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Consumer Reports Rates Top E-Book Readers

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - If you're looking to buy an e-book reader, you now have many more choices.

In the past six months, lots of new ones have hit the market.

Consumer Reports recently tested several to help you find one that's just right for you.

More and more people are trading regular books for e-book readers, like the Nook from Barnes and Noble.

Sales of e-book readers have almost doubled in the last year alone.

Consumer Reports tested more than a dozen e-book readers, including the best-selling Kindle.

Testers have also begun evaluating the Kobo e-book reader.

A key test is how easy the screen is to read.

"We're looking to see how clear and crisp the type is in different conditions," Rich Fisco said.

In one assessment, testers use lights to simulate outdoor sun. Readers with backlit screens have problems with glare.

Those that don't have a backlight are much more readable in bright light.

Another test sizes up how quickly the pages turn, which can make a big difference.

Consumer Reports said there are three e-book readers worth considering:

  • The Nook Simple Touch Teader"
  • The Kindle Wi-Fi
  • The Kobo E-Reader Touch Edition

All three cost around $140.

If color is a priority, Consumer Reports said the $250 Nook Color is your best choice. It offers rich color, which is great for people who read magazines.

Consumer Reports said if you want a black-and-white e-book reader, you can save some money by getting Amazon's Kindle Wi-Fi with special offers.

It displays ads, and costs $115.

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