Which e-book reader best fits your lifestyle?

2010 is going to be a big year for e-readers. the thin, letter-sized portable devices are being offered by every big computer company, and many more are on the way. but all devices aren’t created equal. the soon-to-be-released iPad is an entirely different product than Amazon’s Kindle. If you’re looking at purchasing one of these devices in the coming year — or are just wondering if you should — read on, and see which statement fits you best.

— Kim McDaniel

“I love to read. I like the feel of a ‘real’ book and often am reading more than one a time.”

Get a Kindle. the e-ink screen simulates a real book incredibly well and you can store a library of up to 3000 books.

“I read regularly, usually in bed or while traveling, but I’m not a voracious reader.”

It’s a toss-up. If you travel more than once a year or tend to read thick hardcovers, consider the Kindle if only for the ease of taking it with you. If you’re easily distracted, consider the iPad so you have other entertainment options. If you already carry a lot of technology with you, test drive an e-reader application on your laptop or smartphone (Amazon’s Kindle app and Barnes & Noble’s nook app are both free).

“I read when I have time or when find a book I’m really interested in. I usually don’t read more than a few books a year.”

Stick with the

real deal. If you’re curious about the e-reader experience, consider downloading the free Kindle or Barnes & Noble reader software for your computer or smartphone. If you decide to upgrade to the full reader later, you can take your e-books with you.

“I want an e-reader, but I already have an iPhone/iPod Touch/netbook.”

Get an app. Download an e-reader application for your computer or smartphone so you don’t have to carry yet another device with you.

“I’ve been thinking about getting a little netbook computer for traveling or to have as a second machine, but I’m also interested in an e-reader.”

Consider the iPad. no sense in getting two devices when one will give you everything you are looking for. the only caveat? If you have trouble with eyestrain, the iPad’s backlit screen could prove problematic.

“I’m curious about e-readers, but my eyes aren’t what they used to be.”

Get a Kindle. the e-ink screen is as easy on the eyes as the real thing, and you can adjust the font and size to your liking.

“Is all this technology really necessary?”

You’re a Kindle sort. It’s non-threatening, easy to learn and affordable for most budgets.

“I love magazines and newspapers, but books are too much commitment for me.”

try the iPad. Magazines and newspapers aren’t readily available yet in the e-reader formats, and those that are tend to be clunky. Magazines especially suffer without the colorful, large layouts and pictures that appear in their print pages. but with the relatively large, color screen on the iPad and the potential of apps, the iPad could provide a breakthrough.

“I want an e-reader for textbooks or to view PDF files or manuals.”

iPad or Kindle DX. the larger screen keeps page layouts and diagrams intact.

Which e-book reader best fits your lifestyle?

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