If you’ve ever studied with a textbook, you know how incredibly bulky and heavy they can be. The best e-readers for textbooks are a compact and portable alternative, and allow you to take your textbooks on the go, with the added benefit of shortcuts like keyword search and bookmarking. There’s a lot to consider when shopping for an e-reader that works for your needs and lifestyle, so here are some tips to get you started.
Before purchasing, current students should find out if and where their school’s textbooks are available as a digital download for rent or purchase. While all of the options on this list allow you to upload textbook files that you can then read, if your textbooks are available in a third-party app (as opposed to Amazon’s Kindle store, which can be accessed at all devices below), you’ll want to make sure the app is compatible with the device you choose.
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Next, consider the layout. While it may be tempting to use an e-reader that you can read novels or literature on, if your textbooks include diagrams, pictures, or color-coded information, a classic e-reader might not be the best option. instead, you’d be better off with a full color tablet. however, because tablets offer all the best in entertainment (read: distractions), you might be better off with a basic black-and-white e-reader if your textbooks are mostly text. you’ll want to consider your specific needs as well as your learning style when making this decision.
Battery life, durability, and screen size are also things to consider. scroll from the best e-readers for textbooks, below.
1. the best e-reader & tablet for textbooks
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You may know the Amazon Fire HD Tablet as a handy device for streaming and gaming, but its large screen and seamless integration with the Kindle app also make it a great choice for reading textbooks digitally. The 10.1-inch screen is larger than most e-readers (including the original Kindle), and since Fire has a full-color display and an HD display, you get the full experience reading textbooks with pictures. , charts and diagrams. Whether you choose the 32-gigabyte or 64-gigabyte model, you’ll have plenty of storage space for multiple textbooks. One note: None of Amazon’s e-readers are technically compatible with EPUB files, but there are a couple of workarounds; You can convert EPUB files to MOBI files, or download a non-Amazon app from another website or app store by changing some permissions in settings.
fire hd comes with a form-fitting protective case in four colors of your choice, and the built-in kickstand lets you view the screen comfortably without holding it. Plus, the tablet’s battery can last 12 hours on a single charge and recharges quickly via a USB-C cable.
Helpful review: “Perfect for what I need! Stores a whole library of books!”
2. best for text-only textbooks
If your books are text-heavy and you want the simplicity of an e-reader without the added distractions of a tablet, Amazon’s Kindle Oasis is a great option. The simple 7-inch black-and-white display uses e-ink technology, so it’s glare-free and reads like real paper. You can adjust the heat of the screen to your preference to reduce strain on your eyes, which is helpful if you’re studying late into the night.
oasis is also the only waterproof e-reader on the list and features two page turn buttons so you can easily flip from page to page. Since the Oasis is an Amazon product, it offers easy integration with the Kindle app for one-click downloading of books, but unlike other e-readers, the Oasis can also upload regular textbook files, Mobi, PDF, and more. txt. it can be purchased in 8- or 32-gigabyte capacities, both of which offer plenty of storage space for novels and textbooks.
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an important note: like the other amazon tablets on this list, the kindle oasis does not support epub files. you’ll need to convert your epub files to mobi files to be able to read them on this device by downloading some free software, but if that’s a deal breaker for you, go for the apple ipad next.
helpful review: “very nice screen, easy to read without strain or fatigue. i think this is the best kindle reader ever, worth upgrading just for the warm light. i read books from text with a lot of detail in the figures, and they come out easy. also better contrast for pdf’s. the front light is very soft and without smears.”
3. waste with an 11-inch screen
Like the Kindle Fire, the Apple iPad Pro is an upgrade from a standard e-reader, but its advanced functionality lets you do a lot more with the textbooks you download (like use the compatible Apple Pencil to easily annotate ). ipad is the largest tablet and e-reader featured here, with an 11-inch liquid retina display for vivid viewing of full-color textbooks and other reading materials, as well as any videos or games between sessions study. If you want to get a closer view of what you’re reading, simply double-tap your iPad screen with two fingers to zoom in and out, or press and hold to copy and paste a selection into a document for taking notes.
With the Kindle app installed, you get full access to Amazon’s library of textbooks and other reading materials, and since this iPad has built-in Wi-Fi, you can transfer PDFs and EPUBs to your device wherever you are. It also has the most storage on the list, ranging from 128 gigabytes to 2 terabytes, depending on how much you’re willing to shell out. On a full charge, the iPad’s battery will last up to 10 hours and recharges quickly with a Lightning connector. Plus, you’ll get enhanced features like Face ID, four-speaker audio, and a True Depth Camera, making this a choice that goes way beyond the textbooks. Although the iPad’s slim, lightweight design gives it a sleek look, it’s a bit more fragile than other e-readers or tablets on this list, so it’s a good idea to invest in a protective case.
helpful review: “this tablet is amazing! so incredibly fast! love the apple pencil and the magic keyboard is a must!”
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