A Beginner's Guide to eBooks

As romantic as the notion of a rainy evening dedicated to reading is, it is difficult to remain in that state of perfect contentment for any extended amount of time now. Our attention is divided in a thousand directions, and passions like reading are forced to take the back-burner. Enter eBooks, the modern solution to the modern book-lover.?

What is an eBook?

An eBook is a digital edition of a book. These come in various formats, the most common being EPUB, designed to be compatible with various eReading devices and apps. If your EPUB file is properly generated, you should be able to change the font, font size, line spacing, background colour and more to suit your preferences. PDFs, while popular and versatile, cannot be customised, which is why EPUB is the industry standard for eBooks.?

Tip: Different companies, eReaders and apps can use different eBook formats. It is good to know what these formats are and how they are used. For example, Amazon’s Kindle uses the MOBI format for sideloading but, if you want to use their cloud services, you will need to use EPUB.

Advantages

1.???????? Portability and Convenience: You can carry an entire library of eBooks on a single device, making it easy to access your books wherever you go.

2.???????? Instant Access: You can download and begin reading a new book on the spot, eliminating the need to visit a physical bookstore or wait for shipping.

3.???????? Customisation and Accessibility Features: eBooks often come with customisation options that enhance the reading experience. Readers can adjust text size, font, and background colour to suit their preferences.?

Tip: eBooks can be very accessible to individuals with visual impairments using screen readers and customisation for better readability.

Disadvantages

1.???????? Eye strain and screen fatigue: Unlike traditional paper books, the glare from screens can be tiring, potentially affecting the reading experience.

Tip: This is why dedicated eReaders such as a Kindle is a healthier option, rather than reading apps on your smartphone or tablet. The eInk screen on an eReader feels and acts almost exactly like paper and does not induce digital eye strain.

2.???????? Dependency on technology: Readers who value the permanence and durability of physical books may find this daunting, not to mention the nostalgia, personality and smell and feel of a paper book.

3.???????? Digital Rights Management (DRM): Many eBooks come with DRM, which restricts how and where you can read them.

Tip: DRM is the digital equivalent of a copyright. It’s good to keep in mind that different countries can have different laws regarding online piracy.

Types of eReading Devices

1.???????? eReaders: Devices such as the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s Nook and Kobo come with special “eInk” front-lit displays, batteries that last for weeks and are entirely glare-free.?

Recommendation: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, available from multiple online and in-person stories, including Gadget&Gear and Ryan’s. Cost: BDT 15,000+

2.???????? Smartphones and tablets: Popular app options include Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play Books.

Tip: Use the same app everywhere so that your last page read will sync across all your devices. For example, Amazon’s WhisperSync does this flawlessly if you use a Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle app on your phone to read. Also, Amazon’s WhisperSync for Voice allows you to read the book and listen to the companion audiobook at the same time. The software can even highlight what is being read in real-time.

3.???????? Computers: You can also read eBooks on your computer using desktop applications or web-based eBook readers. This might not be as comfortable or portable as the other options.?

Finding eBooks

1.???????? eBook stores: Major eBook retailers like the Amazon Kindle Store, Apple Books, and Google Play Books offer vast selections of eBooks for instant purchase. Generally, eBooks tend to be cheaper than paper books, ranging anywhere from USD$5 to USD$20 and above, depending on the publisher.

Tip: If you use a specific digital book store, often you will be required to their use dedicated eReader. For example, if you use a Kindle, your best bet is to either use a credit card to purchase eBooks from Amazon’s Kindle Store or sideload DRM-free eBook files on to the device.?

2.???????? Free eBooks: If you’re looking for cost-effective options or lack access to a credit card, Project Gutenberg and StandardeBooks are treasure troves of free eBooks, primarily consisting of classic literature and works in the public domain.

Tip: There are plenty of websites and social media groups from where you can download the books you want. Remember to use DRM-free eBook files if you are sideloading.?

To enhance the experience…

1.???????? Maximise battery life: eInk eReaders have impressive battery life, but adjusting settings like screen brightness can help prolong your device's charge.

2.???????? Customise: Experiment with customisation options to find the perfect reading settings for your comfort, including fonts, font sizes, line spacing, background colours and much more.

3.???????? Social Features: Many eReading apps allow you to share quotes or passages on social media or track your reading progress on websites such as Goodreads.

4.???????? Organise your library: Calibre is free and indispensable for helping keep track of your eBook library. It does come with a steep learning curve, so exploring the website is highly recommended.?

Much like audiobooks can be a life-saver to busy book-lovers or visually-impaired readers, eBooks are simply another medium of accessing the stories and knowledge that all we love. Once all the tinkering is complete, you are ready to set off on a whole new world—or you can take to the high seas and see what Jack Sparrow really found beyond that horizon.