Given the proliferation of devices capable of reading ebooks, it’s easy to feel like you’re lost in the Library of Babel. In this article, we aim to introduce you to the major devices which provide access to the three biggest ebook markets: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple.

It’s important to begin noting the difference between e-readers and tablets:

• E-readers are devices used solely to consume ebooks. They have a black and white e-ink screen, which looks more like paper and draws power only when the page is changed.
• Tablets are devices with e-reading capabilities in addition to several others (such as video streaming and online browsing), with an LCD screen, more like a computer.

E-readers generally have more limited capabilities than tablets, such as their inability to play media embedded in ebooks. However, they are cheaper and have much longer battery life. Ideally, your book should be designed with both e-readers and tablets in mind.

Amazon

Amazon’s family of devices are called Kindles, and they are currently available in six models: the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD, and Kindle Fire HD 8.9. They range in price from $69 to $499. The Kindle, Paperwhite, and Keyboard are e-readers, while the three Fire models are tablets.

Above, L-R: Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Fire HD8.9, Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Fire (from Amazon.com)

The complexity of the styling elements available varies within the Kindle family. Likewise, the file type depends on the model: e-ink Kindles use .mobi or .azw files, while LCD Kindles use the .KF8 format.

When authors are thinking about enhancing their ebooks, it’s important to consider the devices on which it will be readable. Currently, none of the Kindle models will play videos embedded in ebooks. To get around this issue, authors often include hyperlinks to view the videos on YouTube. However, the Kindle app for iOS will play video content. Note also that Amazon’s self-publishing program, Kindle Direct Publishing, will not accept video-enhanced content, so authors will need to go through special distributors (such as Vook).

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble’s device is called the Nook. There are four Nook models, ranging in price from $79 to $269: the Nook Simple Touch, Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, Nook HD, and Nook HD+. Much like the Kindle family, the Nooks are divided by their screen type: the two Simple Touch models are e-readers with e-ink screens, while the two HD models are tablets.

Above, L-R: Nook Simple Touch, Nook HD, Nook HD+

All Nooks use the popular epub file format, allowing them to read both files purchased from Barnes & Noble and those purchased elsewhere. Ebooks purchased from Barnes & Noble can also be consumed on Apple devices via the Nook app for iOS. Although the Simple Touch models do not support video or audio enhancements, the Nook HD and HD+ do. Please note, however, that B&N will not accept multimedia-enhanced ebooks from authors through its self-publishing service, PubIt!. All multimedia-enhanced ebooks for Nooks must be distributed through a company with a vendor-of-service contract.

Apple

Apple’s devices are somewhat different: it does not offer an e-ink device, instead selling four devices with LCD screens: the iPad, iPad Mini, iPhone, and iPod touch. They are more expensive than the other devices, ranging in price from $199 to $929. (You can compare iPads here and iPhones here.)

Above, L-R: iPad, iPad Mini, iPhone, iPod touch

All of these Apple devices support epub files (or .iba files, when produced with iBooks Author) within the iBooks app. One significant advantage of Apple devices is that they all support multimedia enhancements, including embedded video and audio. Apple devices also support the widest range of styling features, including fixed layout. For more on the possibilities fixed layout can offer, see this blog post.

Given the complexities involved in the various screen types, file formats, multimedia support, and acceptance of enhanced content, it can be difficult for an individual author to design ebooks which will display successfully on all available devices. That’s where companies like Vook come in. We can handle the technical side of things, leaving you to focus on what you do best—making your book great. Visit Vook.com today to sign up for a free consultation.