E-book formats
File formats supported by the reader that contain text (and sometimes graphic information). The most popular in the CIS are, in particular,
FB2,
TXT,
HTML,
WORD (DOC),
RTF,
ePUB,
Djvu and
PDF.
Photo/video formats
File formats supported by the reader that contain multimedia information — graphics or video. The most popular image file formats are, among others,
JPG(the standard format for modern digital photography), BMP and GIF; video files —
MP4, MPG,
AVI, 3GP (video format for mobile devices),
FLV, MOV.
Other formats
Many advanced reader models are able to "perceive" not only e-readers, graphic files and videos, but also other file formats. The most common support for music files:
MP3, WMA, in especially advanced cases —
AAC, OGG, lossless formats APE and
FLAC. Of the non-musical formats, some readers support
ZIP and RAR archive files, as well as Microsoft Office documents (PPT(X), XLS(X))
CPU speed
The frequency of the built-in e-book processor is one of the main indicators that determine its performance (the speed of copying files to the built-in memory, opening larger files, loading Internet pages, etc.). On the other hand, this indicator is not decisive and can only be used for comparison in books of the same model range.
RAM
The amount of the reader's own RAM, that is, the memory used for temporary data storage during operation. The speed of the e-book directly depends on the amount of RAM, especially when working with large files. So the average value can be considered
RAM 1 GB and
2 GB, and more advanced models have
3 GB,
4 GB and even
6 GB of memory.
Data transfer
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Wi-Fi. A wireless communication module that allows you to connect the reader to wireless local (home or office) networks, as well as access the Internet through public access points (hot spots) installed in restaurants, hotels, railway stations, etc.
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Bluetooth. Direct wireless communication technology between various electronic devices. In e-readers, Bluetooth is primarily used for file transfer: with this function, you can connect the reader to another Bluetooth device, such as a laptop or tablet PC, and exchange files with it.
— microUSB. Connector for direct connection of the reader to the USB port of the computer using a special cable. In e-books, this connection is used primarily for file sharing. MicroUSB is a universal standard that allows you to connect various gadgets through it with one cable.
— miniUSB. Similar to the one described above, the connector, which differs only in the size and shape of the connector.
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USB-C. Symmetrical USB connector, which is gaining popularity and in the future is able to displace microUSB. At the same time, the connector has a high data transfer rate and is only a little larger in size.
Multimedia
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Headphone output(3.5 mm). A standard mini-jack connector that allows you to connect headphones to an audiobook. Most consumer-grade headphones currently being produced are equipped with a 3.5 mm plug, which makes this connector very versatile. Usually, the presence of a headphone output in an audiobook means that it is equipped with a built-in media player, and headphones can also be used to read text from the screen.
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Dictaphone. The ability to use an e-book as a voice recorder, to record speech and other sounds. To do this, the device is equipped with its own built-in microphone, and to play the recorded material, an output to headphones and/or its own speaker is provided.
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Built-in speaker. The audiobook has its own built-in speaker. The speaker can be used to play audio files, video soundtrack, or read text from the screen; the presence of a speaker, usually, implies the presence in the reader of at least one of the above functions.
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Built-in dictionary. The presence in the software set of the book of an electronic dictionary (or several dictionaries), which allows the translation of individual words and expressions. This feature can be especially useful for those who like to read books in foreign languages.
— Built-in browser. The presence of a built-in browser allows you to view Internet
...pages on the screen of the reader; connection to the Internet is carried out using Wi-Fi.
— Built-in audio player. The ability to use an e-book to play audio files through headphones or a built-in speaker. The most common support for MP3 music files; some models are capable of playing other types of audio files, such as WMA, AAC, OGG, and even the lossless APE and FLAC formats.
— Voice reading. The ability of an e-book to read the written text and output it to external speakers or connected headphones. The voice sounds quite monotonous and with a noticeable "computer" accent. Pronunciation, usually, is at a level sufficient for understanding.
— Accelerometer. A device that reacts to shaking and changes in the position of an e-book in space. The accelerometer provides advanced control options: for example, you can change the screen orientation from portrait to landscape and vice versa by simply turning the reader to the appropriate position, switch the music track by shaking, etc.Dust-, waterproof
The level of protection of the device electronics. It is determined according to the IP standard and is marked with two numbers: the first indicates dust protection, the second — about water protection.
Dust protection values:
5 — dust resistance without complete closure (a certain amount of dust can get inside, but it is small and does not affect the operation of the device)
6 — full protection (dust is not able to penetrate inside the case).
Waterproof values:
6 — protection against sea waves and strong water jets (some of the water may get inside, but it does not impair performance);
7 — the possibility of short-term immersion under water to a depth of 1 m (protection against falling into puddles and other shallow water bodies);
8 — the possibility of long-term immersion to a depth of 1 m or more (the specific value may vary), as well as long-term work in a submerged position.
Material
The main material used for the body of an e-book.
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Plastic. Plastic enclosures are inexpensive, light in weight, and provide enough strength for everyday use. It is also worth noting that there are many grades of this material, and the quality of the plastic used for the body usually directly depends on the price category of the book. Of the unequivocal disadvantages of this option, low scratch resistance can be called; in addition, if the plastic is glossy, prints and stains instantly appear on it.
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Metal. Most often in cases, metal refers to aluminium alloy. One of the key advantages of this material is durability. In addition, the metal resists scratches very well and gives the device solidity — both in appearance and in the feel in the hands. It weighs a little more than plastic, but often it is this moment that provides the mentioned solidity. The unequivocal disadvantage of metal cases is a rather high cost.
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Magnesium Alloy. Such alloys are superior in strength to metal, while they have a relatively small weight and excellent heat dissipation. However, this material is not cheap. Therefore, it is used quite rarely and mainly in combination with other, usually more accessible materials.