What Is A Reading Device?

The invention of the Reading Device technology has revolutionalized how people read books, newspapers, magazines, PDF’s, blogs and much more.  The big difference they have over devices such as a PDA is the ability to read the screen in bright sunlight, long battery life and specialized electronic ink displays.  PDA’s can be E-book Readers, but these are devices are more specialized for this purpose.

The Reading Device is also referred to as an:

• E-book Reader
• E-Book Device
• E-Reader
• Wireless Reading Device

Reading Device Models & Manufacturers

The models of Reading Devices available in the market place include:

• Amazon – Kindle
• EBS Technology – Agebook eBook Reader
• Condor Technology Associates – eGriver
• Kogan Technologies – Kogan E-book Reader
• Spring Designs – Alex e-Reader
• Kobo Books – Kobo eReader
• Stereo International Enterprise Co. – ES600
• iRex Technologies – Digital Reader
• Wolder Electronics – Boox-S
• Onyz International – Booz 60
• Italica GmbH – Paperback
• Sony – Reader
• Barnes & Noble – Nook
• Iriver – Story
• iPapyrus Inc. – iPapyrus
• Hanvon – WISEreader
• PocketBook – PocketBook 301
• Bookeen – Cybook
• Elonex – eBook
• Endless Ieas – BeBook
• Interead – COOL-ER
• Samsung – Papyrus
• Foxit Software – eSlick
• Jinke – Hanlin
• Kolporter – eClicto

E Ink

E Ink is used in reading Devices as well as in technologies such as mobile phones, PDA’s and some watches.  It is a grayscale ink which uses very little power to display text.  It is formed by millions of tiny microcapsules which are about the size of the diameter of a single strand of human hair.  Within each microcapsule there are positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles which are suspended in a clear fluid.  When a negative electrical field is applied the white particles move to the top of the screen making the surface appear white (as in white paper) and the black particles are pulled to the bottom and hidden.  The reverse of this process brings the black ink to the surface to show the text.  E Ink Pearl Imaging Film is a more advanced technology of E Ink and gives a higher contrasted screen.  The Kindle DX is the first Reading Device to have incorporated this technology.  Colored E Ink technology is currently being developed.

Electronic Paper

Electronic Paper is the technology which is used in the e-Book Readers to mimic the traditional ink on paper.  It does not use backlight like conventional flat panel displays, instead it reflects light like normal paper.  It can hold text and images indefinitely on the screen and does not us any power to do so, which is why battery life is so long.  There are several different technologies which exist for e-paper which includes some forms which are flexible.  One limitation is that it has a very low refresh rate which means that fast moving images, menus, mouse pointers and or scrolling can be blurry or slow.  Another problem which can happen is ghost images after a screen has been changed – these are easily fixed.

Future of E-book Reader

Since the beginning of commercial sales from 2007, the E-book Reader has become very popular.  Companies such as Amazon have embraced the technology and have made available many different books and forms of media available at a low price.  For those consumers who are environmentally conscious it has eliminated the reliance on paper for communication.  I don’t see these devices as the death of traditional books, but see the Reading Device more as a supplement to what is currently available, environmental, accessible and very exciting technology.

Reading Device: What About You?

Do you have any tips or personal experience with a Reading Device?

If you do we would love to know! Please leave a comment, ask a question or share your experiences below.

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