eReader Essentials

Essentials differ from accessories in that they are more functional in nature. While accessories add value to a mobile device like an eReader, the attributes of essentials can make them more necessary than accessories. For example, an ebook reader will stop running without a charger, which is an essential, even if it has a cover, which is an accessory.

Ebooks Explained

Ebooks are digital books that have to be read on an eReader, which is a device that takes electricity. The electricity comes from a USB connection, a wall or AC charger, a vehicle adapter, or the built-in battery. Some eReaders like Barne’s and Noble’s nook and Amazon’s Kindle have USB ports which can power other devices like a LED light, but even if you own an iPad, which doesn’t come with a USB port, you can get clip-on, battery-powered lights.

Ebook Storage

USB cables are not just for charging your mobile device. Most of the time, your ereader will be capable of transferring files to and from your PC or Mac. Files get stored on internal storage devices, which are usually miniature flash drives, but most ebook readers have expansion capabilities by allowing users to add MicroSD cards to boost storage capacity. SanDisk, which invented MicroSD, is one of the more popular brands, but there are others like Kingston which also make MicroSD cards. SD is an acronym for Secure Digital.

Light Accessories

While E Ink, which is used in the reading display on both the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble’s nook, is made to be readable in direct sunlight, it doesn’t help much at night or in the dark, which is where extra lighting comes in. There are two types of light power sources and two types of light bulbs. Lights can be powered by the device via USB or by battery. And light bulbs can be incandescent or LED, LED being the most efficient. Efficiency is key when running on batteries-you want to get as much light as you can without draining your resources. This is why most ereader lights are LED. But just because the light is efficient doesn’t mean that it is weak or soft light. Some lights are actually very bright and users have commented that they are actually too bright. iPad users might not need external lights as the screen is backlit, but may find it hard to read in direct sunlight because of the glare on the shiny screen.