E-reader: how to choose one and buy it at a good price
How an e-reader differs from a tablet
An E-Ink screen doesn't shine into your eyes like a normal one, so you can read on it for hours, and the charge lasts for weeks. In return there is no colour, video or fast apps, although colour E-Ink models do exist. If you want to read, not scroll feeds, an e-reader is usually more comfortable than a tablet.
On BlaBlaPrice you just describe the e-reader you want, and sellers send offers with price and delivery. Your phone number stays hidden.
Formats and ecosystem
The most important thing is which formats the device reads. Some e-readers support many formats, including EPUB and PDF, so they are handy for loading books from different sources. Kindle is more tied to its own store, and EPUB files are not read directly on it. If you read books from several sources, check compatibility before you buy.
For PDFs and academic texts, look at the screen size: on 6 inches the text is small, while 7–10 inches are more comfortable for documents.
What else to consider
- Backlight. A front light with adjustable warmth is handy in the evening.
- Water protection. Useful for reading in the bath or on the beach.
- Storage. Text books need very little, comics and PDFs need more.
- Buttons or touch. Many readers like physical page-turn buttons.
- Audio. Some models have Bluetooth for audiobooks.
One more detail is font size and how far you can adjust it. On a small screen you feel this most if you read for long. So don't hesitate to mention your eyesight and usual text size in the request.
What to put in your request
- Model, for example Kindle Paperwhite 5 or a Kobo.
- Screen: size, backlight, colour or black-and-white.
- New or used, and condition.
- Features: formats, water protection, audio.
- What's in the box: cover, charger, original box.
- Warranty, delivery, budget.
Example: “I need a new 6-inch e-reader with a backlight that reads EPUB and PDF, preferably water-resistant and with a cover included. Brand warranty, delivery to Melbourne, budget up to $200.”
New or used, and how to compare
A used e-reader mostly saves money, but ask about the condition of the screen (no ghosting or spots), the battery, and whether it is still linked to someone else's account. Compare what's in the box: some offers include a cover and a charging cable, others don't.
BlaBlaPrice compares offers and shows the one that is best on substance first, with seller reviews next to it. Sellers compete for your request, so offers often improve. Find out how it works on the page “How it works”.
To protect the device you will find accessories, and when you need a screen with apps, look at tablet computers.
