Even though tablet can do everything that an eReader can do and much more, why would users ever choose an eReader over a tablet? Before drawing a conclusion, we need to have a frank and open discussion on the differences, merits and demerits between a dedicated e-reader and a tablet.
What is eReader and Tablet?
An eReader is a device for reading e-books. It is normally designed to operate over long hours of reading by consuming minimal power. Most e-book readers use e-ink displays which are less strenuous to the eyes than most LCD or LED displays. They are also practically glare-free and allow you to read books even in bright sunlight.
A tablet is a compact touch screen device with a 7" screen or larger. They can be used to browse the Internet, check email, download and read books, play games, watch videos, take photos, and much more. As tablets utilize LCD technology that have light emitting from behind the screens into your eyes, it will cause eyestrain easily.
As you can see, tablet can do everything that an eReader can do and much more.
Main Differences between eReaders and Tablets
eReaders like the Kindle, Nook and Kobo, and tablets such as the iPad and the Kindle Fire, are familiar devices in many of today’s households. Their unique designs, user-friendly interfaces, and practical applications have caught the interest of many consumers who are looking for new ways to enjoy their books. Although you’re able to read books on both eReaders and tablets, there are some distinct differences between the two.
1Screen
Size: Most of eReaders feature a 6” display. While tablets boast a much larger screen size than most e-readers, typically about 10”.
Color: Tablets are specially designed for entertainment. They have color screens. However, eReaders are designed for reading books without distractions. So they only got the black and white screens for immersive reading. Therefore, eReaders are ideal for fiction. Non-fiction titles and picture books are better suited for tablets.
Display: Tablets have LCD screens, while eReaders employ e-Ink screens which are glare-free and easier on the eyes. You can read eBooks for hours without any eyestrain or screen glare on eReader. But e-Ink screens also means that they’ll have much lower resolutions and refresh rate than tablets. Thus tablets have a much faster page turning speed.
Touch screen: Both eReader and tablets have touch screens. But tablets have a refresh rate that is flickering really quickly and you don't notice it by the naked eye. That's why tablets have a much faster page turning speed.
2Battery life
As eReaders feature electronic paper rather than an LCD screen. This yields much longer battery life — A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours. While tablets range in battery life from 4 to 10 hours.
3Support ebookstore
An e-reader is usually connected with a single account from an associated ebookstore. With a tablet, you will be able to have access to multiple ebookstores by installing reading applications from competing ebookstores, like Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Google Play. This is also possible on an e-reader, but it needs an extra effort in turning all of your ebooks to the DRM-free file that is supported by your eReader.
Tips
If you want to own the DRM-free Kindle/Google Play/Kobo books, you can follow this step by step guide to remove DRM from Kindle/Kobo/Google Play books.
4Price
eReaders are cheaper than tablets because they are designed with a single purpose – reading. However, beyond reading, tablets have many other practical functions. It will cost no more than $300 to purchase a high-quality eReader, while tablets range in price from 200 to 700 dollars. Basically, the price is dependent on what brand you choose, how much space you would like to have.
5Portability
When it comes to portability, you have to take weight and size into consideration. On one hand, tablets are much heavier than eReaders due to the extra processing, data storage, and other functions that they perform. For example, a Kindle Paperwhite weighs in at just 182 g, while the iPad weighs in 434 g. On the other hand, tablets boast a much larger screen size than most e-readers, typically about ten inches. The enhanced size of the screen is ideal for multitasking. This increase in weight and size is a decrease in portability.
Benefits and Drawbacks of eReaders and Tablets
Next, let’s summarize some significant pros and cons of eReaders and tablets respectively.
Pros |
Cons |
|
|---|---|---|
eReader |
• Long battery life • Glare-free & less eyestrain • Portable |
• No color • Less functionality • Limited to one ebookstore |
Tablet |
• Versatile • Larger screen & color screen • Have access to multiple ebookstores |
• Short battery life • Reflective screen • Cause eyestrain |
eReaders vs Tablets: Before making the final decision, here’s some questions you need to ask yourself: Are you an avid reader? Do you want a device that you can use to read books in bright sunlight without cause eyestrain? Do you want to have access to multiple ebookstores (Amazon, Nook, Kobo or Google Play)? What other functions do you expect to have apart from reading?
Conclusion
We demonstrate the main differences, merits and demerits between eReaders and tablets. Hopefully this dispels any misconceptions that you may have regarding the two devices and also helps you to make a quick decision with regard to which device can better meet your needs.
Amy Lopez crafts informative articles on eBooks and eReaders, uncovering optimal methods to enhance your eBook reading experience, and eagerly shares her findings with you.
