Computer Basics

E-book readers

A Kindle e-reader with an e-paper display

A Nook Color with an LCD display

E-book readers (also called e-readers) are similar to tablet computers, except they are mainly designed for reading e-books (digital, downloadable books). Examples include the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

E-book readers have either an e-paper display or an LCD:

• E-paper: Short for electronic paper, this type of display can usually only display in black and white. It is designed to look a lot like an actual page in a book. Unlike an LCD, it is not backlit, so the text stays readable even outdoors in full sun. Many people consider e-paper to be more pleasant to read because it causes less eye strain. However, it generally can't be used for videos or other applications because the refresh rate is too low.
• LCD: This is the same type of screen found on tablet computers and laptops. It's more versatile than e-paper, but it's often more difficult to view in bright sunlight, as the image becomes washed out. Since an LCD screen can display colors, this type of e-reader is better for viewing magazines or books with photos. Many LCD e-readers (such as the Nook Color) are basically tablet computers, as they can perform many different tasks in addition to displaying e-books.

You don't need an e-reader to read an e-book. E-books can usually be read on tablet computers, smartphones, laptops, and desktops.

Go to the Kindle and Nook websites to compare the features of different e-readers.