eBook and eReader advice to Education Queensland (EQ) schools
DETE Library Services has recently trialled a range of eBook readers (Iliad, iPad, Kindle, Kobo, and Sony eReader) and offer the following information to EQ schools considering the purchase of eReaders.
EQ staff are welcome to visit DETE Library Services at 347 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo to try out the eBook readers before purchasing for school needs.
Library Services has also created an eReader Learning Pathway with links to many eBook sites (including sources of free eBooks) and related resources. This Learning Pathway 'Information about eBooks and eBook readers' 
can be accessed through the Learning Place . For further information also refer to the Learning Pathway 'DETE iPad Trial' and 'Mobile learning and business productivity devices' information contains schools guide for purchasing and using iDevices.
Purchasing, downloading and managing eBook content
Please check compatibility of eReaders with your school system administrator before purchasing as some eReader options may not function as required depending on your school network settings.
Some eBook store sites suggest it is necessary to install the company's desktop software to manage the purchase of eBooks, but Library Services has found that purchasing can be managed through the eBook store sites referred to in the attached matrix. The essential software packages to have installed on the computer in order to manage eBooks are also listed in the attached matrix. A range of eBook reader apps (listed in the attached matrix) have also been downloaded to Library Services iPads. These apps automatically synchronise eBook content between the device and the library of free or purchased eBooks stored in the account on the associated eBook store site.
An account will need to be set up with each eBook store site the school wishes to purchase from and payment by credit card is usually required. Be aware that EQ purchasing policy restricts the storage of corporate card information on external sites, so schools will need to ensure these details are not saved with their account settings.
For each eBook title being considered for purchase, schools should take note of the status and advice for Printing, Copying and Lending rights, as this will impact on the way it may be used within the school. Further advice about this is currently being sought from the eLearning Copyright Officer and can be provided on request once available.
Comparison of eReader features
| eBook reader | Iliad | iPad | Kindle D00701 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions & Screen size/type | Overall: 8.5 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches Screen: 8.1 inch (diag.) E-ink touch screen |
Overall: 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 inches Screen: 9.7 inch (diag.) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display |
Overall: 8 x 5.3 x 0.36 inches Screen: 6 inch (diag.) E-ink |
| Compatible eBook formats |
|
|
|
| Dictionary | Yes |
Yes (in iBooks app) |
Yes |
| Wireless | Yes |
Yes 3G |
Yes 3G |
| Memory capacity | 256 MB | 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB |
2 GB |
| Card reader | Yes |
No |
No |
| Text-to-speech | No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Web browser | No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Software required to manage eBook library on computer | Iliad Companion Software |
Install these free apps: |
Nil |
| Compatible eBook stores or sites |
|
- Recent investigation has revealed that the Iliad supplier,
| eBook reader | Kindle DX D00801 |
Kobo N416 |
Sony Reader PRS-650 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions & Screen size/type | Overall: 10.4 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches Screen: 9.7 inch (diag.) E-ink |
Overall: 10.4 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches Screen: 6 inch (diag.) E-ink |
Overall: 4.75 x 6 5/8 x 13/32 inches Screen: 6 inch (diag.) E-ink touch screen |
| Compatible eBook formats |
|
|
|
| Dictionary | Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Wireless | Yes 3G |
No |
No |
| Memory capacity | 4 GB | 1 GB | 1.4 GB |
| Card reader | No |
Up to 4 GB | Up to 32 GB |
| Text-to-speech | Yes |
No |
No |
| Web browser | Yes |
No |
No |
| Software required to manage eBook library on computer | Nil | Adobe Digital Editions |
|
| Compatible eBook stores or sites |