Can Cheap Handheld Ebook Readers Any Good?

Gadget news says that 2010 is going to be year ofa cheap handheld ebook reader. For example you
the handheld ebook reader. But, whilst the likes ofcannot download material directly to the device
the Kindle DX or Que may be loved by some, theirwirelessly. Instead you must download titles to a
price puts them out of reach for most consumers.computer, than transfer them with a USB cable. Also
So can cheaper ebook reading devices be any good?extra features such as 'text to speech', touchscreen
Firstly let us define a Cheap Handheld Ebook Reader.technology and auto rotating landscape to portrait will
These are still complicated and let's be honest, fornot be yours if you spend under $200.
the most part luxury gadgets. We could all carrySome of the cheaper readers are a tad on the
around books and papers rather than one compact'clunky side', and some do not offer recognition of
electronic reader. So, these are not going to belots of formats. You must check out the reviews
throwaway purchases, and by cheap we must lookbefore choosing. But the Sony Pocket Edition is one
at those electronic readers that are currently pricedof the most lightweight at under 8 ounces, one of
under $200.the smallest (fitting neatly into your pants pocket)
There are a few well known and not so well knownand one with the most versatile set up for
readers available for under $200. The most popularrecognising different file formats. Plus of course (it is
has to be the Sony Pocket Edition (Sony PRS 300a Sony after all) it looks good, sleek and modern,
BC). But is it any good compared to the morejust as you would expect from a modern personal
expensive types. Well, if you want a reader so youelectronics gadget.
can read electronic books then it is indeed good. InBut, if you want a reading device to read books
fact with this reasonably priced gadget you cancheaply and anywhere you like cheap handheld ebook
access literally over a million books online plus overreaders can be more than good. They can be better
500,000 that are free from Google (though these arethan the more expensive alternatives. Because unless
old out of copyright titles that many will not find thatyou plan on using all the features you get with an
desirable). When you compare that to the 360,000expensive gadget you are simply wasting money for
titles that are compatible with the Kindle DX (that isthe sake of name and style. If you actually need a
$200 more expensive) you can see that this aspectlarge screen or to be able to view business files and
of the cheap Sony reader is fantastic.maps you need a more expensive item. But most of
There are of course things that you cannot do withus, just want to read a book.