Read e-books on e-reader and tablet

An ebook is a digital file, such as a word document or a PDF. The file includes the entire contents of a printed book. Usually an ebook file is not very large, a few megabytes at most. Hundreds, if not thousands, fit on an average e-reader, tablet or smartphone. In addition, the font size can be set, so that each book is easy to read for everyone.

Since an ebook is an ordinary file, it can be stored on all kinds of devices. Such as the computer, laptop, smartphone and tablet. But reading a book on the PC is less relaxing. Because of its size, a tablet is the most obvious reading device. In addition, there are devices that have been specially developed for reading digital books: the e-readers.

Compared to a tablet, an e-reader has several advantages:

• E-readers are equipped with an e-Ink screen. This screen type closely imitates the properties of real paper. The contrast is high and the screen reflects very little light. This makes it no problem at all to read e-books outside in the bright sun.
• E-readers consume little power, and last for weeks on a single battery charge.
• E-readers do not emit light. Reading is therefore much less tiring for the eyes than reading on a tablet.
• E-readers are generally cheaper than tablets.

In addition, an e-reader also has some disadvantages:

• The e-Ink screen of an e-reader only shows white or black pixels. Images are therefore also black and white.
• There are no extra functions on an e-reader, such as games and other apps. A tablet does. You can also use it to surf the Internet, send e-mails and do other computer tasks.
• E-readers don’t glow. Therefore, in a dark environment, they need to be lit, like a printed book. Many e-readers have a built-in light. Something to keep in mind when buying.

Please note: for Dutch ebooks it is important that the device accepts the EPUB format.

E-books are fine to read on a tablet. Keep in mind that the screen emits light. This makes the image brighter. While reading that is a lot more tiring for the eyes. In addition, the screen reflects a lot of light, making a tablet less suitable for outdoor use. A tablet has the advantage that you can also use it to surf the internet and install fun apps yourself. Finally, in a dark environment, no light is needed because the screen is illuminated.

An e-reader is most suitable for the most pleasant reading experience. But if you only read a book now and then, you will not be happy to buy an extra device. In that case, a tablet is worth considering, because this device can also do other things.

Read more about purchasing an e-reader or purchasing a tablet in the following articles:

• Purchase help e-reader
• Tablet purchase aid

When you purchase ebooks from an online store, the files are on your computer. You transfer the files by connecting the e-reader or tablet to the PC with a USB cable. If desired, you can use the free program Caliber for this. In the article ‘Using Caliber’ you can read how to copy books to your favorite reading device. Incidentally, there are now also luxury e-readers that connect to the internet. Purchases ebooks directly and downloads them to your device. In that case you do not need a computer.