EReaders Have Taken Over!

I just heard that Amazon is currently selling more eBooks than print books (105 eBooks to 100 print editions). As someone who uses eReaders, I am not surprised at the market penetration. I was surprised that the eBooks number does not include Free eBooks, so with that inclusion they are "selling" even more eBooks. With Father's Day and Graduations around the corner, an eReader would make a great gift. But which one to choose. (The information below is based on my own experiences and the thought process that I went through prior to asking for a Nook Color.)

Why Do I love eBooks?
I love eBooks for the convenience. No heavy books to tote around especially while traveling. Plus, I don't have to find storage for all of these books. An eBook reader also saves my place so no need to use a bookmark. I can change the type size or background color allowing me to read while doing other tasks - folding laundry, washing dishes, since I can make the font larger. I began using my iPod Touch as an eReader over a year ago. I started with the Kindle App and added the Nook app when it was released. When I upgraded from a regular cell phone to an Android phone, I also used the apps on my phone. For Christmas I received a Nook Color. We have also recently purchased an iPad which can be used as an eReader. So I have some familiarity with different eReaders.

Which eReader is Best?
This decision will be highly personal. It will depend on what features are important to you. The features I considered were: free reading resources, device flexibility, screen type, and size.

Reading Material Sources
I want flexibility is where I obtain my reading material. Amazon Kindle only supports a proprietary book format which needs to be obtained from them. The Nook, Sony eReader, and some others will read ePubs including those with Adobe Digital Editions DRM. My local library lends eBooks for free as part of my library card. The eBooks are lent through Overdrive Media. In the fall, these books were only available for Sony Reader and Barnes and Noble Nook/Nook Color. They have since launched apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android smart phones. Overdrive and Amazon are implementing a system to be launched later this year.

Device Flexibility
Some eReaders are just that, eReaders and nothing else. Others, like the iPad are full feature tablet devices. The Nook Color is in between an iPad and an eReader. The iPad has a full range of applications available to it including a web browser, email, calendar, contacts, games, social networking, office systems, and more. The Nook and Nook Color both have a web browser. The Nook Color is built on the Android operating system and has started rolling out applications.

Screen Type
One of the important choices for an eReader is the screen type. Traditional eReaders all sport an eInk screen which is supposed to be the easiest on the eyes. It is much like a book in that you can read it in bright sunlight, but will need a light at night. eInk screens use little power so the devices tend to have a long battery life. eInk screens are monochrome black and white and cannot support color books or magazines. The Nook Color and iPad have a full color backlit LCD screen. The color screen allows for full color web browsing, children's picture books, and magazines. Some people have reported eye strain or headaches with these screens. They have also been linked to difficulty falling asleep after reading on one at night. I do not get eye strain with the backlit LCD. I frequently read at night after my husband is asleep and have not experienced trouble sleeping, often falling asleep while reading. For me, the backlit was an advantage.

Another consideration is a touchscreen or a key pad. I am used to touch screens since I have had an iPod Touch for 3 years and use an Android phone. The keypad also adds non reading size to the device. One disadvantage to the touchscreen is when I am reading with my daughter. I have to be very careful when pointing to words to not turn the page.

Device Size
The dimensions and weight of the device are also factors in the selection of an eReader. The iPad is the largest and heaviest device. It is not as portable as an eReader and I find it a bit heavy for laying in bed. The Nook Color is about the same size as other dedicated eReaders, but is heavier. An Android phone or iPhone is the lightest option, but it is also the smallest.

My Thoughts:
iPad: This is a great device and I love our iPad (we have a first generation bought at a discount after the release of iPad2). It has great flexibility in that it has apps for the most major book sources available (iBooks, Kindle, Nook, Overdrive). There are also many children's picture books available in iBooks, the NookKids app, and as standalone apps.  However, I find it to large to carry with me everywhere and too heavy to read on in bed. The iPad 2 starts at $499 for a 16 GB WiFi only version.

Nook Color: This is my favorite of the eReaders. It has a large variety of children's books available including some Read to Me books that will narrate the book for your child. Nook also has a large assortment of children's chapter books available as the child grows. I am currently reading Magic Treehouse Books with my daughter on the Nook Color. The apps are not as sophisticated as an iPad, but it does have a decent mail program now. It is a reasonable size to carry in my purse (after I upgraded from barely a clutch). When we were in DC, I would bring it on the Metro and read to my daughter while on the trains or waiting for them. I found that a book jacket made the device a little easier to hold because of adding a bit of thickness. I do wish there were a few more apps - Facebook, a Calendar that syncs to Google (that does not require an additional $39.99 application). The Nook Color sells for $249.99.

Nook: My sister has a Nook. She preferred the eInk screen, longer battery life, and lighter weight to the Nook Color. It will not support the Children's Picture Books but does support children's chapter books. If I wanted eInk, I probably would have selected the Nook. The Nook sells for $149.

Kindle: The Kindle was not an option for me because it did not support the library books. However, with that feature coming, I would again consider it as an option. There are a number of free eBooks available on Amazon, but they tend to be the classics, Christian fiction, and erotica. Kindle is available in a WiFi version for $139 ($114 for an ad-supported version). Kindle 3G which supports 3G+WiFi for obtaining books is available for $189. The Kindle DX is also available for $379. It features a 9.7" display and 3G+WiFi.

Sony Reader: I did not seriously consider the Sony Reader since I really liked the backlit LCD screen. However, there are several downsides to the Sony Reader. From what I can see only the Daily Edition includes WiFi connectivity. Otherwise you have to download books on your computer and transfer to the reader. There are not Sony Reader apps for the iPhone or Android Market, so you can only read your books on the Sony Reader. I prefer the flexibility to use my phone if my eReader is not available. Another complaint I have about the Sony Reader is the availability of gift cards. I had to install the Sony Reader app on my laptop in order to purchase my aunt a gift card for her Sony Reader. This is a major inconvenience for friends and family to buy you a gift card. The Sony Reader is available in a Pocket version for $179.99 (5" screen), a Touch Edition for $229.99 (6" screen), and a Daily Edition for $299.99 (7" screen + WiFi+3G).

Smart Phone: As I mentioned, I was reading on my Smart Phone. I always said it was sufficient and I did not want another device. Fast forward 6 months, and I have not only a Nook Color but also an iPad. With my daughter, it is great for us to have multiple devices to share as a family. I do not regret either my Nook Color or my iPad. A Smart Phone is just too small for easy reading. Plus I was using my battery life by reading on the go. However, I like having an eReader app for my phone to use as a backup if I don't have my Nook Color with me.

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate and an affiliate of both Barnes and Noble and Apple iTunes. I receive compensation for sales through links to these sites. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links.

Game Review: Disney Apples to Apples

My daughter loves games. However we are finding that we are at a cross-roads where games are concerned. She has a lot of games and the preschool games are getting too easy for her. However, she is not ready for the more strategic games. She is able to read, so that opens a few more options too.

For Mother's Day, she really wanted to give me a game we could play together. We had all gone to Target and she was shopping with Daddy when I walked by. He suggested Disney Apples to Apples, but wanted my input since the age says 7+. I looked at the box and thought she would be able to play with help.

I was not familiar with Apples to Apples prior to this, so I had no idea what to expect. There are green cards with a descriptive word on them and red cards with things on them. The goal is to pick the best match for the descriptive word. For example, if the descriptive word was Fast you might select "Race" or "Wolves". In each round, one player is the judge and picks which card was the best match. The goal is to win 4 rounds first. I was a little worried about the judging of who had the best card, but you mix the cards up so the judge does not know who played which card. The game recommends 4-8 players, however we played with 3 and it was fine.

I was surprised at how well my daughter was able to play this game on her own. As we were setting it up, she went through the green apple cards and was able to read most of them. The game was great for her to practice her matching of characteristics. The Disney version also has Green Poison Apple cards which turns the tables so you have to pick the opposite of the descriptive word. She did have trouble when none of her cards matched the descriptor very well. However, she loved being the judge.

When we started we were helping her read the green apple cards when she was the judge. In the second game, we were only helping her if she asked. She picked the card and told us "Smiley" so we all picked something Smiley - a parade, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. Then, I looked down and noticed the green apple card actually said "Smelly". We continued playing the round as Smiley. After that we checked the cards my daughter was reading.

I recommend the Disney Apples to Apples game for children who are readers through adults. It will help to have some knowledge of Disney - movies, TV, and parks. My daughter can't wait to play again. This is a game that the adults can also have fun playing as opposed to some kids games which are monotonous for adults. Unfortunately, my husband is not a game person, so it will probably wait until we go to Grandma and Grandpa's again. There is also Apples to Apples Junior which the manufacturer recommends as 9 & Up.

Disclaimer: We purchased this game ourselves at full price. All opinions are my own. I am an Amazon Associate and receive compensation for sales through amazon links. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links.

Mother's Day Frame Craft

Today Michaels has a Mother's Day Frame Craft today from 6-8p. The event is for kids ages 3 and up. With the purchase of a frame, they will provide materials to decorate it for mom. Ready to finish wood frames are on sale this week at 3/$2 (regularly $1). This is a great affordable way to make a gift for Mom. Add a photo of Mom & her favorite kid(s). This is also a great gift for Grandma.

You could potentially opt for a larger frame and place a collage of pictures through the year. I gave my Mom a collage picture of her and my daughter 2  years ago. I think I am going to update it this year.

Kids can also make a Clay Pot Jewelry Box at Michaels on Friday, May 6 from 6-8p.

Clay Pot Jewelry Holder

On Friday, May 6 from 6-8p, Michaels will help kids make a Clay Pot Jewelry Holder for Mom. This Knack event is for kids ages 3 and up. The event is free with the purchase of a Clay Pot.

This looks like a really great gift for Mom or Grandma. I am thinking of taking my daughter to make one of these for my mom.

Kids Can Make Mother's Day Cards Tonight

Today from 6-8p, Michaels will help your kids create a Mother's Day Card. This Knack event is for kids ages 3 and up. After purchasing a flower, the kids will attach it to the card and create the decorations around it.

Even better, than the card, you get to send the kids shopping with Dad to make the card getting some alone time before the big day.

Free Dora the Explorer Episodes - First Day of School and More

Image From iTunes

In the First Day of School episode of Dora the Explorer, Boots and Tico head for their first day of school EVER.

This episode is currently free on iTunes. This will be a great episode to have for your child before they start school in the fall whether they are starting kindergarten at a new school or maybe younger and starting preschool for the first time. Free iTunes episodes are sometimes only free for a limited time, so I recommend "purchasing" the episode now.

Bark, Bark to Play Park, Dora's Jack in the Box, Dora Had a Little Lamb, and ABC Animals are also currently being offered for free.

Bark, Bark to Play Park is about Twins Day at Play Park and Dora will introduce her dog Perrito to his twin he hasn't seen since they were newborn pups.

In Dora's Jack in the Box, she is looking for a gift to cheer up her twin brother and sister who have been sick. She finds a dusty jack in the box on a high shelf at the toy store.

In Dora Had a Little Lamb, Dora and Boots wander through fairy tale land helping Little Lamb find her way back to Mary while also helping the Itsy Bitsy Spider, Humpty Dumpty and Peter Piper.

The animals are missing from the ABC book in ABC Animals. Dora and Boots travel through the book to find the letters.


Disclaimer: I am an iTunes affiliate and receive compensation for sales through iTunes links. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links. I am not compensated for free item downloads.

Make Your Own Book - A Deal to Get Started

Have you seen Blurb.com? You can design your own book. I love this concept because it goes beyond a standard photo book. You can create a black and white book starting at $2.95 or a color book starting at $12.95.

Image from Blurb.com

You can use their layout software or convert PDFs to make your book. I have digital scrapbook pages from when my daughter was an infant saved as PDFs. This is a great way for me to turn them into a bound book. Blurb books have an advantage over photo books in the way they incorporate text.

Some ideas they suggest are a year in review, a family cookbook, genealogy, and more. With graduations, weddings, Mother's Day, and Father's Day coming up there are plenty of great gift giving occasions coming up.

Today, Groupon is offering a $45 certificate for just $20. The promotional value of the Groupon expires on August 3, 2011. After that, the certificate will revert to $20 (the price you paid) and never expires.

Disclaimer: I am a Groupon affiliate and am compensated for sales through Groupon links. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links.

Get $35 of Mother's Day Flowers for just $15

Today Living Social is offering a great deal for Mother's Day flowers. For just $15, you get $35 of Mother's Day flowers (redeem 5/3-11/03/11) or for just $12 you can get $30 for post-Mother's Day flowers (redeem 5/10-11/03/11).  After November 3, the certificates will revert to the value you paid for them losing the promotional value.

The certificates are valid on sale items, but not on gift cards. I don't see any restrictions on combining with a coupon, but will not guarantee that you can use a coupon. FTD shipping or service fees apply to orders (currently $20.99 for Mother's Day weekend). You can decrease the service fee by surprising mom early and having it delivered early this week. However, there are some items that ship direct in a gift box and do not have these service fees although Saturday delivery will cost extra.

Disclaimer: I am a LivingSocial Affiliate and am compensated for sales through LivingSocial links. I appreciate your supporting my efforts by shopping through my links.