eReader Apps

2/24/2011 08:59:00 AM Anonymous
In this post, we will be talking about eReader apps. Apps (or applications) are software that can be downloaded to a smart phone, computer, or tablet (such as the iPad). These apps generally enhance the use of the device. eReaders have become so popular that companies such as Amazon (Kindle) and Barns and Nobles (nook) have developed apps for smart phones, computers, and tablets. This means that you can literally take your books anywhere.

When you purchase a book from Amazon or Barns and Nobles, you have the option to download it to any device that has the eReader app; unless you have downloaded the ebook to the eReader itself. For instance, if I download the Kindle app to my laptop and I login with my Amazon account information, then I can download the book to my laptop and read it. Although these apps are convenient and free, they are not an actual eReader. This means that you cannot utilize everything that makes an eReader unique.

There are many different eReader apps out there for download. Android has an app for almost all of the major eReaders. Simply search for the app in the Android market or go to the eReaders website and download the software. Apple also has its own eReader apps available to download. Just like the Android market, you can visit the App Store to download your eReader’s app. Again, if you do not see your eReader there, then visit the company’s website and try to download it.

This article has covered just a few ways you can access you ebooks via eReader apps. 

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Benefits of an eReader

2/23/2011 11:00:00 AM Anonymous
Last week we introduced you to eReaders. This week we are going to take it one step further. Today we are going to discuss the benefits of an eReader. You may be like me and ask yourself “Why do I need an eReader?” For starters, imagine condensing your home library into one device. That’s right, eReaders can store hundreds of ebooks; some can store thousands. So instead of having an entire room to “store” your books, you can have one device that holds them all. The second reason you may be looking to get an eReader is because you may be tired of carrying books around with you everywhere you go. As we all know, vacations are awesome. It’s time away from reality, even if it’s only a day or two. Instead of carrying 2-5 books with various weights, you can carry one device that weights far less than a pound and keeps all your ebooks organized. College students are starting to use eReaders as well. Places like Amazon have many books available to download in digital form; and most of the time the digital books are cheaper that the physical book. As most of us know, college books can be expensive. eBooks is just another way to save.


One of the main questions that is asked about eReaders is, “What should I buy an eReader when a laptop does the same thing?” And that is a good question. But since we are talking about eReaders, we will stick with eReaders. eReaders are lighter, more mobile, cost less, and are easier to read. Computers, including laptops, have a bright screen that basically lights up when in use. This is called a backlight screen. The main drawback to having a backlight screen is your eyes become tired faster. This means less reading. eReaders were created for the reader in mind. They use what’s called E ink. E ink is meant for the eReader to have a book feel to it. When reading an ebook, you feel as if you are reading a real book. This means you can read longer without your eyes getting tired.

Backlight display

Physical book compared to E ink.
 
There are more benefits to getting an eReader than one thinks. Just like any big investment, research your product, compare them with one another, and purchase the eReader that fits you the most. I'm sure once you sit down and think of way to use an eReader, you will realize that you want one after all!


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Kindle vs. Sony vs. Nook: Which is What? (Part 1)

2/18/2011 12:16:00 PM Jaketha, I/T Manager
Back in late-2009 through mid-2010, I quietly watched the "War of the eReaders" among the top three vendors: Amazon, Sony and Barnes & Noble. For months, I had visited the sites of each vendor many, many times. I even visited one particular vendor's web site more than all of the others. But each time, I'd click on the "Buy Now" then view "My Cart" only to sit their staring but never completing my purchase.

WHY?

In the back of mind, I wondered: "Do I really want to this particular eReader brand?" Then, just when I thought my mind was made up, the eReader war grew larger. The top three vendors were either releasing new models or dropping their prices. Then I wondered, "What is the world is going on?"

By August 2010, when the dust had settled, I was finally able to make a decision. So in October 2010, I became a Kindleholic!

Before we get into the brands, if you do not own an eReader but would like to one day soon, I want you to think about your answers to these questions:

Do you...
  1. ...want an eReader that has built-in Internet for buying and downloading books anywhere, anytime, any place?
  2. ...want an eReader that allows you to highlight and save passages?
  3. ...want an eReader that allows you to download and read eBooks from your local library?
  4. ...consider yourself a casual or an avid reader?
  5. ...prefer reading, listening, or both?

Your answers to the above questions will determine which eReader is best for you whether your are a potential buyer or an existing owner thinking about trading in, then listen and learn! Today I'll briefly introduce the first of three brands. And although there are scores of eReaders out there, the three most talked about are the Amazon Kindle, Sony eReader and Barnes & Noble Nook. So, now it's time to find out, which is what?


Amazon Kindle

Image Source: http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/
 The most popular among all eReader is the Amazon Kindle. Currently the Kindle is in its 3rd generation of eReaders with the most recent models being the larger Kindle DX and the smaller Kindle 3 (as shown  to the right).

The features I like most:
  • The month-long battery life if you keep the wireless off like I do. Oh! When it comes to Internet access, the smaller Kindle 3 comes either with Wi-Fi or with 3G and Wi-Fi and the Kindle DX only comes in 3G. 
  • All current model carry up to 3,500 books. <- That's right!
  • You can bookmark "pages" and highlight passages of text and keep them stored on your device and upload them to the Amazon servers for safekeeping. Or have one or two posted directly to Twitter or Facebook accounts.
  • Books can be purchased online at Amazon.com or right on your Kindle then you can download them in less than a minute (depending on your Internet signal).
  • Books can easily be categorized into folder/directories for easier access.
  • Some books have text-to-speech capabilities, so you can listen to them while driving (no headphones needed).
  • You can even get eAudiobooks through Audible.com, an Amazon service. Download and listen to them right on your Kindle.
  • You can also add your favorite MP3s and listen to them as you read.
  • When reading a book, you can change the font size and the screen layout to what is most comfortable for you.

Whether or not, you want to buy a Kindle is found in whether or not you want to pay for your own books or if your local library has an eBook program such as Overdrive or Netlibrary that you want to take advantage of. Here at Bossier Parish Libraries, we have Overdrive which provides eBooks in ePub format. The problem with that - Kindle does not support ePub. With the Kindle, you must purchased your books directly from Amazon.com, which are in AZW format. For some readers, this is a disadvantage, but for me - it isn't.

Most of the books that I like to read are usually not found on the library shelf anyway, so I have always purchased the books that I wanted to read (and keep). So if you're a big fictional reader, who might prefer downloading your books for free from your library and then get rid of them once your check-out period expires, then the Kindle is not for you. In Part 2, we will discuss two brands that would accommodate you - Sony eReader and the Barnes and Noble Nook. 

Click here to learn more about the Amazon Kindle or visit your nearest Best Buy® or Staples store locations.

Here are a Few Links of Interest:
  • BPL's List of Common eReader Terminology (view now).
  • Article: 10 Features in the Kindle 3 You Didn't Know About (view now).
  • Article: Lots of Little Improvements Makes the Kindle 3 the Best E-Ink E-Reader (view now)
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How to Get Started with Overdrive...

2/14/2011 10:00:00 PM Jaketha, I/T Manager 0 comments
TO GET STARTED: 

To start using Overdrive, visit our “Virtual Branch” at http://bossier.lib.overdrive.com/.

Find the “Software Downloads” link on the left side of our Virtual Branch Page. You must download two pieces of software:

  • Adobe Digital Editions: e-book software. 
    •  ADE will need to be activated with an email address.  Follow directions on the installation screen.
  • Overdrive Media Console:  allows you to enjoy audiobooks, music, and videos. 
Once you install the software, you will be ready to download some books! 
  • Click on a title to download.
  • Click “Add to my Digital Bookbag.” 
  • From there, you can “Browse for More Titles”, or “Proceed to Checkout.” 


TO CHECKOUT:

  • You will be prompted to “Sign In.”
  • Login with your library card number and PIN.
    • Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card number.
  • Select 7 or 14-day checkout.
  • Click “Confirm Checkout.”
  •  Download your titles.
    •  E-books will open in Adobe Digital Editions
    • Audiobooks, music, and video will open in Overdrive Media Console
Once your titles are downloaded, you can transfer them to a portable device.  

Don’t have a portable device?  Not a problem!  You can enjoy all of our downloadable materials directly from your computer!

Want to learn more about Overdrive? Read our Jan. 26th article entitled Why Buy When You Can Download? available here. Still need help, then send an email to overdrive@bossierlibrary.org. 
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