E-reader
It is similar in form factor to a tablet computer,[5] but often features electronic paper ("e-ink") rather than an LCD screen.
[8] Many e-readers can use the internet through Wi-Fi and the built-in software can provide a link to a digital Open Publication Distribution System (OPDS) library or an e-book retailer, allowing the user to buy, borrow, and receive digital e-books.
[11] An idea similar to that of an e-reader is described in a 1930 manifesto written by Bob Brown titled The Readies,[12] which describes "a simple reading machine which I can carry or move around, attach to any old electric light plug and read hundred-thousand-word novels in 10 minutes".
His hypothetical machine would use a microfilm-style ribbon of miniaturized text which could be scrolled past a magnifying glass, and would allow the reader to adjust the type size.
Among the first commercial e-readers were Sony's Data Discman (which was using Mini CDs with special caddies) and the Rocket eBook.
[20] According to an IDC study from March 2011, sales for all e-readers worldwide rose to 12.8 million in 2010; 48% of them were Amazon Kindles, followed by Barnes & Noble Nooks, Pandigital, and Sony Readers (about 800,000 units for 2010).
[24] The iPad includes a built-in app for e-book reading called iBooks and had the iBookstore for content sales and delivery.
This opens a possibility to read publications originally published on paper and later scanned into a digital format.
While these files may not be considered e-books in their strict sense, they preserve the original look of printed editions.
The reason was given for this "alarmingly precipitous decline" was the rise of more general-purpose tablets that provided e-book reading apps along with many other abilities in a similar form factor.
[25] In 2013, ABI Research claimed that the decline in the e-reader market was due to the aging of the customer base.
[26] In 2014, the industry reported e-reader sales worldwide to be around 12 million, with only Amazon.com and Kobo Inc. distributing e-readers globally and various regional distribution by Barnes & Noble (US/UK), Tolino (Germany), Icarus (Netherlands), PocketBook International (Eastern Europe and Russia) and Onyx Boox (China and Vietnam).
[27] At the end of 2015, eMarketer estimated that there were 83.4 million e-reader users in the US, with the number predicted to grow by 3.5% in 2016.
The introduction of e-readers brought substantial changes to the publishing industry, also awakening fears and predictions about the possible disappearance of books and print periodicals.
The reading experience on epaper displays which are not illuminated depends on the environment lighting condition.
[37] There are, however, notable exceptions such as Onyx Boox and Meebook devices which run an open Android system.
However, the software ecosystem of these ebook readers usually aren't mature as mainstream options in the market.
In legal terms, e-books were considered a service since it was regarded as a temporary lease of the product.
[36] In October 2018, the EU allowed its member countries to charge the same VAT for ebooks as for paper books.
[38] Richard Stallman has expressed concern about the perceived loss of freedom or privacy that comes with e-readers, namely the inability to read whatever a reader prefers without the possibility of being tracked.
[41][42] Features such as the ability to adjust font size and spacing can help people who have difficulty reading or dyslexia.
[45] E-readers can instantly download content from supported public libraries by using apps like OverDrive.
The Boox Note Air and Tab Ultra offer large screens, handwriting tools, and tablet-like power.
Unlike Kindle or Kobo, these devices display comics, magazines, and PDFs in full color.
It strips away apps and notifications, leaving only a crisp e-ink screen for reading and writing.
These large-screen e-readers are made for professionals who work with PDFs, diagrams, and detailed documents.
