Archive for: ereader
We’ve seen the face of technology change a lot in a very short period of time. When the iPad hit the market many were wondering why it was even made. It didn’t seem to be more than just a larger version of the iPhone that didn’t make calls. Soon after that people started realizing what had just been unleashed on the world. Similar devices have been put into production and there are several alternatives but the iPad is still the most recognized brand on the market. This has led many to discuss how these devices are affecting the classroom and what it could mean for the future.
The iPad and other computer tablet devices are poised to take a huge step forward and possess the opportunity to become an integral part of the student’s life by becoming the new age notebook. These devices have programs that allow students to use word processing programs, read textbooks, and run applications. Perhaps the most important aspect is the reading programs that support school text. For both textbooks and classic books the computer tablet reading devices have the ability to be the first e-reader will be widely accepted by students.
Some schools are taking the concept of technology integration further than most. A school in Tennessee, as TechSpy reports, is now requiring every student to have iPads as the primary teaching method. From the iPad, children can brows through lesson plans, take tests, and write papers. Though this program is in it’s infancy, it’s likely that this approach will only become increasingly common as the cost of education, child population, and need for quality technological education and exposure increases. It’s hoped that though using many technologies, initially designed for entertainment, and refitting them for educational purposes, our educational system can begin to make up for its many deficits such a lack of teachers and outdated books.
Some argue that their effectiveness is only hampered by the huge cost to consumers. Though the iPad is quite expensive at first and the sticker shock and scare people away, it is a long-term money saving tool. One of the most attractive benefits of the iPad as an e-reader is that e-books will cost less compared to hard copies. Another benefit that makes the iPad attractive is that it brings more to the table than being a simple e-reader. It offers users a wide range of applications that goes far beyond reading a book and, in effect, becomes a single source for information and education.
These devices are beginning to change the landscape of the classroom. More and more people are using them in the classroom. There’re invaluable tools for anything from medical radiography courses to business classes. The apps that are being developed are mirroring this evolution and technology creeps further and further into the realm of education completely changes the way we learn.
How many iterations of the Kindle do we really need? Does it really matter in a world where the iPad has reigned supremeon a variety of levels? While the Kindle reportedly does one thing really well, which is serve as an ebook reader, the Kindle fall short in many areas but it looks like another Kindle version is coming out…does graphite excite you? If you’re like me, probably not.
Still the Graphite Kindle DX, reportedly $380, combines everything you loved about past models – Whispersync book syncing, free 3G wireless, the largest selection of ebooks around, and a physical keyboard. The new graphite body may look sleek, but apparently the screen is 50% sharper then past releases.
Some of the other new features include:
- no glare
- slimmer
- faster downloads (less than 60 seconds)
- longer battery life (up to 1 wk on a single charge)
- social network connectivity
If you’re an ebook reader that does nothing else than function as an ebook reader, the new Graphite Kindle DX might be for you.
Barnes and Nobles, who have been hanging on tightly to their Nook reader has finally decided to release an app on an Apple device, an move that Amazon was smart enough to do years ago with the release of their Amazon Kindle App. Purportedly the Kindle app does very well on Apple devices, and now with the iPad’s iBookstore, what type of reception will the BN app have on the iPad?
The BN eReader will stand up to some stiff competition in an already saturated market, but variety is the spice of life, right? It’ll be interesting to see how many people are swayed to this app and if habits will change from what they are already using currently.
In an excerpt from their announcement:
BN eReader for iPad is designed to offer an easy, yet sophisticated, customizable reading experience. Users can choose from multiple ways to view their library, including professionally designed themes with elegant and complementary text and page colors, as well as fonts; and instantly switch between portrait and landscape views based on personal preference. BN eReader for iPad users can further personalize their reading experience with unparalleled options: literally millions of colors for text, pages, highlights and links; eight typefaces and five text sizes; and a variety of margins and customizable spacing options.
What I see as a huge win for the app is the support of the Nook’s “LendMe” technology, which allows users to share certain eBooks with their friends. This is made easier with the integration of the iPad’s address book. The book loan is good for 14 days, which is more than enough time to introduce the reader to a new author, series, or genre which BN hopes will be enough to drive sales.
A similar app has been available on the iPhone and iTouch as of last year, but still so late to the game, I’m personally not aware of anyone using the BN app, with the majority opting to use the Amazon Kindle app instead. Do you have a preference and if so, are you a fan of the BN app?
The EBook Market is hotting-up very rapidly with every man and his dog looking to make a quick buck (pun intended) on this new way of reading. Amazon revolutionised eReaders but now ASUS have announced their DR-900 EReader at CeBIT today.
ASUS, who are rapidly making a name for themselves with low-end electronics such as netbooks, may well be the perfect candidate to bring EReaders down to an affordable level. This new model will have a huge touch screen (1024 x 768 pixels), WiFi with a 3G option, 4GB of internal memory and a great interface from the screenshots I’ve seen.
It will support numerous popular file formats such as PDF, TXT, ePUB and Mp3 (there is also a 3.5mm headphone jack). I think this will be a great device. We’re still waiting to hear exact prices and launch dates from ASUS. I would be surprised if it wasn’t out by late summer.
Reading the Bible, for those who are interested can be difficult in some regards. The most obvious being that the thing is huge with thousands of years worth of literature crammed in one binding, not exactly making it a pocket-sized reader.
iBible is a web app which makes reading and referencing the Bible easy.
Basically, because it’s all so simple and plain; consisting mostly of buttons for each chapter and the rest being text, loading it on any device connected to the internet is quick and easy. This makes it suitable for PC users as well as when you’re on the go such as on a mobile phone using GPRS Internet, a PSP or iPhone.
It’s available in several languages including English, French, German and Polish. The home screen is where you select you language and the screens after this whittle your choice down from Testament, to books, to chapters such as the one I read; Genesis 6.
