Best ebook reader for omnia

According to a report from the Stanford Center for Teaching and Learning, we've trained our eyes to skim and dart on screens thank you, internet , constantly hunting for specific bits of information we're after — a non-linear behavior the Stanford paper calls 'surface reading'.

When reading from a paper book, by contrast, our brains switch to a more concentrated form of information processing — dubbed 'deep reading' — that actually helps us better absorb and comprehend what's on the page, even if it's a digital page that mimics the real thing.

To us, that sounds like a great argument for giving ereaders their own space, away from the distractions of apps and constant notifications on our modern do-all devices. With a dedicated ereader, you can even browse for new books without leaving the house. Admittedly, ereaders are simpler devices made for the singular purpose of reading, but they have advantages that you won't find on more versatile tablets, such as batteries that last weeks rather than hours and much clearer legibility in direct sunlight thanks to their glare-free screens.

There are several brands of ereaders on the market today, but availability is spotty. Neither are available in Australia. Two companies, though, have risen to own the ereader market globally — Amazon with its range of Kindle ereaders and Kobo.

We've divided this page into two sections to highlight the best both companies have to offer, then go on to compare the two to help you make your buying decision.

If money is no object and you want the most luxurious reading experience a digital ebook reader can give you, then it doesn't get any better than the version of Amazon's Kindle Oasis. While the older model can be found on Amazon, the new model is lighter than its predecessor, and its IPX8 waterproofing means it can easily handle an accidental dunk in the bath or the pool.

The backlight can be adjusted from white to warmer yellow hues to reduce eye strain, and it can even be scheduled to become warmer at bedtime say, pm for example. There's also the usual Kindle Oasis features we saw in the previous generation — a high-quality and large 7-inch display with E Ink technology that makes words on the page crisp and clear, and a 'ridge' on one side of the sleek-looking aluminum chassis that has been designed for easy and comfortable single-hand use.

The buttons to turn pages are within easy reach of the thumb even if you have small mitts, and the device can be turned upside down for use with either hand, with the pages swapping automatically to suit. WhisperSync support means you can stop reading on your Oasis and pick up reading where you left on the Kindle app, or another Kindle device, although this will require your devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

There's also plenty of storage space onboard, with 8GB being the starting point, but you can get a 32GB version of the Oasis if you've got or planning on having a large digital library. The base model comes with Wi-Fi enabled, but there is an LTE option as well, which allows you to download ebooks from the Kindle Store no matter where you are. It's the ereader that comes with all the bells and whistles, if you can stomach the premium price.

Read the full review: Amazon Kindle Oasis. There was a time when Amazon had a Kindle called Voyage, but that has been discontinued.

Instead, some of the features from the Voyage have been added to the Kindle Paperwhite, making it one of the best, affordable Kindles till date.

The latest edition of the Paperwhite is thinner and lighter than the previous generation, and offers 8GB of storage on its base model — twice that on the predecessor. Like the Oasis, though, you can opt for a 32GB flavor as well, in case you'd like to store a staggering number of ebooks on the device. And, like the Oasis, there are Wi-Fi and cellular models available too. The 6-inch screen is a gorgeous HD display with ppi pixel density that makes the words on the page appear sharp and clear, even in bright sunlight.

The built-in light can be adjusted from white to warmer hues to reduce eye strain, although you can't schedule the light to change for nighttime reading as you can with the Oasis. Compared to the Oasis' sleek, premium design, the Paperwhite's chassis is rather boring and feels plasticky in the hand, but it's remarkably functional, as long as you don't need to use it with a single hand.

Thanks to its IPX8 waterproofing, you can safely relax in the bath or lounge by the pool with your favorite titles and not worry about it falling into the water. Battery life doesn't seem to be as good as it was in the older version, but you'll still get days of use out of a single charge with the current model of the Paperwhite. Read the full review: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. These are unprecedented times and everyone is budget conscious at the moment.

So if you'd like an ereader that won't burn a hole in your pocket, then Amazon's latest basic Kindle is for you. It's an entry-level, no-frills device that comes with a backlight that has no blue light filter. The 6-inch display is glare-free but it's not the sharpest screen an entry-level Kobo called Nia has beaten Amazon on that regard — see below for more details. That said, the screen is adequate for reading indoors, the battery will see you through a couple of weeks of reading and you'll get up to 8GB of storage.

The Kindle isn't waterproof, so you'll need to be careful if you're a poolside, beach or in-the-bath reader. Despite being a basic ereader, the latest iteration of the Kindle comes with Bluetooth support, so you can connect a set of wireless headphones and link your Audible account if you're keen on listening to audiobooks when you're unable to read.

The user interface is basic but intuitive and makes reading digital books and magazines a breeze. It's also slim and light, making it a highly portable library for all the titles you own. Read the full review: Amazon Kindle. While traditional tablet-like ereaders like the Kindle Paperwhite mentioned above and the Kobo Nia and Clara HD below are the most affordable ebook readers you can get, they're uncomfortable to use single-handed.

And so the asymmetric design that the Kindle Oasis pioneered is becoming more popular, with Kobo introducing the Libra H2O in late as a more affordable option to both the Amazon counterpart as well as the bigger Kobo Forma. But it's not just the Libra's relatively affordable price tag that makes it a compelling ereader alternative — it's also more durable than the expensive bigger brother listed below, and it boasts an improved user interface that offers a better reading experience than what you'd get on a Kindle.

With a 7-inch screen compared to the Forma's 8 inches , it's smaller than its bigger brother, but that makes it more portable and it's a much faster device besides. With the latest E Ink technology, the Libra H2O matches the Oasis in speed and responsiveness — whether you're just turning a page, selecting words for dictionary look-up or entering a Wi-FI password to set up the ereader. The Libra H2O debuted improvements to the user interface, like a new ebook navigator accessed by either swiping upward from the bottom or tapping in the centre of the screen.

You can even use the Libra to read in landscape mode if you prefer. Most people find that e-readers are much easier to read for long stretches than tablets. Both top e-reader brands—Amazon and Kobo—support checking out books from your local public library through OverDrive, but Kobo allows you to do so directly on your reader.

If you have a Kindle, you have to use a separate computer or your phone, and then your rented books will be sent over the air to your ebook reader. In most cases, if you want to put your textbooks on an e-reader, you should get a Kindle.

Though the Kobo e-readers can store and display any book in the EPUB format, the selection of textbooks is more limited. Amazon has an entire textbook storefront that includes the option to rent books.

Not all books are well suited for e-readers, though; if your course or content requires a lot of flipping back and forth, or needs color images, you may want to stick with a print edition. Nick Guy is a senior staff writer covering Apple and accessories at Wirecutter. He has been reviewing iPhones, iPads, and related tech since —and stopped counting after he tested his 1,th case.

He once had the bright idea to build and burn down a room to test fireproof safes. We also have picks for Android tablets, ebook readers, and more. If you want a tablet, you should probably buy an iPad. Our pick. Also great. Upgrade pick. Everything we recommend. The competition Frequently asked questions Sources Who should buy this or upgrade to it.

Ebooks and DRM. How we picked and tested. Built-in lighting: Most e-readers provide their own light for reading in dark environments. Unlike tablets such as the iPad, ebook readers use a side-lighting system that provides a glow across the screen, rather than from behind it.

Screen quality: We gave preference to devices with a pixel density of dots per inch, the highest available in any ebook reader and what most models offer. Anything lower will mean less crisp text and images. Build quality and size: While most ebook readers are made of plastic, some feel better than others in your hands. Six-inch screens are the most common size, as well as the most portable and likely to be pocketable, although newer readers pack larger screens into similarly sized bodies, which is a bonus.

Battery life and storage: Most of the readers promise battery life somewhere between six and eight weeks depending on usage and offer 8 GB or 32 GB of storage.

In other words, most specs are less important than how good the ebook reader feels in the hand. For reading proprietary formats and other things that the Max3 cannot do out of the box, you can browse the app store library for solutions. It features crisp texts, an impressive number of personalization options for reading, and robust note-taking tools. Although it can be temperamental to use, its long list of useful features and connectivity options make it one of the top reading tablets for students.

If you enjoy ebook reading, chances are you would like to have your library organized and have it with you on the go. If you do, there are a couple of options to consider for your digital library. There are both public libraries and paid ones and picking one may dictate your device choice.

Although some may question the eReader practicality and debate about eReader vs tablet thinking that if you have the former, you do not need the latter. Others may even convince you to go back to your favorite paper book. We believe the two devices have been intentionally designed for two different purposes and should not be compared as equivalents.

There are multiple reasons that make modern eReaders a better reading choice:. Overall, if it is reading you are after, no tablet can really beat an eBook reader and we can help you pick the top eReader of For more details, see below:.

Alternatively, you can always opt for ebook reader apps such as a Kindle app or others compatible with your mobile device, iPad or a tablet. They provide the most cost-effective solution to e-reading but deliver the least impressive experience of all. There are a number of factors you would need to consider before shortlisting your top picks and ultimately buying an eReader that fits your needs. Below I have listed some handy tips for you to consider. In terms of the type — basic e-readers use monochrome, E Ink technology screens to display text, and some basic graphics.

However, most eBook readers these days include edge lighting that helps you see in the dark. Also, most models, allow you to vary the intensity of the brightness from being quite dimmed to flashlight-bright. In case you are someone who likes reading outside, then sun glare and water exposure may not make it easy for you.

If you are an outdoor book lover reading out on a sunny day, then having a screen that is glare resistant is not only a better option but a must.

If on top of that you like reading on the beach or next to a pool, then some level of water resistance would be highly recommended. Most modern eReaders come with Wi-Fi and some even with cellular internet support. Not a very useful feature for people who never run out of books to read while on the move.

The downside of eBooks is that there are multiple different formats as there is no universally agreed format amongst the publishers yet. There are also free or open formats such as ePub. You may know, but Google, for example, offers over a million books in that format without asking for anything in return.

This is great, but if you are a Kindle user — ePub is not supported as Amazon only allows books from the Amazon ecosystem to be used. There are ways around it by using a third-party application, yet natively the ePub support does not come with Kindles. In terms of eBook volume, Amazon has a superior eBook selection but you should also compare the prices to ensure you are getting a good deal as they vary between the stores.

If you are planning to read books on multiple devices, such as your phone or tablet, then you need to ensure that there is an e-book reader app available for your device.

Unlike tablets and mobile devices, eReaders can last for weeks. Typically modern eBook readers can last between four and eight weeks. If you are doing a lot of travel, this factor may be important to consider. At the same time, you can always opt for a capable power bank to be safe. If you are looking for the best budget e-book reader you might be pleasantly surprised as the prices for eReaders have recently fallen. As most of the time, the price point is driven by the features available, so you need to make sure that you are not buying an eReader that has some cool features that you will never use.

Where is the power button located and can you press it using one hand? How does the lock screen work, is it secure, and many others.

But most of them are secondary and should not greatly impact your purchasing decision. There are many different file types but most eBook readers would not support all of them.

Although EPUB format is not natively supported, you can convert it to a supported file type. At the same time, the process is cumbersome, and it breaks Digital Rights Management.

Lastly, Apple iBooks are not supported. The format is supported widely by most ebook readers except Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and other Amazon Kindles.

Some models have a more paper books feel than others, but in general, it is as close to a paper book as screen can get. Most manufacturers use E Ink technology screen type technology that delivers a consistent reading performance even under direct sunlight.

Yes, but before you can read your e-books on your laptop or PC, you need to have an application installed first. No, you can not as e-books are usually subject to a single user license. You can share the eBook between your own devices however. The short answer is — most of the time you do not need any.

This is due to modern devices being capable of storing thousands of books with their internal storage. In addition, most major vendors offer cloud storage. It allows you to download books to your device whenever you need them, in which case a connection to a Wi-Fi hotspot is required.

To me the various ways one can adjust fonts, margins and the like within the kobo firmware without the need for Calibre etc… and the superior screen size and display of the Kobo Aura One mean Kobo has got the basic core fundementals down while Amazon does not and focuses on extraneous sophisticated extras. The Kobo aura One hardware is technically superior overall and so is the core reading experience.

I can buy and read books for use with my Kobo from all book stores including Amazon. Also, I am no lawyer but stripping DRM on your ebooks does not seem to illegal, at least not here in New York, as long as you do not distribute them for piracy see here :. I can export annotations from my Kobo using various methods but none of them are as simple as emailing them to myself from an Oasis.

Yeah, of course this means you have to have access to a PC or laptop to take full advantage of the Kobo and it is more time consuming but I find since it has 8 gigabytes of memory if I sit down one weekend and load everything on my ereader , with forethought, then it is not a constant hassle to use. That is called being smart and using the executive function of the frontal lobe of my brain instead of being impulsive.

For on the fly impulsive online news stuff or articles there is always the pocket function for Kobo, though.

Amazon focuses on sophisticated features while never perfecting the core reading experience putting the cart before the horse 2. It tries to lock you into their ecosystem having less flexible support for ebook formats no epub support?! It is and this is not acceptable. Kobo aura one is truly the choice for booklover as I see things like audible as stuff for illiterates and people dipping their toe into being the literati but not committed to dipping their toe all the way in. Thanks for your elaborate comment, I truly believe our readers will find it useful.

At the same time, I think that the ecosystem should be included in the overall score as it also contributes to the user experience a great deal. I found that if using the ecosystem results in a frustrating or incomplete behavior, it can put off people like me and others from using the device all up.

To give you a real-life example from a different niche — I was choosing mobile phones for myself years ago. Freda supports bookmarks, annotations and highlighting, making it a good choice for students. We also like Flow Mode, where text is shown as a continuous scrolling stream without page breaks; not as pleasant as simulated page-turning for recreational reading, but a handy time-saver to avoid flicking backwards and forwards through a textbook.

You can save your ebooks in the same place too, eliminating the need to sync your library. Icecream specializes in smart, no-frills software, and Icecream Ebook Reader is no exception.

The reader itself is similar to the Kindle app in appearance, with one-click or tap buttons for changing font size, color theme day, night, or sepia , and viewing the table of contents. Unfortunately, some of the options you can see in the menus are only available if you pay for the Pro version.

Premium features include importing multiple ebooks simultaneously, adding notes, editing metadata, and copying text. The free version of Icecream Ebook Reader is quick and very easy to use, but only really suitable for recreational reading.

Students will find the lack of note-taking and copying frustrating.