Many students like to carry around an e-reader; this is an excellent alternative to carrying bulky books with hundreds of pages, most of which are difficult to fit into a backpack that’s already laden heavy with other material.
In this article, we have included a list of the best e-readers for students; you can freely browse through multiple brands offering devices that are suited to an average student’s price range.
Onyx Book Note Pro
The Onyx Book Note Pro is a scratch-resistant device that is designed to be able to withstand pressure; you won’t have to worry about this device getting damaged inside your backpack even when its sandwiched in between multiple heavy textbooks.
The screen spans 10.3 inches and had a brilliant, sharp, and clear display. This device will allow you to take handwritten notes using the pen that comes with it, which is a huge plus-point for students. It can store up to 32GB worth of data and is extremely lightweight and easy to carry.
Sony Digital Paper (DPTS1)
Sony’s Digital Paper has brilliant ease-of-access; for example, to zoom in, all you need to do is pinch the screen. Is it a remarkably simple device, yet powerful enough to support all your needs. For note-taking, though, you will need to link the e-reader to a Bluetooth keyboard that is synced to a Simplenote or Pocket account.
The device’s screen dimensions are 9.17 inches by 12.2 inches. This size is perfect for students and can easily fit into any bag, and also makes for a great reading experience.
Kobo Forma
Kobo is one of the leading e-reader names in the world, based in Canada. Kobo has customers across the globe. The Kobo Forma is a waterproof e-reader with an 8.0-inch screen. It comes with adjustable warm light, and also has an auto blue light reduction to keep your eyes safe and comes with helpful page turn buttons. The device is lightweight and easily portable, which makes it ideal for students who are always on the go.
Kobo Libra H20
The Kobo Libra is also waterproof but is slightly smaller with a 7.0-inch screen, and more light in weight than the Kobo Forma. However, it does not support Kindle eBooks but makes up for this by allowing you access to several public library options. Its storage space is lesser compared to the Kobo Forma but is a smart choice for students who are on a budget and cannot afford to buy an expensive e-reader.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a 6.0-inch glare-free screen with a 300-PPI backlit display that is made to offer a crisp and clear reading experience. There are 24 brightness levels to choose from, so you can make the text as dark as you like and snuggle in a cozy nook for a top-notch reading experience; there’s nothing better than having a good read in the dark. It offers 8GB worth of storage, which may not sound like much as first but is sufficient for text-based documents, like ebooks. It is also waterproof, which means you can pack it for a read by the pool when you’re taking a break from your studies.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite has an excellent battery life; you can use it for up to 6 weeks for 30 minutes a day with the Wi-Fi off, which is much longer than what’s offered by most other ebook reader devices.
Kobo Clara HD
The Kobo Clara is a great alternative to the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite; it maintains a 6.0-inch screen size, similar to the latest Kindle Paperwhite, and is one of the best options for students. This device offers 8GB worth of internal storage and weighs just over 150 grams, making it one of the lightest e-reader devices out there.
The Kobo Clara offers a comfortable viewing experience thanks to its ComfortLightPRO system that reduces blue light exposure, hence offering a wonderful night-time reading experience.
Amazon Kindle Oasis
The Amazon Kindle Oasis has one of the best screens ever and is well worth the cost. Though some college students may find it expensive, the Kindle Oasis comes with many perks, including access to thousands of books; you can even listen to audiobooks if you prefer that over reading.
It is much more comfortable to hold than a phone or tablet, thanks to its lightweight design and robust design. It has a 7.0-inch display size, similar to the Paperwhite. There are two storage options: 8GB and 32GB, and the price difference between both are quite shy.
Apple iPad
There isn’t much than an iPad cannot do; if you’re looking for a multifaceted device that you can enjoy a good read on, look no farther because Apple’s line of iPads may be exactly what you need. Granted, these devices cost more than the average e-reader, but they can do so much more, plus they’re in full-color, unlike the traditional e-reader, which offers only monochrome settings.
iPads tend to be heavier than e-readers, but that depends on the models you are comparing. If you’re keen on taking handwritten notes, you can pair your iPad with an Apple pen and be on your way. It is this flexibility offered by the iPad that makes it one of the best e-reader options out there.
E-Reader Buying Guide
Investing in an e-reader can be costly, so choose wisely. Before settling for a product, consider the following pointers:
Library
Different e-reader companies have different libraries; make sure the one you’re subscribing to is affordable and contains the general titles you’d like to read. Classics like The Catcher in the Rye are essential, but it’s nice to have newer titles from different niches, too.
Price
If you’re tight on budget, don’t invest in an expensive product. There aren’t many differences between more expensive and less costly options when it comes to e-readers. For example, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite can perform the same basic functions as the Amazon Oasis, which costs much more. Unless you really require specialized functions, you shouldn’t mind settling for an e-reader that costs an average amount.
Weight
Most people like their e-readers to be light in weight, or else holding on to them for longer periods of time can become uncomfortable and make your hand hurt. Not to mention, you’re likely to be carrying your e-reader with other things in your backpack, so lighter is definitely better.
Conclusion
There are many great devices on the market, but before buying one, do make sure that it’s suited to your unique needs. Hopefully, this guide will suffice in helping you make the right choice.