E-readers can be a huge convenience on vacation. Rather than lugging a suitcase full of books, you can just slip in one small gadget, and as long as you’ve got your charger, you’re set for the trip. Not all e-readers are equal when it comes to outside reading, however, and if you’re planning to read electronic books on the beach rather than bringing along a paperback or two, you should consider the following tips:
—Try a device with an e-ink screen. Different kinds of e-readers use different technologies for their screens, and the e-ink technology used in the Kindle, Kobo, and Nook families of e-readers performs particularly well out of doors. E-ink readers are easy to read no matter how bright the sun gets, and they avoid the glare problems of LCD screens. They also tend to be less expensive than full-fledged tablets like the iPad, therefore reducing the threat of theft.
—Consider bringing a beach umbrella if you want to use a tablet. Beach umbrellas have lots of great uses, and if you’re planning to read on a backlit LCD tablet like an iPad or a Nexus 7, they can provide you with the shade you’ll need in order to do so comfortably.
—Download books before you leave for the beach. Wi-Fi on beaches can be spotty at best, and only some e-readers come with cellular data connections. In case you can’t connect to download new books, make sure you load all the reading you want to do onto your device before you head out for the day.
—Invest in a case. Beaches pose many dangers to e-readers. Sand can cause the device to malfunction, and if the reader ends up in the water, it will probably put an end to your reading for a while. Having a good case for the reader can mitigate some of these risks.