List of Ebook Readers
with Extra Capabilities and Better Value for Money

Need a list of ebook readers that offer excellent value for the money? The ereader market today is divided into two. There are ebook readers dedicated to digital reading, which means they just display ebooks for reading and all their features are connected to this function. On the other hand, there are multi-purpose e-reading devices that also double as a versatile multimedia device.

So if you’re looking for an ebook reader that’s worth buying, then look for one that you can use for more purposes, i.e. an ereader/multimedia device or perhaps a tablet. Here’s a list of the best, most versatile, and most useful ebook readers around.

What Makes A Versatile Ebook Reader?

These versatile ebook readers refer to ereaders that can supports various media formats. To be more specific, they can display and store photos, play music, play videos, and so on. They usually have support for various image, audio, and video formats. Common image formats supported are JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP. For audio, most ereaders support MP3; some even allow you to play music in the background while you read your favorite books.

For video, they usually support MP4 or WMV. In a way, they are almost like tablet computers. In fact, the famous iPad from Apple is considered an alternative for ebook readers because it can also read ebooks but also offers plenty of other capabilities.

Apple iPad 2 – The Ultimate Tablet E-Reader

The Apple iPad is the most successful and most famous tablet computer there is. Despite its limitations, it is considered well ahead of its time, and consumers find it hard to resist. And with the release of the iPad 2, Apple has won over more consumers. The device, now thinner and lighter than its predecessor, is difficult to put down once you hold it, which makes it a great ebook reader as long as you have the correct e-reading app.

And with Apple’s iBooks, that problem is solved. Aside from e-reading, the iPad 2 can be used for a hodgepodge of other purposes, such as checking e-mail, surfing the web, social networking, watching movies, listening to music, and so on. It also has, not one, but two cameras. It is also ultra sleek, and its unique rounded edges make it easier and more comfortable to hold for a longer period.

The original Apple iPad captured around 80% of the tablet market in the US. And if the iPad 2 is better than the iPad, it’s pretty obvious how the equation ends. If you’re willing to spend $499 for a tablet that can read ebooks, this is definitely the top choice in the market.

Cruz T301 Tablet

If you want a tablet e-reader but can’t afford the high-end iPad 2, you can check out the Cruz T301 Tablet from Velocity Micro. Running on Android 2.0, this tablet is another well-versed multimedia device that also allows you to read ebooks anytime and anywhere. With a significantly lower price of just $250, the Cruz T301 is definitely on top of the list of ebook readers-slash-tablet that budget-conscious consumers should consider. Featuring a crystal clear capacitive touchscreen display, in this respect, it doesn’t go too far from the iPad 2. With the capacitive touchscreen, the device is easy to navigate through using just your fingers. Users find the device very responsive to prompts on the screen.

In terms of e-reading, the device offers a highly satisfactory experience and it goes beyond the basics too. With the built in dictionary, you get instant support for when you come across unfamiliar words.

In terms of its other functionalities, the tablet offers quite a deal. It comes with the OfficeSuite, as well as notepad, calendar, and alarm clock apps. For more applications, you can also access the official Android app store and download easily from there.

Looking very much like the iPad 2 but a few levels less sleek, the Cruz T301 tablet is also worth a second look. In short, if the iPad 2 seems too much of an investment, this is the better alternative.

Augen’s The Book E-Reader

Another device on the list of ebook readers with extra functionalities is the Augen “The Book” e-reader. While the two other products are tablets that can read ebooks, the Augen is really intended to be an ebook reader. This is why instead of being an iPad clone, it is usually considered as a Kindle clone, except that while the Kindle is dedicated to digital reading, The Book from Augen adds a bit more to the mix.

The Augen is way more affordable than the iPad 2 and the Cruz T301. For this, you do have to make some sacrifices. But if you compare it with other ebook readers, such as the Kindle, the Augen seems pretty versatile. One way of looking at it is that the Augen ereader is the middle ground between a tablet and a dedicated ereader.

Boasting of video and audio support, but priced almost similarly to the Kindle, The Book is quite a bargain. In fact, it even comes with the same Text to Speech feature as what the Kindle offers. This is definitely a great choice when it comes to ereaders that offer better value for the money.

So Which Product is For You?

The major difference among these three products on this list of ebook readers with extra capabilities is the price. One way to choose is to determine your budget. After all, if it’s e-reading that you’re after, all of them more or less offers a satisfactory experience. If you’ve got cash to spare, then the iPad 2 is the ultimate choice. If not, the Cruz T301 and the Augen ebook reader offers pretty great fallback options.

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