At first glance, the task seems daunting--there are more choices than ever before. The good news is that the list of worthwhile choices is actually pretty short. The other good news? Prices and features are better than ever.
When we say "e-book readers," we're now really referring to three classes of products: black-and-white e-ink readers ($80 to $150); 7-inch color LCD media tablets ($200 to $250); and full-size color tablets like the iPad (most $400 and above). The market has consolidated around a handful of major players: Amazon, Apple, and Barnes & Noble are the leaders, with Kobo, Sony, and a host of Android tablet manufacturers bringing up the rear.
Choosing among those three categories of readers is the dilemma facing any shopper today. But don't worry; CNET's here to help. If you're an experienced shopper, you can jump straight to our current recommendations--or check our lists of top e-book readers and top tablets. And, if you're just trying to decide between a Kindle Fire and a Nook Tablet, check out Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet: How to choose. But if you're looking for a more in-depth discussion, read on to consult this quick guide, which boils the purchase decision down to seven questions:
1. Reader vs. tablet: Do you want more than just reading?
Start by asking yourself what you're really looking for. Do you just want to read books? How about magazines and newspapers? What about browsing the Web? Want to add multimedia to the mix--music, audiobooks, or video? Are you a Netflix junkie? Do you need Flash support? E-mail and messaging? Gaming?
If you want to stick with "just reading"--books, and maybe some newspapers and magazines (in black and white)--an e-ink reader ($79 to $149) is probably your best bet. They come closest to duplicating the experience of reading a book, and-- while they have some online features--you won't be distracted while reading by a stream of incoming e-mails, tweets, or Facebook messages.
If you want more functionality--and a color screen--you'll need to step up to a tablet. High-end full-size (10-inch screen) tablets like the iPad 2 (the 16GB version is still on the market), the third-generation iPad, or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 are much more versatile than e-ink readers, and they can replace a laptop for some tasks. But they'll cost you upwards of $400 or more to start.
But there's a growing class of smaller tablets that split the difference between e-ink readers and full-size tablets. The Nook Color blazed the trail in 2010, and has since been joined by the Nook Tablet and the Amazon Kindle Fire. In addition to working as e-readers, these 7-inch color LCD tablets utilize customized versions of the Android operating system to deliver a growing variety of media, productivity, and entertainment apps. Most significantly, these products are priced from $199 to $249--at least half the price of larger (and, admittedly, more full-featured) tablets like the iPad.
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Best basic e-book reader: Amazon Kindle ($79, no touch screen), Amazon Kindle Touch ($99 to $189, with touch-screen), Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch ($99, touch-screen),
Best reading tablet for under $200: Amazon Kindle Fire, Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet
Best all-around full-featured reading tablets: Apple iPad (third-gen), Apple iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
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Do you need always-on wireless data?
If you're primarily interested in reading books, you're probably going to be fine opting for Wi-Fi-only models. You only need Wi-Fi access when you're buying new books. (E-book files are stored on the device--once downloaded, Internet access isn't necessary.) So, if you're a voracious reader, you can (for instance) buy a bunch of books, toggle off your Wi-Fi, and work your way through them at your leisure. In fact, many users keep the wireless on their readers switched off most of the time since it significantly boosts battery life.
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Best Wi-Fi e-ink readers: Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch, Amazon Kindle Touch
Best Wi-Fi tablets: Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet, Amazon Kindle Fire, Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi),Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Best 3G e-ink reader: Amazon Kindle Touch (3G/Wi-Fi): With Special Offers; Without Special Offers
Best 3G/4G tablets: Apple iPad third-generation (4G/Wi-Fi): Verzion or AT&T; Apple iPad 2 (3G/Wi-Fi): Verizon or AT&T
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