One reason I find it so difficult to decide on an eBook reader – or eReader – is the sheer multitude of available eBook reading formats. While PDFs have been around awhile, the PDF format does not always make an easy-to-read eBook – at least, not on the portable eReader devices. PDFs, for the most part, don’t do flowable text as well as other formats, making them less desirable for that reason.
Other formats
- EPUB: open standard format for reflowable text; adopted by the IDPF (International Digital Publishing Forum)
- eReader: free eBook reading software for several devices including iPhone, Blackberry, as well as your computer
- Mobipocket: proprietary format now owned by Amazon
- Device-specific: Kindle, Sony Reader
- Non-commercial: text, rich text, html
…and others. For more detailed information on eBook formats, check here: How to Read an ebook: Formats, Devices, Dedicated Readers and iPhone Applications.
Anyway, you get the picture right? Clear as mud to me too. This is why I’m having such difficulty deciding. I know I want an eReader, but I really don’t know which one to buy. Some of the most talked about eReaders are:
- Sony Reader
- Amazon Kindle
- Barnes & Noble Nook
- eSlick Reader
- LG’s solar-powered eReader (not yet available)
One reason I’m reluctant to invest in Amazon’s Kindle: Amazon has already – without notice – removed Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm from people’s readers without notification. Naturally, Amazon explains that customers are simply “licensing” books, not buying them. And that’s the hard fact that applies to any of these readers.
So, what are we to do? What eReader do we choose? Well, I’ll tell you what I’m going to do: wait. As much as I’d love to carry around an entire library of books wherever I go and have whatever book I desire at my fingertips, I won’t fork over all that cash for a device that may soon be obsolete or unable to function as I desire. Instead, I’ll opt for reading eBooks on my computer. Not as convenient – but the best solution for me right now.
Of course, if Sony or Amazon or any other eReader manufacturer would like me to review one of their latest eReader devices, I wouldn’t turn them down. 
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I agree 100% with waiting to buy an eReader. There are some great devices out there now, but just wait until later 2010 or 2011 and you’ll see some spectacular eReaders! Also, I’d suggest whatever device you decide on, make sure it reads the ePub format since that is the most open and widely-used format. That way if you move to another device, you can take all of your books with you. Happy eReading!
Thanks for confirming that waiting is the right thing to do! As anxious as I am, I’m sure I’ll be better off showing a little patience.
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