Choosing an e-book for easy reading. Review of new generation electronic readers

We have collected the best applications for reading e-books that can be downloaded from Google Play for Android smartphone. For greater convenience, we have summarized the main parameters, such as format support, font settings, brightness, connecting online libraries, and so on, into a table.

FBReader

• Rating 4.7
• Volume 4.49 MB.
• Status: Free. There is a paid Pro version.
• Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.geometerplus.zlibrary.ui.android

The application only supports basic e-book formats, such as fb2, ePub and rtf, and does not accept txt, pdf, html or doc. I would like to note the absence of advertising, such as pop-up banners and banners on a third of the screen. From time to time, the application offers to buy a pro version, which allows you to read texts in pdf format, as well as comics in cbr format.

You can configure it with a special plugin appearance, and it is also possible to load your own page background. You can add books by downloading them from the Internet, or simply by dropping them directly into the program folder on your smartphone. You can also buy the book directly from the application on LitRes.Ru. Books are conveniently sorted, and your favorite works can be added to Favorites. The application menu is convenient and intuitive.

Cool Reader

• Rating 4.5
• Volume 6.54 MB.
• Status: Free.
• Android version: From 1.5 and higher.
• Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.coolreader

Design, clear menu, use of common formats, from fb2 to txt, and work under older versions of Android - it’s not surprising that Cool Reader has become one of the most popular and best apps for reading books. And many, in general, believe that this is the best e-reader of all that can be downloaded for free. You can enable page turning animation or use shifting. In the menu it is easy to customize fonts, set line spacing, indents, hyphens, texture or background color. You can set the auto scrolling speed. Cool Reader supports several online catalogs, such as flibusta, lib.ololo.cc, and can also connect to the LitRes store.

AlReader

• Rating 4.6
• Volume 4.88 MB.
• Status: Free.
• Android version: From 1.6 and higher.
• Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.neverland.alreader

AlReader edits files and TXT, reads about a dozen formats, including txt and doc, and also supports Zip and Gz archives. Arranges correct hyphens for 20 languages. It is possible to enable 3D animation of page turning. In the application settings you can set 9 tap zones. Since the application is quite old and still “remembers” the days of electronic ink, it adapts well to e-ink screens. In the menu you can configure in detail indents, fonts, hyphens, as well as screen backlighting and page backgrounds.

Other Fly smartphones
On our website you can find a catalog with other Fly smartphones on Android.

eReader Prestigio

• Rating 4.6
• Volume 22 MB.
• Status: Free.
• Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prestigio.ereader

The application not only works with common formats such as fb2, EPUB, rtf and TXT, but also supports djvu and pdf. The reader also recognizes audio formats: MP3, AAC, M4B - eReader Prestigio reads aloud in 25 languages! The program is not only a convenient reader for your phone, but also, in fact, a huge digital store for 620 thousand books in twenty-two languages, and 30 thousand of them can be downloaded for free. The application has simple navigation, which includes the Cabinet, Book Collections, Quick Access Side Menu, Store and File Manager.

EBookDroid

• Rating 4.5
• Volume 5.99 MB.
• Status: Free.
• Android version: From 4.0 and higher.
• Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.ebookdroid&hl=ru

One of those readers that are designed to read pdf, djvu formats. The application will be useful to fans of electronic comics, as it works with cbz, cbr formats. The design of the library is interesting here. It is made in the form wooden cabinet, on the shelves of which books are arranged. They are drawn not as covers, but as real volumes, varying in thickness. You can switch between cabinet sections by swiping across the screen.

Moon+ Reader

• Rating 4.4
• Volume 7.14 MB.
• Status: Free. There is a paid Pro version
• Android version: From 2.3 and higher.
• Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flyersoft.moonreader

Users praise this reader for its variety of formats, although pdf is only available in the paid version. The application can work with popular Rar and Zip archives. The reader even “takes care” of your health, warning that your eyesight can be damaged if you read a book for a long time.

PocketBook

• Rating 4.3
• Volume 23 MB.
• Status: Free.
• Android version: From 2.0 and higher.
• Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.obreey.reader&hl=ru

A real heavyweight in terms of installation file size. The application reads almost all e-book formats without connecting additional plugins. The main functions for all formats are 3 reading modes, searching, creating and exporting notes, support for online catalogs and dictionaries. And for pdf and djvu formats, manual and automatic setting page margins, zooming in and out, scaling a specific part of the page or column to fit the screen. Navigation can be a bit challenging - it's not the most intuitive.

A solid choice, and we took only popular e-readers for Android. It's hard to say which one is the best. But it’s quite easy to determine which one is right for you.

Pay attention to the version of your operating system - if your old smartphone has, say, Android Lolipop, some e-readers will not launch. Decide which formats you will use most often, the common fb2 or classic PDF. Study the features of the settings, how simple or difficult they are to use, how better the navigation is built. Well, if you consider yourself a picky esthete, pay attention to the design of the application.

If you are interested, you can read the article where we reviewed the main

Today, the e-book market is simply huge. Dozens of manufacturers, hundreds of models. This “miracle of technology” has long been transformed from some kind of know-how curiosity for a lot of money into a completely affordable device with many functions at an affordable price. In addition to the main function of the book, the developers add such useful features to the devices as wi-fi, 3g, a browser for accessing the Internet, a music player, radio, various games and applications, and a touch screen. How can you choose exactly what you need from all this countless variety, without overpaying for unnecessary bells and whistles? Next we will try to understand this in more detail.

But first, take a look at this rating. If you don't want to go into details and technical specifications, then it may be easier for you to rely on the reader ratings. But we still recommend that you read the entire article to form your own opinion and make an informed and thoughtful choice.

Based on the results of a user survey, a rating was compiled. For comfort detailed information Specifications, availability in stores in your region and price can be viewed by clicking on the model.

As you can see, most of the positions in this rating are occupied by devices from the Pocketbook company. Therefore, we contacted official representatives of the company and found out what new products from this company are available on the market today.

New models of Pocketbook readers

This is an addition from September 2016, so we will probably see these models in the 2017 ratings. PocketBook, the leader of the Russian e-reader market, presents a line of e-readers with E Ink screens. In September 2016, the PocketBook company introduced an updated line of reading devices. It includes 6 new models in the price range from 7,499 to 19,999 rubles.

It is worth recalling that PocketBook has been producing electronic readers since 2007 (that is, for 9 years) and is the leader of the Russian market for such devices with a share of about 70%. PocketBook is also among the TOP 3 largest reader manufacturers in the world.

E-reader screen

So, first, let's figure out what kind of screens are used today. They can be divided into two large groups.

The first are LCD displays. You have all come across them on your mobile phones, tablets, laptops and others. That is, it’s just a liquid crystal display, nothing unusual. A book reader with such a screen will delight you with a clear color picture and the ability to play video. At the same time, e-readers with such a display cannot boast of a long operating time (from 8 to 12 hours depending on the device model and battery capacity).

The second are E-ink displays. The first examples of this technology appeared back in the 90s. Nowadays, e-books with this type of screen make up the majority of all books sold. Physically, e-ink e-books look like plain text on plain paper. This is achieved using ink and electrical charges. Reading such a text is much more pleasant and, what is very important, healthier.

After all, everyone has heard that our eyes become very strained when we use mobile phones, tablets, computers, that is, everything with a liquid crystal display. With an e-ink screen there will be no such effect, because we read it like a regular book. Also pleasing is the viewing angle - 180 degrees, while LCD screens have 160. In the sun, such text will be clearly visible, so you can read your favorite book in any weather.

It is worth recalling that E-ink technology does not stand still and this moment we have 3 varieties of it: Vizplex, Pearl and Carta. Compared to conventional screens, their contrast and response time have increased, and energy consumption has decreased. The most advanced of them is Carta.

Now let’s briefly go over the pros and cons of both technologies:

LCD

1. Possibility of comfortable viewing of photos and videos
2. Fast response

1. My eyes get very tired
2. High battery consumption
3. Discomfort when reading in the sun

E-ink

1. Comfortable reading without eye fatigue
2. Low battery consumption
3. Large viewing angles
4. Comfortable reading in the sun

1. Long delay when turning pages
2. “Freezing” of some piece of text from the previous page (quite rare, often on low-quality books)
3. Price is higher than LCD

So, let's summarize the screens. Obviously, the most acceptable choice would be to buy e-book with an e-ink display due to its advantages. Also, models of e-ink displays with backlight are now available on the market, so all the advantages of this type of screen will be relevant in the dark. The only thing that might confuse someone is the price. But is your health worth an extra thousand rubles?

Is the processor important for an e-reader?

Now on the market there are e-readers with single-core processors from 500 to 1200 MHz. And this is quite enough for normal operation, so the choice of processor is not such a significant factor. Therefore, we will immediately move on to the next point.

Book reader screen resolution

Electronic books with a screen diagonal of 5 inches mostly have a screen resolution of 600x800, as well as various variations, for example, 480x800 or 480x640. E-readers with 6-7-inch displays (which make up the majority of the e-reader market) are equipped with the same 600x800 and higher, up to 768x1024. The remaining e-books in the 8-10 inch category have a resolution of up to 825x1200. I consider 6-inch e-readers to be the most comfortable option, because... They are not small, like 5 inches, but they are not so big - they can easily be put in an internal pocket or bag, which is very convenient. Also, the resolution of 600x800 is quite comfortable for reading. But if you have your eye on a book with a resolution of, for example, 768x1024, then this option will be an even more rational choice.

RAM and built-in memory of the e-reader

The speed of a book also depends on RAM. There is a fairly wide range in its volume: from 32 MB to 1024 MB. Most often, manufacturers delight us with sticks with 128 MB of memory. I would advise you a book with 256 MB of RAM, since this category provides excellent performance, although it is very expensive. Often, developers produce books with a fairly large amount of internal memory (on average, about 4 GB!), which is enough for an entire library in your hands. The e-readers are also equipped with a slot for memory cards.

Supported formats for e-reader

Each e-book (namely the book itself, not the device) and various text files have a specific extension. The most common of them: DjVu, EPub, RTF, FB2, TXT, PDF (electronic book formats), Doc, XLS (application formats Microsoft Office), as well as image (JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP) and music formats (MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC). Therefore, your book must support these formats in order for its use to be as complete as possible.

Battery. How long does the reader last without recharging?

The battery plays a vital role in the life of your e-reader. Its volume determines how long the book will hold a charge and how often it needs to be charged. Now there are models with capacities from 600 to 4000 mAh. Usually an E-ink display combined with a good battery gives best results(a month without recharging, taking into account daily use).

Additional functionality. Do I need wi-fi for the reader?

Additional functions include: the presence of wi-fi (you can connect to a wireless access point to access the Internet), 3g (high-speed Internet), mp3 player, FM radio, voice recorder, touch screen. Perhaps it is also worth mentioning the importance of how the book sits in your hand. And this is very important, because you will use it every day. Pay attention to the presence of paging buttons (some books are additionally equipped with a back button and a settings button) on the sides. If they are not there, then perhaps the book will not be very convenient to use. Hold it in your hands. Does she suit you in terms of weight? Doesn't it slip in your hands? If all is well, then you can proceed to a detailed check of the device itself. Yes, a few more words about the configuration. Usually included in the kit: 1) Charger. It is very convenient if the book is equipped with a mini-USB connector (or micro-USB) and can be charged from a computer 2) Case (or cover). Not all manufacturers sell them as a set, but this is a significant factor, since the covers can cost about 1 thousand rubles. 3) Memory card. It is quite rare in sets. 4) Various documentation.

I will try to briefly describe the most successful model, or rather minimum set parameters that any normal reader should have:

Screen: E-ink (preferably Pearl or Carta), 6 inches (can be touchscreen)

Processor: 600 MHz and above

RAM: 256 MB (or 512 MB, but the book will be more expensive)

Built-in memory: 2 – 8 GB

Supported formats: DjVu, EPub, RTF, FB2, TXT, PDF, Doc, HTML

Battery: from 1500 mAh (or from 8000 pages)

Availability of a case (or cover): yes

Advice: if you choose a book with a touch screen, then don’t expect it to be as fast as a tablet. Everything will work fine, just not so fast. Be prepared for this.

Give preference to e-books from well-known companies, market regulars, whose products are imported to us by official distributors. Don’t forget to check with the seller about the device’s equipment, warranty, and also about the official service center.

Carefully check the physical condition of the book, pay attention to the corners, whether there are any chips or scratches. Turn it on, dig into the menu, go to settings, read the information on the device. Usually e-readers have built-in books. Don’t forget to read it, leaf through it, and at the same time immediately decide whether it’s comfortable to hold the reader in your hands. I hope that I answered your question “How to choose an e-book.” Now the only thing left to do is buy it. Use the book carefully, do not forget to take care of it, and then it will serve you for a long time! Happy shopping!

There is an opinion that people are reading less. This is partly true, due to the advent of tablets, smartphones and other gadgets. But Russia is still considered one of the most reading countries in the world. In many cases, electronic books (or e-readers) replace regular books. They are convenient to take with you anywhere: on the subway, on vacation, or just for reading at home. They have compact sizes, a flicker-free screen, low power consumption, and can store a large amount of information. In terms of convenience, they are superior to a regular book. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the rating of the best e-books, which we have compiled based on user reviews, functionality and technical characteristics.

The best 5-6 inch e-readers: E-ink Pearl generation

3 Gmini MagicBook S62LHD

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 5490 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Gmini MagicBook S62LHD with a diagonal of 6 inches is a decent reader at an affordable price, which has stylish design with backlight and low weight (150 g). Users in reviews note that this model holds a charge longer than other books from this price category. The backlight of the Gmini MagicBook is not too bright and allows long time spend reading.

The excellent screen quality is due to the 800 by 600 pixel resolution. The book supports memory cards in microSD, microSDHC formats. The internal memory is only 8 GB. A capacious 1500 mAh battery allows you to not charge the device for several days. The model is dominated by positive reviews, in which users note good power battery, high quality materials used and smooth backlight settings. Among the disadvantages, insufficient internal memory and the lack of an auto-rotate screen function are often cited.

Reader Book 2

Optimal price-function ratio
Country: China
Average price: 6109 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Reader Book 2 is a simple and affordable model. It can be attributed to budget options, although the stylish appearance and high-quality assembly do not give reasons to call it such. The panel is designed as simply as possible; there are no control or scroll buttons on it, so if you are used to traditional buttons for moving to another page, it will be uncomfortable at first - all manipulations are performed thanks to the sensor.

The screen type is not the best by modern standards, but still the image quality is good due to the technology of additional letter stroke. The device reads most formats, loading and flipping times are fast, and the processor is powerful enough for an e-reader. In reviews, book owners note the low cost of the device and support for a large number of formats. The disadvantages include the rather meager equipment and lack of buttons.

The E-Ink generation of displays is the best choice today

Displays on E-Ink or “electronic ink” are the most modern technology displaying information on the e-book screen. They replaced the generation of active LCD screens, which are gradually disappearing from the market. E-Ink screens are designed to mimic regular ink on paper and are marketed as eye-friendly displays. There are two types of E-Ink displays: the more affordable E-ink Pearl and E-Ink Carta - the most expensive and advanced. E-Ink Carta has improved contrast, screen refresh speed and consumes less power.

Built-in backlight

An important parameter for those who often have to read in the dark. The built-in backlight allows you to use the reader in low-light conditions, but books with this function are somewhat more expensive. However, you can always purchase external lighting for your e-reader.

WiFi

Not the most important function, however, it may be convenient for those who frequently update the library. Wi-Fi allows you to download new books to your device via a wireless network connection. This is much more convenient than constantly connecting the reader to the computer via a USB cable.

1 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Country: USA
Average price: 7890 rub.
Rating (2018): 5.0

One of the most popular models with a black and white touch screen. The built-in backlight allows you to read comfortably not only during the day, but also in dark room. If you turn it on during daylight hours, it will add contrast to the text. Another advantage of the e-book is its small sizes(117x169x9 mm). It does not take up much space and fits in a small purse or large pocket. The e-book supports many formats, and it is possible to transfer text files via Wi-Fi. Can be purchased separately original cover, when closed, the book automatically turns off.

Users leave a lot of reviews about this model, and most of them are positive. They note the nice design of the e-book, good lighting, clear text on the screen that won't tire your eyes. Also, many people like the long battery life in backlight mode, user-friendly interface, and excellent build quality. Disadvantages include the lack of support for memory cards and Russian keyboards.

The best e-readers with a diagonal of 7-8 inches

3 Kobo Aura ONE

Better water resistance and high resolution
Country: Canada
Average price: 22990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The reader with a 7.8-inch screen is considered by many to be the best model among all those on sale in Russia. It has an excellent resolution (1872x1404) - the text is as clear as in a regular paper book. There is no glare on the screen, the color temperature changes depending on the lighting automatically, but it can also be adjusted manually. A huge advantage is water resistance. This function in the model of the Canadian manufacturer is implemented much better compared to other moisture-resistant models. The e-book can withstand an hour-long immersion in water to a depth of up to a meter. This makes it possible to fearlessly read in the bathroom.

Reviews about the reader are only good. Users like the screen characteristics, high resolution, a large number of fine settings, very convenient backlight. Some point to the stylish design, not heavy weight device and its compactness. Disadvantages include high cost, lack of a headphone jack and support in Russia.

2 Amazon Kindle Oasis 2017 8GB

Good protection against moisture and dust
Country: USA
Average price: 21,590 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

One of the best reading gadgets from the American company Amazon. It differs from previously released models with a very clear 7-inch diagonal screen, built-in display backlight, and protection from moisture and dust. The reader works very quickly, does not slow down, does not freeze. The screen is black and white touchscreen, but there are also buttons for scrolling. The device is equipped with a built-in voice recorder.

The model is quite new, so there are not many reviews about it yet. But those that have been found are mostly positive. Users like the large, clear screen, color inversion mode, stylish design and high-quality performance. The main disadvantages are no slot for memory cards, high cost.

Which manufacturer is better: PocketBook 626 Plus, Sony Reader or Onyx Boox? An eternal confrontation between worthy rivals, in which there is no winner. Readers from each company have their own advantages, which the following table will tell you about:

1 PocketBook 740

Highest screen resolution
A country: Switzerland (manufactured in China)
Average price: 15990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

An e-reader with a 7.8-inch black-and-white touch screen from a well-known manufacturer has good characteristics and is easy to use. Very high resolution (1872x1404) makes reading as comfortable as possible, reduces eye fatigue - the text is very clear, looks like handwriting. Despite the large screen, the e-book has a compact size (137x195x8 mm). There are all wireless services, a built-in bookstore, the ability to change the temperature ( color range) illumination depending on the lighting in the room.

Judging by the reviews, users of this model like the clarity of the text and the screen characteristics in general, the fast operation of the e-reader, and a very long work time after a full charge, even with active use. The advantages also include a convenient, pleasant case, design, and a large number of supported formats. The main disadvantage of the e-book, according to many buyers, is the fairly high cost.

The best e-readers with a diagonal of 9-13 inches

3 ONYX BOOX MAX 2

Best screen size
Country: China
Average price: 60,490 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

This is the best model for those who like to read a lot and comfortably. The screen diagonal is 13.3 inches, resolution 2200x1650. It runs on the Android operating system, reads almost all known formats, has a built-in voice recorder and the ability to play audiobooks, supports microSD, microSDHC. The manufacturer also provided a built-in memory of 32 GB for storing a collection of text files and audiobooks. Due to the increased battery capacity, the operating time after one charge is up to 20,000 pages. This is a model in which a simple listing of technical characteristics is enough to understand that it does not have many analogues on the Russian market.

Although some users believe that the price of this reader is greatly overpriced, overall positive reviews about it prevail. The advantages include a huge A4 screen, clarity and contrast of text, ease of use and reading. An interesting feature of this model is that it can be used as a monitor by connecting it via the HDMI cable included in the kit.

2 ONYX BOOX Euclid

“Nimble” operation and large battery capacity
Country: China
Average price: 24490 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

Quite popular and new model with a diagonal of 9.7 inches. Plus this big screen in ease of reading - the eyes do not get tired, the pages contain more text, so you have to flip through them less often. But the increased diagonal also has disadvantages - the gadget is larger than standard models (177x249x8 mm) and heavier (410 g). The screen resolution is good, but not the best (825 × 1200 pixels) - the letters are clear, you can change the font size and type for ease of reading, and turn on the backlight. Another advantage of the model is the battery capacity of 3000 mAh. Even with active use, one full charge will last for two weeks. There are no buttons for turning pages; this is done directly using the touch screen.

The model is new, quite expensive, but users who really read a lot have already appreciated it and left positive reviews. First of all, they like the large screen diagonal and image quality. They also point to excellent software, responsive operation, and a good cover included. The disadvantages include the lack of a slot for a memory card and playback of audio files.

1 ONYX BOOX Gulliver

Best functionality
Country: China
Average price: 39,990 rub.
Rating (2018): 5.0

A fairly new model from a popular reader manufacturer with a huge, latest-generation 10.3-inch touch screen. Has excellent technical characteristics - operating system Android, resolution 1872x1404, built-in memory 32000 MB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. Under the E Ink panel there is a special touch layer that recognizes 2048 degrees of stylus pressure. Cover and stylus included.

What users like most about this model is the large amount of built-in memory, stylish appearance, and very convenient operation. But there are also a few small drawbacks - there is no support for memory cards and backlighting. Also, the disadvantages include the very high cost of the gadget and its heavy weight (325 g).

The best 5-6 inch e-readers: the E-Ink Carta generation

3 ONYX BOOX C67ML Darwin

One of the most popular models
Country: China
Average price: 8,490 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

ONYX BOOX C67ML Darwin is the best-selling reading gadget in this category. Ease of reading and use is achieved through a modern touch screen. The type of image can be called “electronic paper”; when using a book, the strain on the eyes is minimal. A powerful dual-core processor allows you to comfortably work with complex files, and the built-in memory allows you to store a huge amount of information. The moonlight backlight system makes it possible to read in the dark or when low light. The battery life is - - 15,000 pages, which is due to the use of a 3000 mAh capacitive battery.

ONYX BOOX C67ML Darwin supports most formats. The e-reader can be used to access the Internet thanks to the built-in browser and convenient touch screen. The kit includes a protective cover with a “smart” function - when closed, the book automatically goes into sleep mode. In reviews, many owners point to the convenient backlit touch screen and the beautiful and practical case.

2 PocketBook 641 Aqua 2

Waterproof case
A country:
Average price: 10,990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The waterproof PocketBook 641 Aqua 2 has a contrast screen and a resolution of 1024x758 pixels. The book can work without recharging for quite a long time - the battery capacity of 1500 mAh ensures long-term operation.

The e-book is equipped with a backlight system, so the reader's eyes do not get tired. “PocketBook” has 8 GB of built-in memory, as well as a 1500 mAh battery, which allows you to enjoy reading your favorite literature for a long time. In reviews, gadget owners indicate moisture protection, which they have tested, as the main advantages. empirically, support for many text formats and Wi-Fi. Disadvantage: it does not allow for the use of a memory card.

1 PocketBook 632

Flagship ultra-compact reader
A country: Switzerland (made in China)
Average price: 12990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

This model went on sale quite recently - at the end of 2018. It differs from previous reading gadgets from the Swiss manufacturer with the same diagonal in its stylish design, compactness and lightness. The resolution for a small screen is simply excellent - 1448x1072, the letters are clear, contrasting, the eyes do not get tired when reading. There is a built-in backlight, the screen automatically unfolds. You can turn pages using either a touch screen or a button – here the manufacturer has pleased all users. An additional bonus for those who like to read while lying in the bath is that it is waterproof.

Users appreciated the new product, you can already find a lot about it positive feedback. Many people note high speed work, stylish design, good battery capacity, compactness and lightness. But so far we have not been able to find any serious flaws in the book.

Surprisingly, today there are still lovers of good old paper books. Developers do not give up trying to win them over to their side, coming up with more and more convenient and lightweight electronic “readers”. So that you don’t get lost in the abundance of different models, we have compiled for you a rating (review) of the best e-books of 2015.

Therefore, if you have not yet purchased a book reader, now is the time to fix it. In this article we will tell you what to look for when choosing an e-book and give an overview best models 2015-2016. This rating will help you choose the highest quality and most suitable device for you.
First you need to decide what you need the e-reader for: just for reading or do you also want to watch movies, listen to music and play on it? If the latter, then you need not a simple “reader”, but a “tablet reader”. The difference between them lies not only in the number of functions, but also in the type of screen. Our review included both of them.

The main parameters that need to be taken into account when choosing (and which we took into account when compiling the rating):
Display type. In “readers” intended only for reading books, the so-called “electronic ink” E Ink is more often used. This is a screen that does not tire your eyes, does not flicker, and creates the feeling that you are reading an ordinary paper book. “Tablet readers” use a backlit LCD screen, similar to the one we see in laptops. It displays colors much better and is suitable for those who want to, in addition to reading, also watch videos and pictures. But you need to take into account that the battery of such e-readers, in comparison with those with less functionality, does not hold a charge for very long.
Device dimensions. If you are purchasing a “reader” in order to view diagrams and documents at home, it is better to choose a model with a large screen and good resolution. For reading in transport, on trips, etc. A small, lightest e-reader will do, which will fit into your bag and won’t take up much space.
Specifications. Chief among them are processor clock speed and memory size. It’s good if it is possible to use additional memory cards. These parameters need to be taken into account Special attention, if your e-reader has additional functions (watching videos, listening to music, etc.).
Supported formats. No comments here. The more formats it supports electronic device- all the better. Such a device definitely has a better chance of getting to the top of the rankings.

You can find out how to choose an e-book from the video:

And finally, you can go directly to the rating of the best e-books of 2015-2016! We included 5 “readers” in our review.

PocketBook 631 Touch HD

EUR 149.95 | View product at Here

In first place in our review of the best models of 2016 is a classic read-only e-reader. The E-Ink screen (electronic ink technology) does not flicker, does not cause strain on the eyes and will be appreciated by those who want to get an e-book that is as close to a regular one as possible. Moreover, the PocketBook 631 Touch HD uses the latest generation screen, namely E Ink Carta HD with a resolution of 1488 x 1072 pixels instead of the usual 800 x 600 or 1024 x 758. An increase in resolution, which is logical, has led to a noticeable increase in image clarity. Plus, the contrast of Carta is higher than that of the previous generation of E Ink called Pearl, which, again, has a positive effect on picture quality. Another of its advantages, which influenced the device to get into the first line of the rating (review): PocketBook 631 Touch HD works great in bright sunlight! A nice plus is that the model supports 18 current text formats. Technical specifications: RAM 512 MB (instead of the typical 128/256 MB), 1 GHz processor, built-in memory 8 GB (instead of the standard 4 for readers; plus there is a slot for Micro SD cards), Wi-Fi support for wirelessly downloading books to the reader. Well, it’s worth adding that PocketBook today is the leader of the Russian e-reader market with a share of about 70%.

Wexler.Flex One

$59.99 | The product is available on aliexpress.com

In second place in the ranking of the best e-readers of 2015, it seems like an ordinary pocket-sized “reader”, but it has one very interesting feature - an unusual bending body. Yes, yes, this e-reader can be bent without worrying that it will break! Of course, you can’t twist the “reader” into a tube, but if you accidentally sit on it or drop it, nothing terrible will happen.
Cons: lack of dictionaries and Internet access. Probably some will also consider the fact that the model runs on Linux to be a minus. But there is a significant plus (it’s not for nothing that this model was included in the 2015 review) - support for all current formats.
Technical parameters: screen size – 6 inches, E-ink display, built-in memory – 8 GB, resolution 1024×768, 16 shades of gray, weight 110 g.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD

$229.00 | The product is available on aliexpress.com

In third place in our ranking of the best e-books of 2015 is a “tablet reader” for those who want not a simple reading device, but one that has wide possibilities. On this model you can not only read, but also access the Internet, watch movies, play and exchange information. Thanks to stereo sound, music lovers will also be satisfied. There is only one minus (but it is not so significant as to exclude this reader from the rating) – Charger You will have to buy it separately; it is usually not included in the kit. It is possible to charge the e-reader using a USB cable, but this will take a lot of time.
Technical parameters: Android 4 OS, built-in memory 16 or 32 GB (optional), 7-inch screen, resolution 1280x800, slot for additional. no card, weight 395 g., Wi-Fi.

Barnes & Noble Nook HD

$107.99 | The product is available on aliexpress.com

In fourth place in the ranking of the best e-books of 2015 is a model with a large set of functions! The compact “tablet reader” Nook HD will easily fit into not only women's bag, but also in the pocket of men's trousers. The device allows you to read books in many popular formats, as well as watch videos, listen to music, access the Internet... It's practically a mini-computer. The good screen resolution (7 inches) fully justifies the HD console.
Technical parameters: Android OS, 1.3 Hz processor, 7-inch screen, resolution 1440x900, built-in memory 8 or 16 GB (there is a slot for an additional card), RAM 1 GB, Wi-Fi.

Sony PRS-T2

$179.95 | amazon and aliexpress.com

Our review of the best models of 2015 concludes on the one hand - quite simple model without any special bells and whistles, but on the other hand, this is a device with high build quality, typical of Sony. That's why this reader is also in our review. The reader is intended mainly for reading; it has an E-Ink screen with touch coating. The presence of Wi-Fi allows you to download books from the Internet. Supports text formats such as eTXT, Pub, FB2, PDF, and also works with popular multimedia formats. The “trick” of this model is the ability to easily and quickly leave notes on Facebook and Evernote, as well as its small size and extremely light weight.
As for the minuses, this is, perhaps, the lack of a mount for the stylus, which is included in the kit, and a very small number of supported formats.
Technical parameters: Android OS, built-in memory 1.3 GB (there is a slot for an additional card), 6-inch screen, resolution 600x800, 16 shades of gray, Wi-Fi, weight 164 g.

This was the TOP 5 e-book rating. We reviewed the best e-reader models of 2015. As you were able to verify, modern market There are readers for every taste. So, maybe it’s time to restore the title of “most reading nation”? Choosing a e-reader!

You might like it.

When choosing an e-book for yourself, consider, first of all, the funds allocated for it. But don’t forget that it’s better to spend a little to really high-quality model than regret buying a cheap reader in a week. The process of selecting and purchasing an e-book is very similar to buying a smartphone or tablet: it is recommended to give preference to more well-known manufacturer, since such companies monitor product quality more carefully, listen to the wishes of customers and worry about their reputation.

Choosing an e-book based on basic parameters

You can purchase an inexpensive but high-quality book to read by carefully studying its most important characteristics, such as:

• diagonal and screen resolution
• display type
• presence of built-in backlight
• amount of memory
• Availability of interfaces (USB, SD-card slot, audio jack, Wi-Fi)
• support for popular formats
• battery capacity
• control type

Which company to choose depends on your budget and requirements for an e-reader, but it is worth noting high-quality devices from manufacturers such as Onyx, Amazon, Ritmix, Tesla and PocketBook. Their range includes both budget and multifunctional models.

Display size

Choosing an e-book good quality, first of all, we recommend focusing on the display diagonal, which determines the size of the device - choose the model that is most convenient for you. The screen diagonal can vary from 4 to 10 inches. The smaller the device, the more compact and lighter it is in weight. However, a screen that is too small has a negative impact on vision - the eyes strain much more trying to see the text on it. Large ten-inch books are more suitable for home use due to its size and weight.

Screen type

Based on screen type, devices are divided into two categories:

1. With electronic ink
2. With liquid crystal display (LCD)

Devices with electronic ink (E-Ink) are best suited for fans of classic reading. According to experts, the image on such a display looks completely different compared to an LCD, and it affects vision much less, simulating the page of a paper book, so it is best suited for an elderly person, a child or a lover of paper books. These models also have other advantages: high autonomy, compactness, light weight. Remember that this screen only displays gray tones.

A gadget with an LCD display (LCD, TFT) already looks more like a tablet. The color screen provides the opportunity not only to read books, but also to watch pictures, photos, and videos. If you like literature with colorful illustrations, then you can’t do without such a reader. It is worth noting the high energy consumption, so be prepared to recharge regularly.

Please also take into account the fact that when reading a reader with an LCD display, the strain on the eyes is much higher than with E-Ink.

Screen resolution

It is very important to pay attention to screen resolution, especially when choosing an e-book for a student, since the quality of the image on the display depends on this parameter. Resolution is especially important for liquid crystal displays. The higher the resolution, the better - according to user reviews, it should correspond to the diagonal:

• 4-5 inches – from 800 by 600 pixels
• 6-7 inches – from 1024 by 758 pixels
• 8 inches and above – from 1600 by 1200 pixels

Built-in backlight

If you decide to buy an inexpensive but good e-book for a school or student, find out if it has a built-in backlight function. This is especially important if you most often read in the dark, such as before bed. Most often these are liquid crystal models.

E-Ink devices, as a rule, are not equipped with such a function, so you can read either in natural light, or when the lamp is on. There is another solution - to purchase a special lamp for the device, which is attached to it and illuminates the display.

Memory

The amount of built-in memory determines how many e-books and other files you can store in the device. The most common options are 2 or 4 GB. Considering that files usually weigh very little, 2 GB is enough to store more than 1000 e-books, so for reading it is better to buy an e-reader with this capacity or even less.

If we're talking about For a device with a color display on which you plan to watch multimedia content, then 2 GB will not be enough. There are two options: purchase a model with 4 GB of memory or higher, or get a 16 or 32 GB memory card (a microSD slot is present in almost all readers).

Interfaces

The reader interfaces include all connectors that expand the functionality and capabilities of the device. One thing has already been mentioned above – a slot for a microSD memory card. To connect the reader to a computer, a USB input is required. This way you can download files for reading. Another way is to download literature directly from the Internet into the device’s memory using Wi-Fi module, but it is not provided in all models.

If the device supports sound formats, then it must have a headphone jack, and maybe even more than one.

Battery capacity

Battery capacity is perhaps one of the most important parameters– few people will like it if the e-reader runs out of charge on the road or if it has to be charged every day. The higher the capacity, the more autonomous operation. According to expert advice, if autonomy comes first for you, then the battery capacity should be at least 2500 mAh. You mostly read at home, and the model itself is small in size - you can limit yourself to 950 mAh.

When choosing battery you need to start from the type of screen manufacturing and its size. For an LCD display, choose a more powerful battery; for electronic ink, a small capacity is enough.

Formats

An e-book is a file in a specific format, and according to thematic forums, the most popular among them are:

It is important that the e-reader you choose supports these formats, although almost all devices can recognize a large number of files with different resolutions. Very often, files are packed into .zip or .rar archives. This can be a problem if the reader does not have a built-in archiver. However, you can unpack the archive in advance, for example, using a PC.

Some models are equipped with graphic recognition and sound formats. These are most often readers with an LCD display. If you love audiobooks, this feature will come in handy.

Control

Electronic books can be equipped with one of two types of control - mechanical or touch. Mechanical control is implemented in the form of buttons, joystick or keys. This option is considered more durable and reliable. It is better to give it preference if you are just going to read your favorite works of fiction.

A device with touch control is suitable for those who sometimes make notes in the text, make changes, etc. Keep in mind that the sensor is less durable and is prone to more frequent breakdowns.

Rating of the best e-books 2017

When buying a reader, you should not save money, and choose only a trusted manufacturer who monitors the quality of their products. When considering budget models, you should understand that the quality of the screen and additional functions may not meet your requirements, and to prevent this from happening, we decided to present our rating of the best e-reader models that in terms of price and quality in 2017 are beyond doubt. All you have to do is decide on the amount you are willing to spend on this device.

Best e-readers with e-ink 2017

1. PocketBook 626 Plus Touch Lux 3
2. PocketBook 615 Plus
3. Reader Book 2
4. PocketBook 840-2 InkPad 2
5. Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch
6. PocketBook 641 (Aqua 2)
7. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
8. PocketBook 615
9. ONYX BOOX Columbus 2

The best model in terms of quality and functionality for 2017

PocketBook 641 (Aqua 2) is a waterproof, waterproof reader with a backlit screen from the leader of the Russian e-book market (about 2/3 of all readers sold in Russia).
The only reader in the world with 100% protection against water getting inside the case. The latest generation E Ink Carta display allows you to read in bright sunlight during the day, while the eye-safe backlight poor lighting. The protected case makes it possible to use the reader in almost any conditions - even on the beach, in the kitchen at breakfast or while lying in the bathroom. At the same time, accidental contamination (for example, spilled coffee) can be easily washed off with water under the tap - and immediately continue reading.

PocketBook 641, like all “pocketbooks”, is “omnivorous” - it reads any electronic book format without the need for conversion. ABOUT high quality PocketBook devices are supported by the fact that the manufacturer gives them not one standard year of warranty, like all other manufacturers, but two whole years. Or even three years - if you buy from the PocketBook branded online store.

Many are sure that e-books have long since faded into the background due to the advent of tablet computers, because all you need to do is install a good reading application, and no reader is needed anymore. The main advantage of the reader is the high quality of the display, as well as its features that make the reading process more comfortable, enjoyable and less harmful to the eyes. We hope you have figured out how to choose a good e-book, which characteristics you should definitely look at, and which ones are secondary. With the right choice of reader, no tablet can compare with it in ease of use and autonomy.