Let's have a look at the landscape of the e-book reader and figure out which product holds the most potential for the college student. After boiling down the price points to a few key questions and comparisons and answer some tech questions the main concern was price. Based on that information we can make a good decision that will impact a college students best use of the technology.
How does the value compare to the price tag?
The price point will always be a first straightforward question to ask yourself if you are going to buy an expensive tech gadget. We first weed out the list and include only the truly competitive e-book readers. Our list is narrowed down to three devices, Barnes & Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle and the Apple iPad. All of these devices allow for the user to essentially read books, newspaper and magazines all on a thin piece of technology.
Because we are talking about college students, the entry-level models are what we focused upon. Though value for value, getting the more expensive models would carry the best bottom line.
B&N Nook
The B&N Nook has an ultra-affordable price of $149. The new Wi-Fi-only version is a bargain hunters dream along with a long life replaceable battery and a microSD slot for additional memory. The viewable screen space is e-ink technology, so there is easy reading in bright light with no wash out in direct sunlight. There is no backlight for reading in the dark.
Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle has a new version coming out in August but that version does not have Wi-Fi. With Wi-Fi access the cost is $189. In addition this version will come with free 3G data through AT&T. The rechargeable battery lasts up to ten days with Wi-Fi on continuously. The high contrast screen is e-ink technology so it reads like paper. Again no backlight so use a book light for reading in the dark.
Apple iPad
I did get a good look at the Apple iPad the last time I visited an Apple store. Aside from the iBook application, the iPad is nothing like the Nook or Kindle. iBook allows e-books to be read just like a book. The high resolution LED backlit screen not only allows video but display of web pages. Like a computer screen, you can stare at the screen for hours. The battery life is dependent upon settings and usages, over all regular usage could get about 10 hours. With a price of $499 that is more expensive than most netbooks, which are more comparable price wise with the iPad.
For Colleges and Universities Consideration
One major factor that both students, colleges and publishers are going to have to get on the same page about is the EPUB file format. The various e-book readers, netbooks and other devices will have to use this format. The open EPUB format allows public libraries, publishers and others to produce consistent e-books.
Useful Expectations and Known Pitfalls
When the large Universities gave iPods to the students several years ago it helped to bridge the digital divide of e-learning. There is a Kindle Education Pilot at several universities so higher education is making considerations. I could easily see textbooks written just for these devices or at least for the e-learning environments becoming a requirement for the college curriculum.
The biggest drawback to the e-readers is the speed of page turns, taking up a whole second and the slow search functions. The iPad has too many distractions for a educational device. Who would ever buy an iPad just to read some textbooks?
Final Decision
Both the Nook and Kindle are probably the best choices for schools. The e-ink is just easier on the eyes if you have many textbooks to read in one semester. The long battery life and the ease of communication with networks, availability of content all make for sound decision for the true e-readers. Future versions of the e-readers devices will address all the needs of future student and make for some great learning experiences. With new gadgets announced for the promising e-textbook market the competition could get fierce.
So what are your ideas, thoughts or suggestions? Should textbooks be converted to a digital format and read on a computer or gadget? What about content on DVD or USB drives?
(0) Comments