eReaders are, by definition, handheld devices designed for reading eBooks. They typically have monochrome screens made of E Ink technologies. They come with batteries that last for weeks and function as digital versions of paperback novels. Except you can hold thousands of novels in a package that’s a fraction of the size of a single paperback book. The first generation and most basic eReader models do this and not much more beyond being able to look up words in a built-in dictionary and highlight passages you want to reexamine later. But that is changing. More and more eReaders are coming to market that can do much more.
Premium eReaders Still Eliminate Distractions
Despite added functionality in the most premium models, eReaders are still designed to give you a break from smartphones and tablets. While you could technically read on another mobile device, it’s challenging to focus when there are so many distracting apps literally at your fingertips, from e-mail to social media and games, not to mention all those pop-up notifications. Plus, the brighter screens can be a strain on your eyes after a long reading session.
By contrast, premium eReaders offer additional functions that are relevant to your reading experience and other previously analogue activities, like taking notes and journaling. They allow you to enjoy audiobooks as well, run light web searches, and yes, sometimes access a limited selection of apps. These eReaders are a happy medium between a basic eReader and a full-fledged tablet. And there are wonderful ones on the market right now.
Kobo Elipsa 2E
The Kobo Elipsa 2E launched a year and-a-half ago but it remains a solid entry in the premium eReader category. It has a 10.3-inch screen like a tablet, but it’s an E Ink touchscreen. ComfortLight Pro helps reduce blue light and the strain it can cause on your eyes. Take notes using the included Kobo Stylus 2 as well as sketch, highlight passages in a book, underline text, write in margins, and make other annotations. Once done, export your notes to a compatible cloud service like Dropbox or Google Drive, even use MyScript to transform your handwriting into digital text. All your digital notes can be kept in the My Notebooks section, making this device great for brainstorming ideas or taking notes in class or a meeting while conserving your laptop’s battery life. With built-in speakers, you can also listen to audiobooks. It’s available for $500.
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Amazon Kindle Scribe
Amazon launched the Kindle Scribe two years ago, it’s first version of the eReader that functions like a digital notebook as well. In October 2024, the company launched an updated version of the Kindle Scribe. It has all the same features as the original, including a 10.2-inch screen with adjustable front light, a section for making notes or journal entries, and even the option to add handwritten sticky notes to pages as you read. Complementing the digital device is the battery-free basic or Premium Pen, the latter of which comes with an eraser that works just like a real one on pencil-written text, as well as customizable shortcut buttons. The newest version adds white borders on the screen and a smoother, paper-like texture, says Amazon. The Premium Pen, which you can buy separately or bundled, has been redesigned to feel more like an actual pen while the eraser now has a softer tip. A new feature called Active Canvas allows you to jot down thoughts directly in an eBook as they come to mind. When you do, the book’s text dynamically flows around your missives, and the layout doesn’t change even if you adjust the font size or style. Available starting December 4, the Amazon Kindle Scribe sells for $570 with the Premium Pen included.
BOOX Go 10.3 Monochrome Notepad
The lightweight BOOX Go 10.3 is technically an ePaper tablet that has a 10.3-inch Carta 1200 display and an ultra-thin chassis. Delivering text in black and white, you can take notes with it using Smart Scribe as well as the lasso tool. It’s powered by Android 12 so you can download and access apps from the Google Play Store. This could be considered distracting, but with the monochrome screen, chances are you’ll only be downloading apps that are relevant to your reading experience. The BOOX Go 10.3 offers a nice balance between eReader and tablet. It sells for US$380.
reMarkable 2 Tablet
The reMarkable 2 tablet is designed for taking notes, reading, and reviewing documents, effectively replacing paper notebooks and printed documents with a single digital device. But you still get the feel of writing on paper. Easily organize all your files, including notes, to-do lists, PDFs, and, of course, eBooks, in different folders. There’s no distraction of social media notifications popping up or the temptation to play games. Plus, you save your phone, tablet, and laptop’s battery life by using this when you need to focus. Convert handwritten notes to typed text and upload documents to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and more. It’s ultra-thin, too, with an amply sized 10.3-inch screen like the others. It sells for about $589, and it’s as close as you’ll get to using an actual piece of paper.
eReaders vs. Digital Notebooks
Some classify these devices are digital notebooks versus eReaders, creating a new category that ironically helps people disconnect while still technically remaining connected. They’re Goldilocks devices that you can pop into your bag, backpack, or briefcase and use in certain scenarios where you might otherwise pull out your laptop or tablet. You’ll find the experience of writing with a stylus refreshing, harkening back to the old days of pen and paper. Plus, all these digital notebooks still include the core feature you expect from an eReader: access to download, store, and enjoy all types of eBooks in a compact, lightweight device you can take with you anywhere.
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Related:
Kobo Libra Colour and Clara Colour review
