I was one of the early eBook readers–I was also an early eBook author. Illegally Dead was published in 2004 by the now defunct Pendulum Press. I must say I was ahead of the curve. My writer friends made it perfectly clear that eBooks didn’t count. (They count now!)
I started out using the eReader application and read over a hundred books on my various, evolving Palm devices. When I acquired my iPhone, I downloaded both the Kindle app and the eReader app. Over time, I switched exclusively to the Kindle app. I used a Kindle for a while, but sold it and now read on either my iPad or my iPhone.
I had a few dollars left on a Barnes and Noble gift card and decided to give the B&N Nook application a try. It wasn’t because I’m dissatisfied with my Kindle app. I have an iTunes account and the iBooks app, which I use from time to time. I’ve also downloaded OverDrive Media Counsel, which is the program that allows downloads of Adobe EPUB ebook files for the iPhone and iPad from the Broward County Library (and others).
Those are my credentials to compare the readers.
While all of the applications allow mobile downloads and selectable font size, there is sizable variation with other features. Keep in mind, however, that all the apps get the job done, providing an efficient digital read.
| Website | Amazon | eReader | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | Broward County Library |
| See link below | See link below | See link below | See link below | See link below or search for other libraries | |
| Ease of use | Simple when familiar | Simple when familiar | Simple when
familiar |
Simple when
familiar. Layout is easiest to browse. |
Rather cumbersome, if you ask me. |
| Variety of selections | Huge | Huge | Huge | Huge | Limited. Also, the reader can only have a limited number of downloads active at one time. |
| Cost | Varies but there are inexpensive and free reads available. It’s harder to find the inexpensive books. | Varies | Varies | Varies. Has an under $5 link clearly posted | Free |
| Availability | Immediate | Immediate | Immediate | Immediate | Some immediate, but it’s
common to “Place a hold” and receive an email when available |
| The Application | Kindle | eReader | iBooks | Nook | OverDrive |
| Library | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3 week limit |
| Archive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | none |
| Mobile download | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sync to another device | Yes | No | No | Yes, seamlessly | No |
| Pagination | Numbers are the same on different devices but are different from print version | Numbers are different when reading on the iPad versus the iPhone | Numbers are different when reading on the iPad versus the iPhone | Page numbers are the same on the different devices. | Numbers are different when reading on the iPad versus the iPhone |
| Screen color | Black, white, or sepia | Multiple themes | White | Black, white, and sepia themes | White |
| Page Turning | Tap or swipe | Selectable to swipe or tap, not both at the same time | Tap or swipe | Tap or swipe | Tap or swipe |
| Dictionary | Internally linked, seamless. (The most efficient) Has online options. | Links to dictionary downloaded as part of the service | Links to embedded dictionary | Links to dictionary with online options as well | None |
| Search | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Extras | pdf reader included |
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooks/index.asp
http://broward.lib.overdrive.com
If you’ve discovered a cool feature or a way to access something I got wrong or excluded, make a comment. I’ll update the table if there are enough replies.
Keep reading.
GEB
Gregg's Blog 
I received the following comment via email from Mary Costantino: “My last attempt to comment did not succeed somehow. I use the application Stanza on my IPod. Free, easy to use, has several libraries to choose from, I only have used the free libraries. Was recommended in the last chapter of IPODS FOR DUMMIES –author claimed it was better than the kindle application. ”
My reply: “I downloaded Stanza and will check it out, then maybe, add a column to my chart. On first glance it looks like a good program.”
GEB
Nice comparison! I am using a lot annotations and notes. It may be useful for other readers as well to know how easy it is to use annotations.
I am also now trying Stanza, therefore adding it to comparison would be nice.
I invite you to send me the info on Stanza. I downloaded it and looked it over a while ago, but didn’t have the energy to rip into it at that point. GEB