eReader Roundup

So last week it seemed like every day someone was unveiling a new electronic book reader.  I was pretty busy at the time, but I saved a bunch of links. 

Of course, you've probably heard about Barnes & Noble's offering by now.  The Nook has some features that could give the Kindle a run for its money.  It has connectivity, which is the big thing.  You can buy books from the B&N site directly on the device.  I can't tell from product descriptions if you can also buy direct from ebook distributor sites like All Romance eBooks and Fictionwise.  That would be a big plus.  I also can't tell if the Nook has an email address so you can send it files as attachments.  That's a feature of the Kindle I simply adore, because it means I can send it my own mss. and stuff. The Nook wins big points from me from a design standpoint.  They have a great selection of cool covers for it, plus optional color backings.  I was playing Barbie ereader on their site within minutes of landing.

CNN offers a rundown of several different ereaders, but many of them don't seem to be widely available in the U.S.

And of course, there's the inexpensive Ectaco jetBook Lite, carving the pricepoint for ereaders down to $150, but with some sacrifices.

The Sony Pocket Edition is priced at $199, another magical consumer price point, and is being advertised on prime time TV.  It gets my vote for ereader most likely to cash in on the Xmas gift-buying season.  Their upcoming Daily Edition model will enter the connectivity fray, duking it out with Kindle and Nook.

Popcorn, anyone?

Comments

[Kathe]

But none, still, have the monster swank of the iPod (or any of Apple's iterations), or its benefits. To this reader, anyway.

[Jessica Freely]

You mean from a design standpoint? I agree. They could make them look cuter, for sure.

I used to think the iPhone would trump all ereaders, and that ultimately, people would just use those. But I love the electronic ink screen of my Kindle, and, the ease of concentration in using a single-purpose device. I no longer want an ereader with internet -- except for the purpose of buying more books, that is.