E-Readers
E-readers — Onyx, Kindle, Kobo and PocketBook
83 e-readers with electronic ink displays. They do not tire your eyes, they read perfectly in sunlight and they last weeks on one charge — three things no tablet manages.
- Onyx 24 · Kindle 23 · Kobo 23 · PocketBook 12
- 80 devices with a 24-month warranty
- Electronic ink displays that look like printed paper
- Battery life measured in weeks, not hours
Why not simply a tablet
An e-reader screen does not shine light into your eyes: it reflects the light of the room, the way paper does. That means no fatigue after two hours of reading and perfect legibility on the beach, exactly where any tablet screen becomes a mirror.
The second difference is battery life: electronic ink draws power only when the page changes. One charge lasts weeks of normal reading.
The third is the absence of distraction. There are no notifications, no video, nothing else to do. It is a single-purpose device and that is its advantage.
Which brand for whom
Kindle — the most widespread, with a very mature bookstore and excellent syncing across devices. It works mainly within its own ecosystem.
Kobo — more open on file formats, with public library borrowing in several countries and easy handling of your own files.
Onyx — the most flexible devices. They run Android, so you can install the reading apps you prefer; several models also support a stylus for notes.
PocketBook — European, with broad file format support and models featuring a built-in speaker for audiobooks.
What to check
Front light: almost every current model has a built-in light for reading in the dark. The better ones also adjust colour temperature so evenings are warmer. Water rating: if you read in the bath or at the beach, look for an explicit certification.
File formats: if you already own a library in EPUB or PDF, check what the device supports before buying. It is the point where the brands differ most.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does it tire the eyes like a tablet?
- No. An electronic ink display reflects ambient light instead of emitting it towards your eyes, exactly as printed paper does.
- Can it be read in sunlight?
- Yes, and in fact better than in shade. It is the exact opposite of a tablet, which turns into a mirror.
- How long does the battery last?
- Weeks of normal reading, because power is drawn only when the page changes. The front light reduces this but not dramatically.
- Can I load my own files?
- On most devices yes, but supported formats differ. Onyx, Kobo and PocketBook are generally more open than Kindle.
- Does it play video or run apps?
- No, and it is not designed to. Onyx devices running Android accept apps, but an electronic ink screen is not suited to motion.
If you read books every night, an e-reader is the device you will use more than you expect. Add a case from the accessories — electronic ink screens scratch easily.