ABOUT E-READERS

INTRODUCTION:

An e-Reader is an electronic device that allows you to store and read digital content (eg a book, newspaper or magazine etc) in a way that resembles a conventional printed book. You cannot change the content but you can add notes (in the margin as it were).

There is already a great deal of information on the internet about the various types of e-readers, their prices and features etc but in the following sections we mention some of the reasons that people use e-readers and why we think e-readers are a good idea.

They save paper: E-readers do not use paper. So the more we use e-readers the more we can avoid buying printed material and so reduce the quantity of paper produced from trees and therefore reduce the demand for logging of trees.

They save space: E-readers can store literally thousands of books that otherwise would be taking up space on your shelves or elsewhere.

They reduce eyestrain: An e-reader is easier on the eyes than using a typical computer screen. This is because of the development of e-ink.

Eyesight: The font size of the e-reader text can be readily enlarged to suit your eye sight.

Portability: The e-reader is about as large as a typical paperback book and can be purchased with a protective leather cover. As such it can easily be carried inside a briefcase or handbag.

Battery life: The e-reader has a long battery life (typically 5 hours) after which it can be easily re-charged by plugging into a PC or a general purpose power socket.

Book-like – Turning pages and browsing: Turning pages is usually carried out by touching the screen on the right to go forward and on the left side to go back. Browsing is easily accomplished by stroking the screen to the right or left as you would with an i-phone.

TYPES OF E- READERS:

E-readers can be classified into the following types:

Kindle: This type of e-reader uses the mobi format.

Non-kindle (eg Kobo): This type of e-reader uses the epub format.

Tablet with e-book app: Usually uses the epub format. NOTE: A tablet does NOT have e-ink and does not (yet) have the battery life of a dedicated e-reader.

DOWNLOADING TO YOUR E-READER:

E-readers are generally available with wi-fi capability. So e-books can be downloaded from some e- book stores while you are out and about. If your e-book store only downloads over the internet (instead of via email) then when you are at home you need to switch on your home wi-fi to download the e-book.

When downloading your e-book from this website please note the following:

  • you will receive your e-book via your email connection;
  • in most cases you will receive 2 versions of your e-book – epub and mobi (kindle).
  • If you do not have an e-reader and wish to read the e-book on your PC then you will need Adobe Digital Editions to be able to view the epub version.

If you have a kindle e-reader then simply:

  • plug your kindle into your PC;
  • open the kindle documents file;
  • copy and paste the mobi version into the kindle documents file; OR send the mobi version to your kindle using the ‘send’ command if you have it;
  • use the “eject” command to “disconnect” your computer from the kindle; and then and only then
  • unplug your kindle from the PC. After a few seconds the kindle screen will update its content with the new e-book.

If you have a non-kindle e-reader (eg kobo) simply do as above using your non-kindle e-reader and the epub version.

WHAT IF I ONLY HAVE THE MOBI (KINDLE) VERSION OF THE BOOK BUT MY KINDLE E-READER IS KAPUT OR LOST?

In such a case simply download from Amazon their FREE app that allows you to read a kindle content (mobi file) on your PC.

The app is called “KindleforPC-Installer”. Remember it is FREE from Amazon.

Similar FREE apps are also available from Amazon that allow you to read your kindle content (mobi file) on an ipad or a Mac PC or a smart phone.