iPad FAQ Sheet

Can I use OverDrive?
Yes!

Do I need a separate computer to use OverDrive?
No, with the OverDrive application for the iPad, you can select, checkout, download, read, and return books directly on the iPad.

How many books will it hold?
The iPad is available with 16GB, 32 GB, or 64GB of memory. The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, is 453KB in the EPUB format, so a 16GB iPad could hold about 35,320 copies of The Help. Of course, not all 16GB is available for storing books; the operating system occupies some of that memory.

How long does the battery last?
* Built-in 25-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
* Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
* Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system

Can I read the screen in sunlight?
The LED backlit display gives an effect that is more like a computer monitor than a page in a book, and can be hard to read in strong daylight. However, there are anti-glare screen protectors that can be purchased separately, and the brightness of the display itself can be adjusted from within the reader applications. The background can be changed from white to a pale sepia.

Screen resolution?
1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)

Size? Weight?
Height, 9.50 inches (241.2 mm); Width, 7.31 inches (185.7 mm); Depth: 0.34 inch (8.8 mm); about 1.33 pounds (601 g)

How large / how many sizes can I make the words display?
The font size is adjustable from within the OverDrive reader app in nine (9) steps, from 64 lines per page (very small) to 23 lines per page (very large) in portrait mode. The font size, as well as the font face, can be similarly adjusted from within the other reading apps.

How do you turn the page?
Touch or swipe the screen from right to left to turn to the next page, or from left to right to go to the previous page.

Does it remember my place?
Yes, when you reopen a book you were reading, it opens at the last page you were reading. You can also set bookmarks and go to the beginning of any chapter.

How much does it cost?
A new iPad 2 starts at $499 for the WiFi-only model with 16GB of storage, and runs all the way up to $829 for WiFi + 3G with 64GB of storage. My Library bought a refurbished iPad 1 with 16GB and WiFi for $349.

Do I have to subscribe to a service?
The WiFi model works with any wireless network. The WiFi+3G model works with both wireless and with the 3G cellphone network. The 3G service can be turned on and off as needed in a pay-as-you-go system; no contract commitment is required.

Are the batteries self-replaceable or does it need to be sent in when they die?
The batteries are not replaceable. When the battery is no longer holding a charge, you can send your iPad to Apple and receive a replacement iPad for a $99 service fee. (Free, if it’s a new iPad still in the warranty period.)

Can I use it with multiple formats?
Yes. In addition to the OverDrive app for borrowing books, there is a Kobo app, a Barnes & Noble Nook app, all of which offer books in the EPUB format. There is an Amazon Kindle app, supporting Amazon’s proprietary amz format. There is also Apple’s own iBooks app, which lets you purchase and read books from the iBookstore. There are apps to read and create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations that are compatible with Microsoft Office Suite. Articles from our EBSCO subscription databases can be read, whether they are in PDF or HTML format.

Can it connect to the Internet?
Yes. With a web browser (Safari is already installed) you can visit any website. The only limitation is that the iPad does not support Adobe Flash, so a few sites will not display properly.

Can I use it to watch video?
You can play videos at YouTube. You can watch streaming video from Netflix using the Netflix app for iPad, but you can’t watch streaming video from Amazon.

What else does it do?
The iPad can send and receive email, surf the Web, store your photos, music, and videos, keep your calendar and your notes, and display maps. The iPad with WiFi+3G gives you real-time navigation instructions using GPS. Because of the large format and the screen resolution, the iPad works comfortably with most websites without having to resort to a special mobile app. It has a true multi-touch screen and the web browser display can be zoomed in and out easily by “pinching” the display with two fingers.

Conclusion?
Excellent general purpose computer, in addition to offering a great reading experience. I would recommend the iPad to anyone who wants basic functions such as access to email, the Web, photos, music, e-books, shopping online, etc., but who has never used a traditional computer with a keyboard and mouse. It's also a fine device for experienced computer users who travel or frequently attend offsite meetings and conferences.

Where can I get more information?
http://www.apple.com/ipad/

UPDATE: For the best searching and browsing experience in OverDrive, you'll want to use the iPad's web browser to select and check out your e-book, and then sign into your OverDrive account from the iPad to download the books to your iPad. Or you can select a book to borrow using a more traditional desktop or laptop computer. The app isn't quite there yet, and won't, for example, let you specify "show me all ePUBs that are available to borrow right now," like the OverDrive website will. Soon, though!

Kindle FAQ Sheet

Can I use OverDrive?
Not yet, but stay tuned for news later this year. Amazon and Overdrive have announced that they will have an agreement that will serve Kindle users.

Do I need a separate computer to use OverDrive?
We don’t know yet, but since the Kindle is WiFi-enabled, I think it will probably be able to access Overdrive without using a separate computer.

How many books will it hold?
With 4GB of internal storage (approximately 3GB available for user content), the newest Kindle holds up to 3,500 books.

How long does the battery last?
A single charge lasts up to two months with wireless off based upon a half-hour of daily reading time. If you read for one hour a day, you will get battery life of up to one month. Keep wireless always on and it lasts for up to 3 weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store, web browsing, and downloading content. Fully charges in approximately 4.5 hours via the included U.S. power adapter. Also supports charging from your computer via the included USB 2.0 cable.

Can I read the screen in sunlight?
Yes. The Kindle’s E -nk Pearl screen reflects light like ordinary paper and uses no backlighting, eliminating the glare associated with other electronic displays.

Screen resolution?
600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi (pixels per inch), 16-level gray scale

Size? Weight?
Two sizes: 7.5" x 4.8" x 0.335", 6” display (measured diagonally), 8.5 ounces; and the Kindle DX, 10.4" x 7.2" x 0.38”, 9.7” display, 18.9 ounces.

How large / how many sizes can I make the words display?
There are eight (8) adjustable font sizes and three (3) choices of fonts.

How do you turn the page?
There are buttons on each side of the Kindle for moving to the next page and the previous page, so it’s easy to turn the page no matter which hand you are holding it with.

Does it remember my place?
Yes, when you reopen a book you were reading, it opens at the last page you were reading. You can also set bookmarks and go to the beginning of any chapter.

How much does it cost?
Four models range from $114 (6”, WiFi, new) to $379 (9.7”, WiFi + 3G, new).

Do I have to subscribe to a service?
No. The WiFi model works with any wireless network. The WiFi+3G model works with both wireless and with the 3G cellphone network. The Kindle’s 3G connectivity is paid for by Amazon. There are no additional fees charged to the Kindle user.

Are the batteries self-replaceable or does it need to be sent in when they die?
The batteries are not replaceable. When the battery is no longer holding a charge, you will have to send your Kindle back to Amazon for service. The replacement is covered by the one-year warranty. A two-year warranty is available at extra cost.

Can I use it with multiple formats?
Yes. Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.

Can it connect to the Internet?
Yes, it uses a browser based on WebKit, but it is still considered experimental.

Can I use it to watch video?
No.

What else does it do?
It can read some books and periodicals to you using text-to-speech. Some books can be loaned for 14 days to a friend with another Kindle. The first chapters of most Kindle books can be read for free. Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are available to read on Kindle, including titles such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, and Treasure Island. Built-in dictionary. Built-in access to Wikipedia. Highlight and annotate your books. Search function. Full QWERTY keyboard. Manually rotate screen between portrait and landscape orientation. In addition to getting books from Amazon, the Kindle can also receive digital magazine and newspaper subscriptions.

Conclusion?
The small controls still make the Kindle difficult to use for persons with vision impairments, and while the font can be controlled for the books themselves, the displays for the table of contents, the Amazon store, and other screens cannot be changed. But once the book has been opened and the font size and style selected, all the user has to do is turn the pages and turn the Kindle off when they’re done. (Or let it go into sleep mode.) The E-Ink technology is much easier on the eyes for extended reading than an LCD display. The Read-to-Me feature is a big plus for books and also for periodicals. Overall, the Kindle is an excellent choice for a reader who travels and doesn’t want to carry a heavy pile of books, or who wants the instant delivery of the latest bestsellers, or who can’t always get the book they want in large print, or who just likes the light weight of the Kindle compared to the latest Ken Follett tome.

Where can I get more information?
http://www.amazon.com/

Barnes & Noble Nook 1st Edition FAQ Sheet

Nook 1st Edition

Can I use OverDrive?
Yes!

Do I need a separate computer to use OverDrive?
Yes. While the Nook does support Web browsing wherever there is a wireless connection available, downloading ebooks directly to the nook is not [yet] supported. E-books must first be downloaded to a computer with Overdrive Media Console and Adobe Digital Editions, then transferred to the Nook via its USB cable.

How many books will it hold?
The Nook 1st Edition comes with 2GB of memory that can store up to 1,500 books and periodicals, and is expandable up to 16GB additional memory with a microSD™ memory card. (Some of that capacity may be reserved for content purchased from the Barnes & Noble NOOK Store.) The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, is 453KB in the EPUB format, so the Nook could hold at least 2,207 copies of The Help if you only borrowed them from OverDrive.

Where else besides OverDrive and Barnes & Noble can I get books?
Any online vendor that offers the EPUB, PDB, or PDF formats.

How long does the battery last?
Up to 10 days with the wireless off.

Can I read the screen in sunlight?
Yes, the reading area of the Nook 1st Edition uses glare-free E-Ink technology and reads just like paper in sunlight.

Screen resolution?
No data on the Nook website, but the screen is 6”, measured diagonally, and appears to be the same resolution as the 6” Kindle: 600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi (pixels per inch)

Size? Weight?
 7.7 inches by 4.9 inches by 0.5 inches; 12.1 ounces (NOOK 3G+Wi-Fi); 11.6 ounces (NOOK Wi-Fi)

How large / how many sizes can I make the words display?
There are 6 font sizes with 3 font styles.

How do you turn the page?
Buttons on each side of the reading area are used to move back and forward a page at a time.

Does it remember my place?
Yes, when you reopen a book you were reading, it opens at the last page you were reading. You can also set bookmarks and go to the beginning of any chapter.

How much does it cost?
The Nook 1st Edition with WiFi currently lists for $119, and with WiFi + 3G (AT&T) for $169, if purchased directly from Barnes & Noble. Refurbished Nook 1st editions may be found at some online dealers.

Do I have to subscribe to a service?
No, there are no monthly fees for the 3G access.

Are the batteries self-replaceable or does it need to be sent in when they die?
The battery is self-replaceable, and a replacement battery can be purchased from a number of online vendors.

Can I use it with multiple formats?
The Nook 1st edition supports these formats for eBooks, graphics, audio, and other file types, transferred from your computer using the USB cable, or from the microSD card: EPUB (including Non or Adobe DRM); PDB; PDF; Graphics: JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP; Audio: MP3. Our EBSCO subscription database includes many popular full-text magazine titles in PDF; these files can be downloaded to your computer and transferred to the Nook 1st Edition for later reading. (Not Supported: DOC, LIT, TXT, AMZ (Amazon), LRZ/LRX (Sony))

Can it connect to the Internet?
Yes, there is a web browser built-in. Web browsing is possible, but awkward and limited because of having to switch focus from the touch screen-- which gives only a keyhole sized view of any webpage--to the E-Ink reading area and back again.

Can I use it to watch video?
No, there is no supported video format.

What else does it do?
Find a particular word or passage, add highlights and notes, look up a word in the built-in dictionary. Play music while reading. Loan purchased books to your friends who have a Nook or the Nook app. Download a free sample of any B&N e-book before buying it. Store and display your photos and play your music or audiobooks in the supported formats. It has built-in speakers, but a headset is recommended for the best sound. Use your own images as screensavers. It comes with Chess and Sodoku already installed. Airplane mode turns off the WiFi so that it can’t be accidentally re-enabled. In addition to books, you can subscribe to many newspapers and periodicals that will be delivered wirelessly as soon as a new edition is available.

Conclusion
A good value for a dedicated E-Reader (as opposed to the more general purpose computer capabilities of the Nook Color). For a patron with vision challenges, I’d recommend the Nook 1st Edition over any of the Kindles, because of the nice, bright, touch screen navigation feature that takes the place of the Kindle keyboard and its tiny buttons.

Where can I get more information?
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/nook1-features/379002734/

Choosing an E-Reader

Color Nook

Are you ready to take the plunge and buy an e-reader? Or maybe you have an older model and are ready to trade it in for something newer? Confused by all the choices? Me,too! That's why I wrote a short FAQ for each of the five e-readers that my library currently owns, plus one for my own general-purpose Android tablet. This is only a sample of what's available right now, and doesn't include devices like smartphones, which people presumably purchase for reasons other than just reading books.

When choosing an e-reader, you first want to think about how you want to use it. Will you be using it mostly to read the latest bestsellers? Will you be subscribing to a daily newspaper or monthly magazine? Do you want to be able to borrow ebooks from your library, or access the newspapers and magazines that are in the library's subscription databases? Do you have documents, either personal or work-related, of your own that you want to be able to read at odd moments like waiting in line at the supermarket or in the doctor's office? Do you want a device that you can also use to read your email and surf the Web, or do you want to keep those functions entirely separate?

Your next consideration should be your experience of how intuitive the device is to use, and how comfortable you think it will be to read for long periods of time. This is where the difference between e-Ink screens and backlit LED screens really matters. Are you going to want to read outdoors, or will most of your reading be indoors? Can you turn the pages with either hand, or will you get tired of holding the device the same way all the time? The only way to find out what's right for you is to try out as many e-readers as you can get your hands on. The big-box stores like Staples and Best Buy now carry a variety of e-readers that you can try, but also check with your local library, which may have one or more e-readers for you to try out or even borrow and take home.

In the next few entries, I'll post the FAQs.