E-readers are dedicated devices with paper-like E Ink screens, made for people who read books regularly and want less eye strain than a tablet gives. Our range has over 10 models from PocketBook and Amazon.
They suit commuters, holiday readers and anyone whose bookshelves have run out of space.
How to choose an e-reader
Screen size. Most e-readers have a screen of around six to seven inches, which slips into a coat pocket and works well for novels. A larger screen is easier for PDFs, textbooks and documents because pages need less zooming and panning, but the device is heavier to hold with one hand.
Lighting and display. Look for a built-in front light, which lets you read in bed without a lamp. Some models also let you adjust the warmth of the light for evening reading. Higher resolution gives crisper text, which matters most on smaller screens.
File formats and bookstores. Amazon e-readers are built around the Kindle Store, while PocketBook models are known for opening many file types, such as EPUB, PDF and FB2. If you borrow from a library or already own books in several formats, check format support before you buy.
Page turning. Touchscreens are standard, but some models also have physical page-turn buttons. Buttons make one-handed reading easier and keep fingerprints off the screen.
Storage, battery and durability. E-books are small files, so even modest storage holds thousands of titles. Extra space matters mainly for audiobooks, comics and large PDFs. An E Ink screen only draws power when the page changes, so battery life is usually counted in weeks rather than hours. If you read by the pool or in the bath, check whether the model has a water resistance rating.
E-reader brands we carry
- PocketBook: known for supporting many file formats without tying you to a single bookstore, and for offering some models with physical page-turn buttons.
- Amazon: makes the Kindle e-readers, which connect directly to the Kindle Store and sync your place in a book across devices and apps.
E-reader FAQ
Is an e-reader better than a tablet for reading?
For long reading sessions, an e-reader is usually more comfortable. Its E Ink screen is not backlit like a tablet display, so it causes less glare and stays readable in direct sunlight. A tablet is the better choice if you also want apps, video and web browsing.
Can I read PDF files on an e-reader?
Yes, most e-readers open PDFs, but the experience depends on screen size. On a six-inch screen, a full-page PDF is small and often needs zooming. A larger screen or a model with good reflow and zoom tools makes documents and textbooks much easier to read.
Can I buy books from other stores for a Kindle or a PocketBook?
It depends on the brand. Kindle e-readers are designed to work with the Kindle Store, although you can also send your own documents to them. PocketBook models open many common formats such as EPUB, so you can load books from different sources, including library loans where the format is supported.
How long does an e-reader battery last?
Most e-readers run for several weeks on a single charge with normal reading. Turning the front light up high, using wireless features constantly or listening to audiobooks will shorten that. Because the screen only uses power when the page changes, an e-reader lasts far longer between charges than a tablet.
