If you’re looking for a color eBook reader that can do a little more than a standard eReader, yet still comes in at an affordable price, then the Pandigital Novel could be the gadget for you. With Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to download apps, this model enters the realm of budget tablet computers. But is it worth buying in a world where the likes of the Amazon Kindle Fire cost just a little bit extra?

Pandigital Novel Key Specificvations

• Average Price: $160
• Release Year: 2011
• Battery Life: Not advertised
• Screen Size: 7 inch
• Screen Type: color touchscreen
• Weight: 19 oz
• Storage Size: 1GB (expandable by 32GB with SD card slot)
• Internet: Wi-Fi
• Main eBook Format: ePub

Pros Of The Pandigital Novel

Color Screen: The Pandigital Novel makes use of a color touchscreen, which many people choose for the fact that they can view images in high quality, and access the features and menus through intuitive touches. When you need to make notes, simply use the virtual keyboard to do so. The only drawback of the color screen (and this applies to all color eReaders) is the fact that they’re notoriously difficult to read in sunlight.

Book Store: The great thing about the Pandigital Novel is the fact that you can access the Barnes & Noble store directly from the device. This gives you access to a huge selection of books, including a number of free classic titles, making it easy to get hold of what you want to. You can extend the eBook functionality even further by downloading the Kindle apps and buying apps from the Kindle Store.

Multimedia: This isn’t just for reading eBooks: the Pandigital Novel can also handle a variety of different media types on the go. There’s a video player and photo viewer on the device, and you’ll be able to listen to your music and audiobook collections, too.

Features: Unlike some of the cheapest color eBook reading devices out there (such as the Skytex Primer or Ematic eGlide), the Pandigital Novel does have a range of extra features including email, web browsing and more. However, it isn’t a fully-fledged tablet computer (see below). Its main function is still as an eBook reader.

As far as reading functions go, you have everything you’d expect from an eReader device: the ability to make notes, highlight passages, search through the book, look up words in the dictionary, change the font size and create your own bookmarks.

Internet Access: Some of the budget color eReaders are unable to connect to the internet. Thankfully, this isn’t the case with the Pandigital Novel. You can connect up to Wi-Fi networks in order to take advantage of onboard eBook shopping or the built in web browser. This is a useful feature to have in an eBook reading tablet at this price point.

Cons Of The Pandigital Novel

Price: At around $150, the Pandigital Novel is more expensive than some other color eReaders, such as the Ematic eGlide and the Skytex Primer. That said, it is a lot cheaper than the Nook Color ($250) and a little cheaper than the Amazon Kindle Fire ($199), but it doesn’t have the benefit of a powerful processor to keep things running so smoothly.

Storage Space: Although 2GB onboard storage space is enough for a standard eBook reader, it’s not much for a color reader that can also play other multimedia files. Its rivals offer 4GB or more, which is more acceptable. Thankfully there’s a useful SD memory card slot for expanding the memory should you need to. Memory cards are inexpensive, so this offers some flexibility.

User Experience: Unfortunately, the Pandigital Novel can be a little slow to boot up and run apps due to a low end processor when compared to other tablets on the market. The user interface isn’t as polished as on some other devices, either, and the touchscreen isn’t as responsive as devices such as the Nook Color.

Apps: It’s fantastic that this device has the ability to download apps, as it’s one of the cheapest Android tablets available. That said, it uses a very old version of Android, meaning that the newest apps won’t all be available to you. The good news is, however, that users will be able to find apps for most of the things you’d expect an internet tablet to do: browsing the web, watching videos and, importantly, reading eBooks.

Size & Weight: The Pandigital Novel looks a little chunky compared to its main competitors such as the Kindle Fire, and is a little heavier too. The good news is that it still feels comfortable in your hands and is light enough to read for long periods of time. The size of the screen is a benefit when comparing the Novel to some basic eBook readers, as most come with 6 inches instead of 7.

Should You Buy The Pandigital Novel?

The Pandigital Novel currently sits in between super-budget color multimedia devices, such as the Ematic eGlide and Skytex Primer, and more impressive yet not fully-functional tablets such as the Kindle Fire and Nook Color. The price is affordable, given the fact that you have Wi-Fi access and can download a limited range of Android apps. However, it could be worth spending the extra $50 and having access to the more powerful features that you get from the Amazon Kindle Fire.

When it comes to your eBook reader comparison and choosing which device is best for your needs, it helps to have an understanding of the different formats available. You should always check the specifications to find out whether your particular model of eBook reader is capable of reading the format you want it to. Here is a quick guide to the most common forms of eBook currently available.

1) ePub

This is a popular format of eBook created by the International Digital Publishing Forum. This format is supported by most of the newest electronic readers, including Kindle, Sony and more. This format is also used on particular software for PCs and Macs. A major benefit to this format is that it is ?reflowable? meaning that text is not formatted for one specific page size, and lines will flow correctly without odd interruptions in the lines. Any eBook reader comparison should look out for this format!

2) PDF

This format was created by Adobe systems and is popular on the internet due to the variety of systems that can view them. The drawback to use PDF format on electronic book readers is that lines are of a fixed length at the time the eBook was created, meaning if your reader does not match the size of the page when the file was created, lines may not display correctly. PDF is useful as an added extra format in eReaders, so may factor into your eBook reader comparison.

3) Plain Text (TXT)

Plain text eBooks are a very simple form, taking up little space. This format may be included as an extra for your eBook reader, but generally .txt is not the standard for publishing eBooks for electronic readers.

4) Amazon Kindle (AZW)

This is the format employed by Amazon to work with their Kindle eReader. As such, AZW files are only displayable on a Kindle device, and they can only be bought from the Amazon Kindle store. Amazon have recently announced that users will soon be able to view AZW files on their PC.

5) eReader (PDB)

This format was made popular on Palm handheld devices though is not the standard with current electronic book readers. It?s important not to get confused between the two, as this format will not generally work on your eBook reader unless stated in the specifications.

6) Sony Reader (BbeB/ LRF)

This is a format used by Sony Reader, though Sony Reader devices can also read other formats. Most eBook sources will be supplying ePub formats as standard, rather than BbeB.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the most common eBook formats to help with your eBook reader comparison. Remember, check specifications carefully before you buy.

Whilst there are a number of benefits to using handheld eBook readers, everything comes with its downside too. Here are a few of the reasons why digital book readers may not be for you.

1) Powered By Electricity

One of the first obvious drawbacks of the eBook reader is that they need electricity to work (unlike physical books). You will need to check the battery life of any reader you buy to see whether it suits you (especially if you travel a lot – as having to charge your reader could limit just how portable it really is).

2) The Cost and Availability of the eBooks

When it comes to buying eBooks, many people expect them to be far cheaper than physical books due to the fact that there are fewer materials involved. However, at present eBooks are almost the same price as physical books. Another major drawback is that the title you are looking for may not be available in eBook form. eBook availability is constantly growing, though.

3) It’s Not the Same As Reading A Real Book

There’s no getting around the fact that reading a book has a certain feel that handheld eBook readers can’t quite match. E-Ink is far better than reading a computer screen, but still not the same as paper – especially when you consider the fact that eBook readers are not yet available in color. However, designers make sure that readers are as comfortable as possible, and you will generally get used to them in no time.

4) eBook Readers Are Not More Eco Friendly

Some people argue that, though eBooks save on paper, they are not more eco friendly due to the electricity, plastic and other factors that go into making handheld eBook readers. However, the sheer amount of printed books and paper that could be saved as a result of the eBook reader should outweigh these concerns.

5) The Cost

There’s no escaping the fact that handheld eBook readers are going to cost you a lot more than a book – however, this cost will be made up for over time the more you use it. You will have to be more careful not to damage your reader, though!

6) I Don’t Need A Whole Library of Books With Me, and What About the Books I Already Own?

Some people claim that they don’t need to be able to take thousands of books wherever they go, which is understandable. If you travel often, then an eBook reader is probably useful due to the fact that you don’t need to carry as many heavy books. However, a major drawback is the fact that you can’t convert the books you already own to digital format unless you buy them again (and they are available as an eBook).

7) Can’t Share eBooks

Lastly, many book lovers get joy from sharing their books with others, and selling them on, or giving them away, when they are done reading. This isn’t possible with eBooks, and you’ll each need to buy your own copy, which could work out more expensive depending on your book reading habits.

Conclusion

There are, inevitably, some drawbacks to using handheld eBook readers – and they won’t be for everyone. However, many people are already enjoying the new technology and finding that it can help them access books they would previously have just left on the shelf unread.

An electronic book reader comparison is the first step for any of us who want to purchase a new gadget, but, with so many devices to choose from, how do you go about finding the right one? Here’s a guide to the most important specs to look out for.

What Do You Need From A Portable Device?

Before even delving into specs, realize that there are now a number of different types of portable device available. Is an eBook reader best for you? Or maybe a tablet computer would be more useful for a greater range of applications on the go? If you want something that looks as much like a real book as possible, an eReader is the perfect choice.

1) Internet Access

Now you know you definitely want an eBook reader, it’s time to look at internet options. In your electronic book reader comparison you’ll likely come across readers with no ability to connect to the ‘net, those that connect to Wi-Fi hotspots, and those that can connect via 3G no matter where you are. Wi-Fi is the most common, and you’ll have to pay extra for a 3G device. Thankfully, however, companies like Amazon won’t charge you for connecting to 3G on the Kindle, which is a massive bonus for many users.

2) Storage Space + Options For Expansion

Thankfully, storage space isn’t as much of an issue on an eBook reader as it would be on a tablet computer, since books are very small files. Most eBook readers can store a few thousand books, which is more than most of us ever need. That said, if you’re planning on storing other files then storage is more crucial. For complete flexibility, opt for a reader that comes with an SD memory card slot.

3) Battery Life

None of us wants to interrupt our reading when we realize that the eReader has run out of power! EBook readers generally have an impressive battery life, lasting as long as a month. Bear in mind that the battery life is severely reduced when you’re connected to the internet.

4) Screen Type (Color Vs. e-Ink)

The earliest eReaders were all in black and white (e-Ink): designed to look as much like real paper as possible. More modern readers, however, may also come in color. In short, choose color if you don’t mind not being able to read in sunlight, but want faster page turns and better images. Choose e-Ink if you want to read in bright sunlight and avoid eyestrain.

5) Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions are important for any electronic book reader comparison, as they affect how big the display will be. The good news is, however, that most eReaders allow you to adjust font size so that you’re comfortable reading screens of all sizes. The weight should be around that of a real paperback, to help you hold it comfortably.

6) Formats And eBook Stores

Lastly, any electronic book reader comparison must take into account the format of the eBooks the device can display. Unfortunately, there is no universal format across all the book readers. Make sure that the store for your device carries enough books (though note that there are ways to convert files if you want to buy from other stores).

Despite the fact that most eBook readers don’t require software to work out of the box, downloading eBook reader software can open your reader up to a greater variety of free content, and eBooks in a variety of different formats. Here’s a guide to the best software currently out there, and how it can help you get the most out of your eBook reading device.

Official eBook Reader Software

First things first, it’s well worth taking a look at the eBook reader software developed by your eReader manufacturer. Although most eBook readers don’t require you to download any software to use the device, doing so means that you can keep a second copy of all the books you buy on your computer, and read them from there (most software syncs the last read page so you always know where you got up to).

Third Party Software

Calibre is an excellent software tool for those who want more control over the eBooks they buy. Although it works well to organize all of your eBooks and PDF files, it has a more useful function: it can convert eBook files into another format. This is a useful feature to have, given that eReaders such as the Kindle cannot read all formats. If you’d like to buy an eBook from a store other than the Kindle Store, buy it in ePub format and convert it using the Calibre software.

The software is also useful for converting PDF files. Despite the fact that most eBook readers have the ability to read PDFs, the experience is nowhere near as smooth as it is with standard eBook files. Simply convert the book using Calibre and you’ll get the benefit of a variety of font sizes, and text that fits better on the screen.

Stanza is another excellent tool for those who want to make it as easy as possible to find and download free eBooks and periodicals. It also has apps available for Android and iPhone so that you can read your eBooks on the go.

Note that you can also take advantage of the various eBook reader software out there to help format your own books correctly for eReaders. Self-publishing is becoming more and more popular as the popularity of eBook readers rise.

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of free eBook reader software programs available to help you perform a variety of functions, and the benefit of many is that they’re completely free!

When reading any eBook reader review, one of the most important points you’ll notice is that eReaders today generally make use of a feature known as e-Ink. This technology is what helps eReaders to be easier on the eye, and manufacturers are always trying to outdo each other in terms of how good their screens look. But just how does e-Ink compare to real paper?

What Is e-Ink?

No eBook reader review will be any good to you unless you understand some of the most important features of the reader, including e-Ink. E-Ink is the technology behind the way the text and eBooks are displayed on your eReader screen. In effect, this display is the digital replacement for the paper that you used to read the words from on physical books.

There are a number of different kinds of e-Ink, but they generally all strive to be as comfortable to read as possible. They are far more comfortable to read than traditional computer screens due to the fact that they do not make use of a refreshed image, and they allow natural light to reflect (rather than emitting their own light).

The Benefits of e-Ink

As any eBook reader review will tell you, the main advantage of e-Ink is that you’ll soon forget you’re reading a digital book at all – making the conversion from physical books to digital formats much easier. Glare and eye strain are a real worry of people looking to make the move, and e-Ink helps to allay those fears.

The Drawbacks of e-Ink

There are still a few drawbacks to the e-Ink employed in modern eBook readers. For a start, the technology has not yet developed far enough to allow manufacturers to display color images on screens. Whilst many books look fine in black and white, books that make heavy use of colored images may not convert as well.

Aside from this, e-Ink also makes use of a very low refresh rate which makes it a lot harder for manufacturers to implement certain applications that compare to those available on other handheld devices, such as smartphones etc. Transitions between pages may not be as smooth as they would be on a traditional computer screen.

eBook Reader Review Conclusion

E-Ink is a very important technology when it comes to making eBook readers as user-friendly as possible. When choosing which eBook reader to buy, check out any eBook reader review for an overview of just how successfully any manufacturer matches the experience of reading a physical book. Remember, it may take a little time to get used to digital eBook readers, but e-Ink makes the adjustment much easier.

Whether you’re thinking about buying the best eReader device, or you already have one, it goes without saying that you’ll want to save as much money as possible on new eBooks. The good news is that free eReader books do exist, and there are many legal ways to find them.

Remember, many free eBooks exist because they’re out of copyright, which means that they’re classics from the past. But browse a few websites and you may also find some more modern surprises.

Official eBook Reader Stores

The first place to start looking for free eReader books is official eBook stores, like the Amazon Kindle Store. These are the easiest places to download free books, as you can do so right from your reading device. The Amazon Store and Apple iBook Store both list their top 100 free eBooks on the main store page.

Note that it’s also well worth looking at the paid eBooks on those stores, as you can find many for under a dollar. A number of self-published authors are keen to get their work out there for a low price!

Other Online Collections

When you’ve exhausted the free eBooks of the main eBook stores then here are a few other resources you may want to check out:

1) Project Gutenberg: This website is the most famous, and has thousands of free eBooks available to download in a variety of eReader formats.

2) Google Books: If you’re looking for classic books, Google Books is a good place to start. Google also run their eBook Store in the US for a greater selection of eBooks, both free and paid.

3) MobileRead.com: This isn’t just a resource for free eReader books – though it has many, organized by category – it’s a whole resource where you can chat with other avid readers. They will often make announcements here when Amazon launches new devices or when there are new free eBooks added to the store.

Borrow eBooks From Friends

All eBooks that you buy from stores such as Amazon will be protected, making it difficult to share them with friends. The good news, however, is that some eBook readers let you lend out books for a limited period of time. You’ll have to check the particular book and your device to make sure this is possible.

Borrow eBooks From Digital Libraries

Lastly, don’t forget your local library! Although they’re famous for physical books, many are now offering free eReader books to members. They may or may not be available for your particular eBook reading device, but most users can at least access the books through their computers.

One of the greatest things about getting your new eReader is that you can now take advantage of the many free eBook downloads available online. If you are new to the world of eReaders and eBooks then here is a quick guide to getting your hands on the books.

If You Own A Kindle

Those who own a Kindle, or are thinking of getting one, should know about the ability it has to connect to the Kindle store and download eBooks in Kindle format. These are generally priced slightly lower than physical books, though you can sort the store to display from low prices to high ones and you can find many free eBooks right there! This won?t work for those who don?t have a Kindle.

Finding Free eBook Downloads in Compatible Formats

You?ll need to check exactly which formats your particular eBook reader can support, but there should be many options for you as long as your reader supports some of the most popular formats (ePub, PDF and others).

One of the easiest places to start is with Project Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/) or Google Books (http://books.google.com/). These provide eBooks that are completely free since their copyright has expired. This means you are free to download and enjoy them on their eReader, and many of them are even available in the popular ePub format which most of the modern eBook readers support.

Some other resources you might want to check out include:
* ManyBooks.net – providing you the same books as Gutenberg etc but in more formats.
* Feedbooks (http://www.feedbooks.com/) – Allows you to specify the size of your reader to download PDF files that display correctly,
* Baen Free Library (http://www.webscription.net/c-1-free-library.aspx) – This is a great resource for books specifically from the Baen publishers of Sci-Fi and Fantasy.

Don?t Just Stop At Free eBook Downloads!

Free eBook downloads are a great way to populate your new eReader with content, and to get some entertainment on a budget, but you should realize that all the newest titles are still in copyright and will require you to purchase them from available eBook stores.

Once you feel ready to start buying new eBooks for your device, make sure to check formats carefully and always go for compatible files. You should also follow your reader?s instructions carefully in case you are required to convert any files before they work. Happy reading!

Do you want or need an eBook reader device? A funny question really, but we always want or would like to have the latest and greatest gadget. If you’re starting to question your decision, here are a few reasons why an eBook reader device may or may not be a good choice for you.

Do You Travel A Lot?

An eBook reader device is perfect for those who travel. Instead of carrying around just a couple of books, you’ll now have access to your whole book library on a device that weighs less than most paperbacks. You can even browse eBook stores and buy new books right from the beach if you’ve run out of reading material!

Do You Like Having Access To Books At The Click Of A Button?

Some of us love shopping in stores, but others love the feeling of being able to buy and download books instantly. No more waiting for the mail to deliver your books, no more going out to a shop to buy them. Instead, you can get that book delivered and start reading it within minutes!

Do You Love The Look And Feel Of Real Paper Books?

If you’re someone who loves the look and feel of paper books then it’s understandable for you to question the need for an eBook reader device. The truth is that no electronic gadget can ever be the same as real paper. The e-Ink technology used on eBook reader screens, however, comes pretty close. The screen doesn’t have a backlight, which means you can read it in bright sunlight (unlike LCD screens) and that it won’t tire out your eyes. Many avid paper book fans have been turned thanks to the high quality screens of current eBook readers.

Do You Have Enough Money To Spend On A Dedicated Device?

Lastly, cost is probably the biggest issue. After all, to read books you don’t need to buy anything but the books themselves. With an eBook reader, on the other hand, you need to pay $100+ for the reader itself, and then individually for each book you buy. And, although some eBooks can be cheaper than the real thing (or even free), many books cost more in digital form, or are simply unavailable.

Whether or not you can justify the cost of an eBook reader device depends on how much you like to read. For avid readers, the price is a drop in the bucket (especially considering that old out-of-copyright classics can be downloaded for free). If you aren’t going to use it much, however, it may not be worth the money.

Although there are not that many eReader accessories you really need, there are a few that you may like to consider for the best user experience. Here are our top 5 recommendations.

1. Reading Light

If you’re buying an eBook reader with a black and white screen (e-Ink) then this means it doesn’t have a backlight. Just like real books, you can read these screens in bright sunshine. And, just like real books, you’ll need a reading light if you want to read in the dark. Buying a small reading light that clips onto the device is one of the best eReader accessories you can buy if you’re the kind of person who likes to read in bed while your partner is fast asleep! Note that you can buy cases with lights included if you prefer.

2. eBook Reader Case

As with any gadget, you want to keep your eReader protected, and a case is the best way to do this. For many, a case also helps the eBook reader feel more like a real book – adding a folding cover feels right for some people. Some cases are even carved out of old books, making the eReader as authentic as possible, and disguising its value should you want to keep it hidden while traveling.

3. Power Adapter

Many eBook readers come with a USB power adapter, meaning they can be charged from your computer. That said, if you’re away from the computer for a while, or don’t own one, having a mains power adapter is an excellent eReader accessory to consider buying. If you travel a lot, have a look to see whether your eReader manufacturer sells adapters to work in different countries and charge at different voltages.

4. Screen Protector

Although eBook readers are generally well made, and have matte screens that will help prevent noticeable damage, a screen protector is a good idea to prolong the aesthetics of the device. If you tend to carry your eBook reader around with you wherever you go then there’s always the risk that you could scratch it on your keys. A screen protector will make sure this doesn’t happen. It’s simply a thin layer of film that you don’t notice when applied properly, and it can be bought very cheaply.

5. Earphones

Last on the list of top eBook reader device accessories are earphones. It may not make sense to buy earphones for an eBook reader at first glance. However, know that many eReaders have the ability to play MP3 files, audiobooks, and even read out your eBooks to you through the speakers. If you don’t want to disturb people around you when using those features, you’ll want to get your hands on a set of earphones.