, the Whispernet for Kindle.

Conclusion:

We recommend comparing the Kindle Touch vs Nook Simple Touch to ensure choosing between the best E-Ink ebook readers on the market. The IRiver, though a great screen resolution, simply doesn’t compete. It doesn’t offer the same user friendliness and sleek look, despite being the same price as the Nook and Kindle.  We hope that quick IRiver Story HD review has helped you in your quest for the best ebook reader for you.

A very big difference when comparing the Nook vs Kindle side by side is is the way they read Epub files. Let’s take a look at what each device is capable of and how they differ when it comes to reading an Epub book.

Reading EPUB’s On The Nook

For the Nook (Nook Simple Touch, Color and Tablet), it’s a relatively simple process. These files are read directly on the device, so one can get an EPUB file from somewhere like http://www.gutenberg.org as an epub file and read it.

The BIG difference for the Nook, however, is that EPUB’s from the library can be read on the device. That means one can log into the public library website of one’s choice, choose a book, and download for reading.

What’s the big deal about EPUB’s? Who cares?

The big deal is that within “Overdrive”, the system that most public libraries use to check out free books, there are a heck of a lot more EPUB files available than any other file. That means a larger choice between titles for the ebook checker-outer.

Reading EPUB’s On The Kindle

For the Kindle, one needs to get a little creative to be able to read an EPUB file. As much as Amazon is trying to make the EPUB issue a moot point by offering a large amount of free Kindle files, the fact is, there are still a heck of a lot more books published in EPUB format than in Kindle format. There are Kindle files now available within Overdrive for free check out, however, there are vastly more EPUB files available.

One solution for Kindle users is to convert EPUB files to usable files on the Kindle through the use of Calibre, a free open source ebook management software. This is a simple process, allowing people to read books found on Google Books, and other places that use the EPUB format.

Reading Library EPUB’s On The Kindle

However, if one checks out an epub file ebook from a public library, there is a DRM attached to the file. The “DRM” is a “Digital Rights Management” that is put on the file that inhibits the use of it in certain circumstances. For instance, a DVD not working in a foreign country.

Since there is a DRM attached to the epub’s checked out at public library websites, these files cannot be read on the Kindle, nor converted by the Calibre software. There are ways to strip the DRM from the epub file, but they are all illegal!

The EPUB Bottom Line?

Amazon is trying with all it’s might to make the epub issue a moot point, giving people alternatives to using the epub file, but they’ll never be able to sweep the issue under the rug. The Kindle is still a great product with a loyal fan base, but the Nook offers the Library EPUB file, a golden feature one may want to take into account when choosing between the two ebook readers.

People are beginning to receive their Kindle Fires and Nook Tablets in the mail this week and some Nook Tablet owners are a little angry. The surprise for Nook Tablet owners, and the biggest difference between the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet, is the handling of on-device memory and storage of content. The new revelation isn’t exactly a Tablet-killer, but it doesn’t help the allure of the Tablet compared to the Fire.

Nook Tablet Memory Allure and Reality

Take a look a the Nook Tablet at Barnes and Noble and a big selling point is the ability to put 16 GB of content on the device. That’s what has/had a lot of people excited this 2011 shopping season, but now that the Tablet is being delivered to people, an ugly truth has been revealed.

The Tablet has an allotted memory of 1 GB of storage for non-Barnes and Noble content. If the user wants to load more than 1 GB, they must purchase an SD card. Add that to the +$50 price tag compared to the Kindle Fire and suddenly the Tablet is looking a little deflated.

Kindle Fire Memory Explained

The Kindle Fire allows for 8 GB (any content, Amazon or NOT) on-device storage.

One can store up to 5 GB (in addition to the on-device memory) of ANY content, Amazon content or not, on the Cloud Drive for free.

Any Cloud usage beyond that with Amazon content is free. Any more than that, there are plans to use Amazon’s Cloud Service. For instance, one can purchase 20 GB of extra storage on the Cloud for $20 per year. MP3 storage is unlimited for the aforementioned plan.

Kindle Fire Memory vs Nook Tablet Memory

One can see there is a vastly different approach to memory between Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Some people will never see the Cloud as a viable memory solution, whereas others think it’s brilliant. If the Cloud idea isn’t such a novel idea to you, then just beware there will need to be purchase of an SD card if you plan on consuming non-Barnes and Noble content on the Nook Tablet. This new revelation doesn’t seem to be a Tablet-killer by any means, but it does make the Kindle Fire look a little stronger when comparing the Kindle Fire vs Nook Tablet.

Many people are finding themselves asking the difference between E Ink vs Back Lit LCD ebook reader screens at this point in time. There are, after all, more color touch and E Ink options than ever before. Amazon just announced their color touch Kindle Fire, Barnes and Noble has their Nook Color, and now we have a hole new family of E Ink Kindles and new Nook Simple Touch.

Which one should you choose?

It comes down to the reading experience in natural lighting, reading experience in the dark, battery life, and how much you want to expect from your device.

E Ink vs LCD Video- Very Different Reading Experience In Different Lighting Conditions

The video above establishes a few points about the reading experience difference between E Ink and back lit LCD screens.

1) Back Lit screens are downright horrible to read in bright overhead natural lighting.

2) E Ink screens excel in visibility in bright overhead natural lighting.

3) LCD back lit screens collect fingerprint smudges and are difficult to see through reflections in bright lighting conditions.

4) Reading in the dark requires an exterior light for the E Ink screens.

5) Reading in the dark requires no light for the back lit screen, and there are “night time reading” settings available that make the screen black and text a soft white.

Battery Life Difference

Another major difference between say, a Nook Color or Kindle Fire and a Kindle Touch or Nook Simple Touch is the battery life on one single charge.

The reader is tethered to the charger with the color touch screen, whereas the thought of charging crosses the E Ink customer’s mind once every 2 months! Obviously this is a big difference that one needs to take into account. Of course, it all comes down to the last point.

Bells and Whistles or Simple Text?

Obvious question, I know. But very important nonetheless. Do you want to read novels? Do you want to read magazines? Are you interested in other media like movies, music, games and surfing the web?

If you want to read novels, you’ll want to compare some E Ink devices like the Kindle Touch vs Nook Simple Touch. You most likely don’t want to be tethered to the charger, you’ll want to be able to read without reflection and glare, and back lit LCD screens have been shown to hurt readers eyes after extended periods of reading. Sure you need a lighted cover, or light at night to be able to read, but the other benefits outweigh this one drawback.

Do you want more out of your device? If games, videos, music, internet surfing, email, and other options of an all in one device are your fancy, then you want more of a tablet PC style device that doubles as an ebook reader. You can check out our detailed Kindle Fire vs Nook Color review and the Nook Tablet vs Kindle Fire review to see how they stack up against eachother.

So there are some important considerations when comparing the benefits and drawbacks of an E Ink vs Back Lit LCD screen ebook reader. It all comes down to reading experience outdoors and indoors, major battery life differences, and knowing how much you want out of a device.

Amazon recently announced they will allow certain books to be checked out and read from local libraries. This couldn’t have come too soon for a grumbling customer base wondering how the whole “EPUB” issue was going to pan out. So now the Kindle and Nook can read free library books. Let’s check out how this is accomplished on the Kindle vs Nook.

Downloading a Library Book On The Nook Simple Touch

Step 1: Download Adobe Digital Editions. NOTE!! You MUST use the same email address and password as you did setting up your Nook, or prepare for a long day of frustration on the phone.(sensing bitterness?)

Step 2: Find your book on Overdrive on your local library website.

Step 3: Download the book. Adobe Digital Editions will open.

Step 4: Click the “Library” icon in ADE.

Step 5: Connect your Nook to the computer. The Nook icon will show up on the left pane in ADE.

Step 6: Drag the book to your Nook.

Step 7: Enjoy book!

Downloading a Library Book On The Kindle

Step 1: Find a desired book on your library website that offers the Kindle version.

Step 2: Click the “Get For Kindle” button.

Step 3: You may need to log into Amazon.com

Step 4: You will be prompted to redeem the library loan.

Step 5: Make sure wireless in on on your Kindle, and book is wirelessly delivered.

(Note, if you don’t have a wireless connection, you can insert the USB to download.)

Kindle VS Nook Library Experience Winner?

Sorry Nook users, but the Kindle experience blows the Adobe Digital Editions fiasco out of the water. Granted, my wife didn’t use the same email address as she did when she was setting up her Nook, so that added some serious frustration the first time we did the process.

But otherwise, the Nook process is a little clunky. And yes, I know the irony of calling clicking a few buttons and hooking up a wire clunky.

However, the downloading a library book on the Kindle by comparison is super simple. You are prompted what to do the entire time and it is wirelessly delivered! You don’t need to get on Google and search for instructions. You don’t need to go get the charger cable to hook up the USB.

It’s indicative of the entire Kindle vs Nook battle. The Kindle is slowly but surely winning out the battle with some new features. However, the Nook Simple Touch competes pretty handily with the Kindle. You can check this good  Kindle Touch vs Nook Simple Touch page for more information and comparison.

Last holiday season Barnes and Noble really shook things up with it’s new Nook Color, a color touch ebook reader. Now it’s Amazon’s turn to shock everyone with it’s new Kindle Fire. This 2011 holiday season and beyond is going to have a lot of people wondering, which is the better choice? Let’s compare the new Kindle Fire vs Nook Color side by side and see which comes out on top.

Kindle Fire vs Nook Color Video- Our Hands On Comparison

Click to visit Amazon.com For the Kindle Fire

Click to visit Barnes and Noble for the Nook Color

Kindle Fire Vs. Nook Color

After seeing the above video, it’s pretty apparent the Kindle Fire looks to react to the user’s touch much smoother and faster, and it looks to make nice intuitive sense.

Let’s compare the Kindle Fire vs. Nook Color features side by side now. Here’s a convenient chart to quickly see the differences between the two devices.

	Kindle Fire	Nook Color
Price	$199.00	$199.00
Memory	8 GB (Free Cloud Backup/Overflow)	8 GB
Expandable Memory?	No	Yes
# of Apps Available	16,640	729
App Store	Kindle Apps For Android	Nook Color Apps
Screen Size	7 Inches	7 Inches
Screen Resolution	1,024 x 600	1,024 x 600
3G?	No	No
Battery Life	8 Hours	8 Hours
Browser	Amazon Silk	Customized Android
Camera?	No	No
Device Dimensions	7.5″ x 4.7″ x .45″	8.1″ x 5″ x .48″
Content	Amazon	Barnes and Noble
Wireless Delivery Of Content Outside the U.S.?	Yes	No
Availability?	Available Now	Available Now

Kindle Fire Vs Nook Color- Features

One can see there are some obvious differences when looking at the above chart. Specifically, a Kindle Fire user will be able to enjoy many more apps on the device, free cloud storage, much more media availability, and faster web browsing if Silk is all it’s hyped up to be. However, will the “Cloud” be well received by customers? We’ll see.

Browser Winner: Amazon’s Silk Browser

Amazon’s browser will certainly be faster than Barnes and Noble’s customized Android browser. Amazon has promised ultra fast web browsing, taking advantage of their EC2 Cloud service to help load essential pieces of a page faster. If you want a technical explanation, you can visit Amazon.com to see their Silk Browser Video. However, just taking a look at the video above shows the difference in browsers.

The Silk Browser for Fire is more intuitive, faster, and streams videos with flawlessness. The Nook Color browser is clunky and slow. Streaming videos play great audio, but the video is choppy every time we try it here at Tech WHAM.

Memory Winner: Kindle Fire

People are going to dislike the “Cloud” notion, and will fight having all of their content only accessible when connected to the internet, but that’s not a perfect explanation of the situation when you see how the Kindle Fire actually works.

One can toggle in between “Cloud” and “Device” functions to swap content on or off the device. That means if there is ever a point in time when the user is running out of space for a movie, book, or other piece of digital content, they just need to put something on the cloud to make room. Next time the user is within wi-fi range, they can swap the content out for new on the cloud.

Some, like me, will embrace this new technology. “The Cloud” seems a good idea, especially for Kindle Fire users, because you never have to worry about memory, for no extra cost. Cloud backup comes free. For non-Amazon content, users will get 5 GB free usage on the Cloud Drive, then will have to pay a subscription after that. One example of this is a 20GB subscription for $20 per year.

Price Winner? Both are now $199.00. 

So Which Is Best? Kindle Fire or Nook Color?

It’s apparent that when you compare the Kindle Fire vs Nook Color, Amazon’s device offers more for the same price. Our assessment is the user interface, reaction time of the device, web browser, and overall user experience is just better on the Amazon Kindle Fire. Of course, you may want to check out our Nook Tablet vs Kindle Fire page to see how the Tablet fairs differently. In the end, both are going to be very popular devices this holiday season. Both the Kindle and Nook devices have loyal fan bases.

Related posts…

Kindle vs. Nook
Kindle vs. Nook Color
Nook Tablet vs Kindle Fire

Ad example for the Kindle With Special Offers

Amazon has unveiled it’s newest model of ebook reader, the “Kindle With Special Offers”. What’s the difference between the Kindle With Special Offers vs. Kindle? Let’s compare the two and see if it’s a good value or not.

Kindle With Special Offers vs Kindle Difference #1- The Special Offers

The glaring first difference between these devices is the “Special Offers” that will be available on the Kindle With Special Offers. It’s a glorified way of saying, “This Kindle has ads”.

Amazon has made it clear that the device will have 4 default special offers to begin with…

1. $10 for $20 Amazon.com Gift Card
2. $6 for 6 Audible Books
3. $1 for an album in the Amazon MP3 Store
4. $10 for $30 of products in the Amazon Denim Shop or Amazon Swim Shop

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? DENIM SHOP??

The other thing many are no doubt wondering, “Will ads be staring at me when I’m trying to read my books?” The answer is no. The ads will be shown on the screen savers (seen in picture) and also on the home screen, not within the books themselves.

KWSO Vs Kindle Difference #2- Pricing

The newest model of Kindle is being offered at $25 dollars less than the cheapest WiFi only model. Ironically, Amazon will undoubtedly make bundles more in sales with showing these ads to people than the $25 dollar cut they will take on the sale of the ebook reader.

This is brilliant stuff, business-wise, from Amazon. They are getting on the band-wagon with other apps on smart phones and Tablet PCs that show ads within to generate revenue. It’s upsetting some people who find the idea disgusting, but thankfully they have a choice to opt-out of the ads by not purchasing the Kindle With Special Options, and instead go with the Kindle.

You can click here to visit Amazon and learn more about the Kindle With Special Options…

As always, tell us what YOU think below!

Are you one of those many people that get giddy and excited when they talk about their Kindles? Do you preach about the greatness of it to your friends and family, and attempt to convert Nook users whenever you can?  Then get ready for 3 more reasons to love the Kindle. These 3 Kindle tricks will give you more enjoyment, put your ereader to better use, and give you some tricks to talk about to fellow Kindle users.

Trick #1- Book Swapping-  I’m not talking about the 2 week book swapping where you have to return the title before you finish the book. This is swapping books with your friends and family for good.

Follow these steps for book swapping:

1. Log into your Amazon account
2. De-Register Your Kindle
3. Have your friend or family member log into their account and add your Kindle to their account.
   -This means you’ll have to read them your serial number as they enter it into their account.
   -Click “add new Kindle” after serial number is entered.
4. Go to your Kindle home page and click on “Archived Items”
   -This will be a list of your friend or family member’s books.
5. Click on titles you want to have on your device.
   -These will automatically download to your device, keeping them safely on the original owner’s Kindle.
6. Have your friend or family member de-register your Kindle from their account.
7. Re-register your Kindle to your account.

Now you have all the titles you want from your friend or family member! This can be done up to 6 times per digital book.

Trick #2- Reading Library Books on The Kindle- It’s a well known fact that the Kindle isn’t compatible with EPUB files. It’s a simple process to convert these to a readable file using Calibre, but EPUB files that have a DRM attached to it cannot  be read by the Kindle at all, without stripping the DRM and breaking some laws in the process.

There is a way to read Mobi-Pocket files on the Kindle though. That means that if you belong to a library that allows checking out of Mobi-Pocket files, then you can read books from the library, and check them out for free just like users of other ebook readers.

Just click to get the free program and learn how to read library books on the Kindle.

Trick #3- Secret Games On the Kindle- That’s right, there are secret games on the Kindle right out of the box.

1. Hit “Shift+ALT+M” for access to Minesweeper.
2. While in Minesweeper, hit the letter “G” for access to GoMoku. GoMoku is a game closely related to tic tac toe. For access to Minesweeper again, click “M”.

So there you have some great Kindle tricks you can definitely try at home. Next time you get caught in a Kindle vs Nook argument you can pull out these morsels of knowledge. If you have any other tips or tricks please share them with us in the comments.

Many people looking for an ebook reader find themselves comparing and weighing the IPad vs Nook Color vs Nook vs Kindle. This is obviously a slight case of comparing apples to oranges…to grapes (?), but nonetheless, it’s important to at least compare the back lit screens with the E-Ink screens before choosing the right device for you.

This page will attempt to compare these 4 devices in meaningful and useful ways to help you choose what is best for your situation.

Video: IPad vs Nook Color vs Kindle vs Nook- How Well Do They Perform In Different Lighting Conditions?

You can click to visit Amazon.com for the Kindle or IPad…

You can click to visit Barnes and Noble.com for the Nook Color or Nook…

All In One Devices Or Ebook Readers?

IPad- The Ipad is obviously an all in one device that can be used as an ebook reader. It’s probably a safe bet that those who are purchasing the IPad (or IPad 2 at this point) are doing so for the all-in-one aspects of the device. The experience of reading on the device is taken into account along with watching movies, playing games, working on the device and listening to music.

Kindle and Nook- Those who are buying these ebook readers are looking to read ebooks. If one is buying an EInk ebook reader like the Nook or Kindle to surf the web, then they are in for a terrible experience!

The Nook Color- The waters are a little murkier as to what this device is. It doesn’t have the battery life of an ebook reader, or the capabilities of a tablet pc, yet still has a good many features of a color touch ereader device.

The POINT? These are obviously all different devices and have their strengths and weaknesses between them. Hopefully the video above helps you see the reading experience for all 4 side by side. Now the question is what you are willing to sacrifice in some areas in order to gain benefits in the other.

The Nook Color Vs IPad- How Do The Two Devices Differ?

The video below is a basic look at the Nook Color and IPad side by side. You’ll notice some of the limitations of the Nook Color compared to the IPad for certain things. Of course, for double the price, the IPad should be a little more robust!

You can click HERE to visit the Nook Color at Barnes and Noble.com…

You can click HERE for the IPad at Amazon.com…

The Big Question: What Do You Want In A Reading Screen? LCD vs E-Ink

It’s all going to come down to preference and your intended use choosing between the Nook, Nook Color, Ipad, or Kindle 3. If you can’t live without color and touch, then you must be willing to live with short battery life. There is going to be the challenge of seeing through glare and fingerprint smudges. You can always try a screen protector to minimize both of these. It is also well known that back lit LCD screens strain eyes more than Eink screens, so one must be aware of this.

If you are looking for battery longevity, little to no glare when reading outside, and don’t mind reading in black and white, then you may want to just compare the Kindle vs Nook and forget about LCD touch screens. E-Ink screens have also been found to be less strain on the eyes for longer reading sessions.

Other Considerations…

If you want to be reading ePub files, then you’ll have to choose between the Nook, Nook Color or iPad. The Kindle does not allow for use of the ePub. Reading a PDF file is doable on all 4 devices, but if you are in the habit of needing to read complicated, color-filled and well laid out presentations in PDF form, then the iPad will obviously be a good choice.

If you want a very large E-Ink reading screen, then the Kindle DX may be a good fit for you.

Nook vs Kindle vs IPad (and IPad 2) vs Nook Color Pricing

iPad- Can be found at Amazon for anywhere between $419.99 (16 gigabytes) and up for other models.
iPad 2- Can be found at Apple.com and Amazon.com.

Nook Color- Can be purchased at Barnes and Noble.com for $199.

Nook- Can be purchased at Barnes and Noble.com for $149 and $199 (WiFi only and WiFi+3G).

Kindle 3- Can be purchased at Amazon for $139 and $189 (WiFi only and WiFi+3G).

Hopefully this page has helped you choose between the iPad vs Nook Color vs Nook vs Kindle. They are all different devices, well suited for different needs. It will come down to preference of type of reading screen and ultimately the price you are willing to pay.

By far the biggest reason people will choose the Nook over the Kindle is simply because they can download a variety of free ebooks from local libraries for up to 3 weeks.

However, you CAN actually read Library books on the Kindle.

It needs to be clear that this method shows you how to download and read “MobiPocket” files from your local library. It does not convert a DRM-protected ePub book. You don’t need to download the MobiPocket software. You only need the PID generated by the program below.

Not every title is going to be available in MobiPocket, but it’s sure better than nothing for Kindle users.

Steps To Download MobiPocket Books From Your Local Library and Read On Your Kindle-
You can just simply go to the link provided in step 2. I recommend reading through my steps first, then going to his site. The combination of reading my directions, then going over to his site will make things a touch clearer in my opinion.

STEP 1) Go to http://j2jensen.blogspot.com/2010/05/mobipocket-to-kindle-format-converter.html . Download the .NET Framework from the link if needed, and download his program.

NOTE: There is an element of trust here downloading this person’s software. Read through his explanation of things. We downloaded and use it, and it works well. However, use at your own risk.

STEP 2) Follow his steps to create a new PID using the program.

STEP 3) Register your new PID in your Library’s eAccount (or whatever they call it for you). Look for “My MobiPocket PIDs” and register your new PID.

STEP 4) Follow the rest of his directions.

Conclusion- This is a way to read MobiPocket books on your Kindle, checked out from your local library. They expire in 3 weeks. This isn’t a software that “strips” the DRM protection from files and allows you to read any book from the library on a Kindle. It only allows use of MobiPocket files. Since each title at the Library isn’t available in a MobiPocket file, choices will be limited comparatively.

If your local library doesn’t have digital downloads, then go to the nearest city that does and try to get a card. That is what we had to do, and it wasn’t a problem.

So there is, albeit slightly limited, a way to read library ebooks on the Kindle after all!