Reading Made Easy as ABC

With restrictions on how many pounds can be carried onto airplanes, bringing books to read on your trip has become a bit of a challenge.

And while recycling magazines and newspapers is important, is it really necessary to consume so much paper?

Also, we all know that our eyes aren’t what they used to be and reading 12 point type, especially when we’re tired, isn’t fun.

Electronic reading devices, also known as “e-Readers,” is the newest and most efficient way to carry and read just about anything that’s published.

The Nook and Kindle, side by side

Apple's iPad shown as an e-Reader

Apple’s iPad, Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook are the three most popular e-readers to capture everything from a daily newspaper that’s published half way around the world, to bedtime stories for your kids, to the latest best-selling books and magazines.

The benefits of reading on an eReader include:

·    Reading anywhere you are

·    Carrying several books and magazines when you travel

·    Saving money (subscriptions and books are often less expensive in digital format)

·    Ability to adjust font size thus making it easier on your eyes

·    Cutting down on paper to recycle

Once you have an e-Reader, finding material to download is easy. Each device has its own application or software and easy to follow instructions that facilitate the process.

Where to find reading material:

Apple’s iBook Store is a like going to the library where you can choose from thousands of titles. Some are free, some you need to buy.

If you use multiple devices, Kindle’s app for Apple devices, Blackberry, and Droid allows you to synch between devices so you can pick up at the last page you read when you were on a different reader. This app is linked to Amazon.com, so you need an account there to make purchases.

For magazines, my favorite is Zinio, a company that calls itself an “on-line news-stand.” Reading materials from this site can be downloaded to your computer (PC/Mac/Linux), iPad, or iPhone via its own software or app. You subscribe to each magazine just as you would if you received it in the mail, and it’s usually less expensive here. You can even archive magazines so you can refer back to them at a later date.

Many magazines have their own apps where you buy their publication on a month-by-month basis so you’re not committed if you find you don’t like what they have to say.

What if you don’t have an eReader?

Even if you don’t have an e-reader, you can find things to read on hundreds of sites that make books, magazines and newspapers available to read on your computer. Many of them share publications at no charge.

If you want to purchase an eReader, I recommend that you compare them to find out which one is best for your budget and needs.

Find comparisons at the following sites (not including the iPad):

e-book reader; 10 top devices. 

Consumer Reports (need to be a member)

cnet

Looking forward to hearing how much you enjoy reading again!




Copyright © The B. Hammil Company, 2011