4 Signs of a Bad EBook Reader

Getting a good eBook reader can change the way that you read. I bought a Barnes and Noble Nook, and my mom got an Amazon Kindle. We both love our eBook readers so much that we sort of secretly abhor the idea of going back to regular paper books, as lame as that might sound.

However, if you get a bad eBook reader, you might be more annoyed than thrilled. If you're looking for a great experience, here are a few signs of a bad eBook reader to help you know what to avoid.

The Wrong Screen. One of the worst problems that an eBook reader can have is a screen that doesn't lend itself to reading. You don't want a screen that will be hard to look at, since, well, you'll be looking at it a lot.

As such, I recommend physically holding an Ebook reader before you decide whether or not to buy it. Lots of black and white eBook readers (or more accurately, black on nothing) look more like calculator screens than paper, and there's no real way to tell whether you're ordering a bad ebook reader until it arrives on your doorstep.

Also, avoid the color eBook readers unless you have a kid who needs story books. Color eBook readers don't look like paper, and they can be harmful on the eyes after a while--really, if you want a color eBook reader, you might as well just buy a laptop.

Compatibility Issues. Depending on your technical proficiency, you might want something that can read PDFs and various subtypes of eBooks, such as the ePub format. If this is the case, then check the compatability of the reader before you buy. A bad eBook reader may only support a native format, which will greatly limit its value.

No Extras. An eBook reader should have a few extras, as you'll find yourself using them far more than you might think. Some readers like the Nook have built in games, while the Kindle provides free access to Wikipedia. Of course, you'll also need to think about how important extras are to you before making this a major consideration.

No Selection. Most people who buy eBook readers will buy books directly from the device or through a computer program. Check the selection of the eBook reader's store before you buy; if they don't have access to a large number of books, you might find yourself with a very expensive high-tech paperweight.

Have any other tips for spotting a bad eBook reader? Post below.