Category:

These basic devices are intended for reading ebooks and not much more. (We’ve included the more sophisticated devices from the same manufacturers in our post on tablets.)

Manufacturers and models:

• Amazon (Kindle, Kindle Touch)
• Barnes & Noble (NOOK Simple Touch, NOOK Color)
• Sony (Reader)

Pricing:

$79-199

Strengths:

• Enhanced features for reading, including variable display, dictionary support, search, notetaking, etc.
• Low cost
• Long battery life
• Single use (minimizes distraction)
• Wireless not required

Weaknesses:

• Single use

Killer applications:

• Ebooks

Things to consider and some opinions:

• These devices are designed for reading ebooks. If you want a device that does more, consider a tablet.
• While the use of these devices is limited, they are good at what they do. Not having access to a ton of other apps can also help students focus on reading. Having a few of these devices in a classroom or making them available for checkout from the library is a great way to encourage reading and provide some extra features like vocabulary support, searching, and variable display options.

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