Kindle, NOOK get high marks from Consumer Reports
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SEATTLE -- Are you thinking about getting an e-book reader? Amazon's Kindle is the best-selling brand, but two new ones break new ground, including a latest NOOK from Barnes & Noble.
Consumer Reports tested these and dozens of other e-book readers to help you hone in on a great choice.
The Kindle has been the market leader for a long time.
"What's wonderful about the Kindle is that you can have 20 books, and you can read whatever you're in the mood to read," said Helise Harrington.
But there's a new chapter being written in the world of e-book readers. Up until now, you've basically had two choices - a black-and-white e-ink e-book reader that lacks a built-in light, or a color reader with a backlit LCD screen.
But both have drawbacks.
In Consumer Reports' tests, e-ink readers perform better in bright light -- best for reading outdoors. But to read in the dark, you need to attach a book light.
LCD screens are great for reading in the dark -- no light needed -- but in bright light these have trouble with glare and washout. And there are other issues.
"An LCD screen makes battery life a lot shorter than an e-ink screen," said Paul Reynolds with Consumer Reports. "And e-ink models are usually a lot lighter, too, which matters a lot when you're reading for hours."
The Ectaco Jetbook color is the first color e-ink reader. But testers found the colors aren't true and the page turns are super-slow.
The NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight is also new. It has a touch screen and uses black and white e-ink technology. And for reading in the dark, the screen lights up.
"This GlowLight Simple Touch was as easy to read as the best readers we've tested," Reynolds said.
So Consumer Reports' top rating goes to the $140 Barnes & Noble NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight.
If you're looking for a less-expensive e-book reader, the $80 Kindle with special offers e-book reader also did well in Consumer Reports' tests. It doesn't have a light or a touch screen, but you can't beat the price.
Amazon is able to offer that lower price for Kindle models that give you special offers and sponsored screensavers. You'll see sponsored messages on the screensaver when your Kindle device is in sleep mode, and at the top of the home screen.
You can unsubscribe from the special offers, but you'll be charged for price difference between your subsidized Kindle model and one without special offers.
Consumer Reports tested these and dozens of other e-book readers to help you hone in on a great choice.
The Kindle has been the market leader for a long time.
"What's wonderful about the Kindle is that you can have 20 books, and you can read whatever you're in the mood to read," said Helise Harrington.
But there's a new chapter being written in the world of e-book readers. Up until now, you've basically had two choices - a black-and-white e-ink e-book reader that lacks a built-in light, or a color reader with a backlit LCD screen.
But both have drawbacks.
In Consumer Reports' tests, e-ink readers perform better in bright light -- best for reading outdoors. But to read in the dark, you need to attach a book light.
LCD screens are great for reading in the dark -- no light needed -- but in bright light these have trouble with glare and washout. And there are other issues.
"An LCD screen makes battery life a lot shorter than an e-ink screen," said Paul Reynolds with Consumer Reports. "And e-ink models are usually a lot lighter, too, which matters a lot when you're reading for hours."
The Ectaco Jetbook color is the first color e-ink reader. But testers found the colors aren't true and the page turns are super-slow.
The NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight is also new. It has a touch screen and uses black and white e-ink technology. And for reading in the dark, the screen lights up.
"This GlowLight Simple Touch was as easy to read as the best readers we've tested," Reynolds said.
So Consumer Reports' top rating goes to the $140 Barnes & Noble NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight.
If you're looking for a less-expensive e-book reader, the $80 Kindle with special offers e-book reader also did well in Consumer Reports' tests. It doesn't have a light or a touch screen, but you can't beat the price.
Amazon is able to offer that lower price for Kindle models that give you special offers and sponsored screensavers. You'll see sponsored messages on the screensaver when your Kindle device is in sleep mode, and at the top of the home screen.
You can unsubscribe from the special offers, but you'll be charged for price difference between your subsidized Kindle model and one without special offers.
