eReaders
There are numerous eReaders on the market. Which should you buy for yourself or your school? That depends on the features you want and how much you plan to spend. While I can't tell you which eReader is right for your situation, I can provide you with information that can help you as you navigate this ever-changing landscape. I will focus on the three main players in the market: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple. Before making a purchase you should always check the vendor's website for the latest information as prices, models, features, and policies frequently change.
Amazon Kindle
As of January 2012, there are currently four essential models of the Kindle available for purchase. These include the Kindle ($79), the Kindle Touch ($99), the Kindle Keyboard ($139), and the Kindle Fire ($199). The Overdrive Media Console app is available for the Kindle. With this app one can download books from public libraries that offer eBooks for checkout. Here are some basic specs for the Kindle:
For more information on the Kindle visit the following website: Kindle Support
Barnes and Noble Nook
As of January 2012, there are currently three versions of the Nook. These include the Nook Simple Touch ($99), Nook Color ($199), and the Nook Tablet ($249). At present, Nook does not support Overdrive library downloads directly. However, by using your computer you can download an eBook from your library and move it to the Nook via the USB cable. Here are the basic specs for the Nook:
Apple iPad
Some would claim the iPad is not a true eReader because it can go well beyond a simple "reading" experience. The iPad is probably the middle ground between an eReader and a full computer. As such, it is more expensive but also more versatile. The iPad currently comes in the following configurations--which are not expandable: Wi-Fi and 3G models offering 16, 32, and 64 GB of memory. The prices range from $499 (Wi-Fi/16 GB) to $829 (3G/64 GB). Here are the basic specs for the iPad:
Volume Purchasing/Discounts for Educational Institutions
Amazon - NO - 1 purchased eBook title per six devices
Barnes and Noble - YES, but one copy per device
Apple -- NO for books but YES for general apps
** School Account Information (Does not apply to consumer/individual accounts):
Amazon:
Schools would set up accounts/purchase devices through the Bulk Orders department. Contact them at 800-369-5661 for more information. Schools would need to set up one account to make eBook purchases and one account to "sync" the devices. eBooks would be purchased and "gifted over" to the "sync" account. That way, students could not access credit card information or make purchases on the school account. Also, one title may be placed on six devices, although an unlimited number of devices could be on the account. When an attempt is made to place a title on a 7th device you will receive a prompt telling you to remove it from another device or purchase more copies. You would order one copy for every six devices. It is advised that you turn off the "sync" option when using multiple devices with students. This prevents the eBook from opening to the page/notes of the last user for the book.
Barnes and Noble:
Schools would set up bulk purchasing through their local/nearest Barnes and Noble store. Contact the "Community Relations" manager at the store for information. In the Birmingham area contact Pam Tindall at (205) 298-0648. Barnes and Noble stated that books must be purchased 1:1. However, they do offer some discounting to schools for bulk purchases and they do accept purchase orders. In addition, you can obtain Nook assistance and troubleshooting help at any Barnes and Noble location. Special Nook warranties are available to schools that are not offered to the general consumer.
Apple:
Apple does not offer bulk order of iBooks at this time. They do offer bulk ordering of apps, however. If you are interested in making bulk app purchases, contact Apple at 800-800-2775 or click here.
This information may change. It is accurate as of January 2012.
Lending eBooks to Other Device Users
Amazon: YES*
Barnes and Noble: YES*
Apple: NO and YES -- No to iBook purchases but YES to purchases made using the Kindle or Nook apps
* Only certain titles may be shared with strict limitations.
Alabama Public Libraries Offering eLoans Using Overdrive (Requires Possessing A Library Card for the Participating Library)
Camellia Net (consortium of several public libraries around the state)
The Jefferson County Library Cooperative
Adobe Digital Editions Software (Mac and PC) and Adobe ID Account
Click here to create a free Adobe ID account (required of Nook and iPad users to process downloads from libraries using Overdrive).
Click here to download the free Adobe Digital Editions software to your Mac or PC (required for transferring downloaded library books for Nook users)
Additional eBook/eReader Resources
Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which eBook Reader Should You Buy? (CNET)
Calibre (pronounced "caliber") eBook Management Software for Your Computer
eReaders.net (News Concerning eReaders)
Project Gutenberg (Free eBooks)
PDF Geni (Search Engine for Free PDF Resources)
ManyBooks (Free eBooks)
FeedBooks (Free and Purchase eBooks)
Free Nook Books (Barnes and Noble)
Free Kindle Books for Kids (Amazon)
Free Books App for iPad (Apple)
ePub Books (source of eBooks in the EPUB format)
As of January 2012, there are currently four essential models of the Kindle available for purchase. These include the Kindle ($79), the Kindle Touch ($99), the Kindle Keyboard ($139), and the Kindle Fire ($199). The Overdrive Media Console app is available for the Kindle. With this app one can download books from public libraries that offer eBooks for checkout. Here are some basic specs for the Kindle:
- Not expandable (memory)
- Books must be purchased through Amazon.com site
- Six Kindles may be associated with one account for consumer use -- see below for school accounts**
- Uses proprietary AZW book format although it can also read PDF files
- Overdrive Media Console app is available for public library downloads
For more information on the Kindle visit the following website: Kindle Support
Barnes and Noble Nook
As of January 2012, there are currently three versions of the Nook. These include the Nook Simple Touch ($99), Nook Color ($199), and the Nook Tablet ($249). At present, Nook does not support Overdrive library downloads directly. However, by using your computer you can download an eBook from your library and move it to the Nook via the USB cable. Here are the basic specs for the Nook:
- All models are expandable by adding a memory card
- Books must be purchased from Nook store site
- Up to six devices may be registered to one account for consumer use -- see below for school accounts**
- Uses the EPUB format which is more widely used than Amazon's AZW format
- Does not currently offer an Overdrive Media Console app used by most public libraries
Apple iPad
Some would claim the iPad is not a true eReader because it can go well beyond a simple "reading" experience. The iPad is probably the middle ground between an eReader and a full computer. As such, it is more expensive but also more versatile. The iPad currently comes in the following configurations--which are not expandable: Wi-Fi and 3G models offering 16, 32, and 64 GB of memory. The prices range from $499 (Wi-Fi/16 GB) to $829 (3G/64 GB). Here are the basic specs for the iPad:
- Biggest display
- Front and rear cameras
- Uses iBook store for purchases but can also run a Kindle and Nook app to allow for purchases from those vendors
- Most apps available--including the Overdrive Media Console used by public libraries
- NEW! -- Interactive eBooks and materials can be created by anyone through the free Mac software application called iBooks Author
Volume Purchasing/Discounts for Educational Institutions
Amazon - NO - 1 purchased eBook title per six devices
Barnes and Noble - YES, but one copy per device
Apple -- NO for books but YES for general apps
** School Account Information (Does not apply to consumer/individual accounts):
Amazon:
Schools would set up accounts/purchase devices through the Bulk Orders department. Contact them at 800-369-5661 for more information. Schools would need to set up one account to make eBook purchases and one account to "sync" the devices. eBooks would be purchased and "gifted over" to the "sync" account. That way, students could not access credit card information or make purchases on the school account. Also, one title may be placed on six devices, although an unlimited number of devices could be on the account. When an attempt is made to place a title on a 7th device you will receive a prompt telling you to remove it from another device or purchase more copies. You would order one copy for every six devices. It is advised that you turn off the "sync" option when using multiple devices with students. This prevents the eBook from opening to the page/notes of the last user for the book.
Barnes and Noble:
Schools would set up bulk purchasing through their local/nearest Barnes and Noble store. Contact the "Community Relations" manager at the store for information. In the Birmingham area contact Pam Tindall at (205) 298-0648. Barnes and Noble stated that books must be purchased 1:1. However, they do offer some discounting to schools for bulk purchases and they do accept purchase orders. In addition, you can obtain Nook assistance and troubleshooting help at any Barnes and Noble location. Special Nook warranties are available to schools that are not offered to the general consumer.
Apple:
Apple does not offer bulk order of iBooks at this time. They do offer bulk ordering of apps, however. If you are interested in making bulk app purchases, contact Apple at 800-800-2775 or click here.
This information may change. It is accurate as of January 2012.
Lending eBooks to Other Device Users
Amazon: YES*
Barnes and Noble: YES*
Apple: NO and YES -- No to iBook purchases but YES to purchases made using the Kindle or Nook apps
* Only certain titles may be shared with strict limitations.
Alabama Public Libraries Offering eLoans Using Overdrive (Requires Possessing A Library Card for the Participating Library)
Camellia Net (consortium of several public libraries around the state)
The Jefferson County Library Cooperative
Adobe Digital Editions Software (Mac and PC) and Adobe ID Account
Click here to create a free Adobe ID account (required of Nook and iPad users to process downloads from libraries using Overdrive).
Click here to download the free Adobe Digital Editions software to your Mac or PC (required for transferring downloaded library books for Nook users)
Additional eBook/eReader Resources
Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which eBook Reader Should You Buy? (CNET)
Calibre (pronounced "caliber") eBook Management Software for Your Computer
eReaders.net (News Concerning eReaders)
Project Gutenberg (Free eBooks)
PDF Geni (Search Engine for Free PDF Resources)
ManyBooks (Free eBooks)
FeedBooks (Free and Purchase eBooks)
Free Nook Books (Barnes and Noble)
Free Kindle Books for Kids (Amazon)
Free Books App for iPad (Apple)
ePub Books (source of eBooks in the EPUB format)
