Things to consider when choosing a tablet or ereader

I've been leading/teaching/conducting/facilitating Gadget Petting Zoos at several Kent District Library branches, giving people the opportunity to try out various types of devices that can be used for reading books, especially downloadable library books.  Here's a list of things I think are important to consider when trying to choose between the multitude of dedicated ereader and tablet gadgets (so you don't get bitten).

1. Weight – if you are going to be carrying it or holding it for longer periods of time, lighter is better
2. Battery life – will it last as long as you need it to? Tablets average 6-10 hours of use per charge. Dedicated ereaders can last for days or even weeks.
3. Memory storage (internal only vs external) – 8G will store on average up to 6000 epub formatted ebooks, or ~ 60 audiobooks, or ~ 3 movies. PDF formatted books take up MUCH more space! Also factor in pictures, apps, and music files if appropriate.
4. Camera – Still vs video; front facing for skype/video chat, back facing for photos or scanning
5. 3G vs WiFi – Overdrive library books will not download using 3G!

• Where will you be attempting to download books most often – is wifi available there? (ie, you have home wifi) If so you probably don't need 3G.
• Are you planning on using the device to surf the web often? If so, you might want 3G.
• Is the cost of 3G worth it? Extra cost of device, extra monthly fee from provider. Check areas of 3G coverage if you expect to use the device while traveling.

6. Traveling with device – will you be purchasing books while outside of the US? Or attempting to use the 3G or wifi...check if the device's store blocks foreign IP addresses or has incompatible 3G access in the country you will be visiting.
7. Touch screen device - allows quicker navigation, but some people prefer buttons
8. Size of keyboard (onscreen vs external) - large fingers make use difficult; sight impairment – can you see the buttons?
9. Magazines or newspaper subscriptions option from device store – is the content presented in the manner you want? Full page vs text articles. You might want to consider a tablet or tablet ereader for best viewing option.
10. Picture books – if you want to use for picture books, you will want a tablet or tablet ereader. Free online picture books tend to use flash, so make sure your device is flash compatible
11. Flash web content – iOS (Apple mobile operating system) is currently not flash compatible
12. File format limitations effect using books from other “purchase” sites and library downloads – for instance, iOS can't use WMA audio formats; Kindle is limited to Amazon or Audible purchased materials and some library downloads. Note: There are applications available, such as Calibre, which will reformat materials. See this page for a table of ebook format compatibility - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-book_readers
    Tablet FYI - downloading individual apps allows you to easily obtain books from multiple sites

Other options to consider for ereaders

1. Text to Speech
2. Night screen color
3. Screen type for reading outside
4. Library downloads – all ereader-only devices still need an internet-connected desktop or laptop computer, with software authorized to your device, to sync library downloadables. Tablets use apps and wifi instead.
   
   Any other things you considered when purchasing your gadgets?