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Wireless Reading Device - Do You Want One?!

Are you looking for a wireless reading device?  This is a new product category that started to gain attention in 2009, and continued to gain momentum as Apple introduced its theApple iPad 3G Apple iPad.  You'll see them go by many different names:

  • ebook reader
  • wireless ebook
  • wireless ebook reader
  • Amazon Kindle (actual product name)
  • Apple iPad (actual product name)

Regardless of the name, a wireless reading device, as the name suggests, has a specific intended use...reading books!  But lets not be fooled.  With today's technology and innovation, what we call a wireless reading device will surely have much wider and exciting applications!


Why an eBook Reader?
You might be asking yourself why you would even want an ebook reader?  I'm not going to go into any details comparing ebooks to physical books.  I assume that having used a Amazon Kindle 2computer to surf the Internet, which ultimately brought you to this site, that you can contemplate the benefits of having access to thousands of books on an electronic reading device, versus the comfort and pleasure of reading an actual paper book that doesn't require batteries ;-).


The real discussion here is why you might consider an ebook reader versus just using your laptop computer, tablet computer, or an ultraportable Netbook?  Some basic features that tend to be reasons why companies believe that a dedicated ebook device will motivate people to take their hard-earned money out of their wallet to buy a wireless reading device include:
  • Screen - The screen on most of these devices is designed specifically for ease of reading.  They're typically black text on a matt (i.e. not glossy/bright) white background.  This tends to make reading easier on your eyes than a typically computer screen, as it is meant to look more like text on paper.
  • Battery Life - Because the device doesn't have to run fancy graphic intensive applications, or run numerous programs at once, the processor can be much slower, which means that it draws less battery power.  This, along with the different screen quality will give you much much much longer battery life than if you were using another computing device.
  • Form Factor - These devices are much smaller, thinner, and lighter than any computer, or netbook you're going to find out there, which makes it more comfortable to sit in your favorite chair, or lie down on your bed or couch to read your book.  Reading on a tablet-shaped device is going to be much more comfortable than a standard fold-up computer design.  Even a tablet PC that will allow you to rotate the screen will be much heavier, and have the same battery life and readability issues as a standard computer.

The Bottom Line

A wireless reading device is specifically designed for reading electronnic books, and hands down will provide you a better experience than reading on another computer device.  Everything about it is designed for reading, from how you navigate the device to how you turn pages.  Quick, easy, and simple!


Why Wireless?
You might be asking yourself why these are in the wireless category?  It's simple really.  You could download books on your regular home computer or laptop and simply upload or transfer them to your reading device, however, in this day and age, that's just not acceptable!  People simply wouldn't tolerate a non-connected (to the Intenet) device that requires transfering books between computer and device; what a pain!


So when we talk about these devices being wireless, it basically means that you can download or purchase books, maganizes, or newspapers wirelessly.  There are often two flavors of wireless:

WiFi - Typically free Hot Spots that allow you to connect to the Internet to download your electronic reading material.

3G - Runs on one of the large wireless carriers (ex. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint) allowing anywhere, anytime access to download digital materials.

3G cellular connectivity will come with a higher equipment price tag, as it requires a more expensive wireless chip.  It also may require extra cellular/data access fees depending on the device.  Generally speaking, if you want to be sure that you can access new downloads (or the Internet for devices that support it), you'll want to get the 3G version (which also usually includes WiFi).


The Pricing Issue
The greatest challenge to getting the maintream population to buy a wireless reading device is the cost.  When the initial Amazon Kindle launched it really was a fairly costly device, which made people think more carefully about whether they'd be better off just using their regular computer, despite the drawbacks discussed above.  But prices quickly came down.  But then came inexpensive netbooks.  Some will still debate which one is better, but ultimately it will depend on the price, and your habits and preferences.  If you really do a lot of reading, one of these dedicated ebook readers is definitely going to be a better option for many.


What About Prepaid?
You might be asking yourself what this topic has to do with prepaid wireless, which is the whole point of this site!  Well, because the only way to get access to your electronic content anywhere, anytime is to have a cellular connection, they're intrisically tied to wireless carriers.  Some devices don't charge any additional fees for wireless access, while others do, especially ones like the Apple iPad, which is a great Web surfing device.  Carriers will choose from, or offer two options:  One being charging you less for the device via a Subsidy, and locking you into a data service plan with a contract.  The other being a prepaid program where you pay full price for the device, and buy data on a pay as you go or monthly basis.  See, it does relate, and you know which option I would recommend!

Read More Details About:

Amazon Kindle
(coming soon)
Apple iPad

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