Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
It’s been a tough week for Amazon Kindle users, with ebook prices continuing to rise and a range of older models no longer receiving software and security updates.
This is where repurposing comes in handy. Tablets already do everything that e-readers like the Kindle do. So converting someone to an e-reader is easier than you think. With a few changes, any iPad or Android tablet can feel pretty close to an e-reader.
Also: Your Kindle isn’t obsolete, it just needs a jailbreak – and I’ll show you how to do it
Your tablet can become your personal library and perform even better than a dedicated device. Like e-readers, tablets let you read digital books, but they have more storage than dedicated devices, so you can carry thousands of books at once. Here’s how I converted mine.
How to convert a tablet into an e-reader
Look at the apps on the tablet you plan to use as an e-reader and remove any that are distracting. If you want to keep the tablet read-only, remove social media and games, then silence your notifications.
You can turn on Do Not Disturb or set a specific focus mode for reading on iPad.
show more
Add your favorite reading apps, such as the Kindle app (available on iOS and Android) and Libby, which gives you access to your public library’s digital catalog. As a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, the Kindle app is one of the first apps I add to a new tablet, because I can access my Kindle library from anywhere.
Also: How to Add EPUB, MOBI, and PDF Files to Your Kindle—No Converting Required
Apple and Google both have Books apps with built-in stores if you want to make a purchase. You can also add news apps and any of your files to your reading tablet.
show more
The biggest disadvantage of using a tablet as a dedicated e-reader is eye strain. This type of fatigue is caused by brightness and mild temperatures, so adding a matte screen protector to your tablet can make reading for long periods of time more comfortable.
You can find matte screen protectors for most tablets on the market, and they’re fairly inexpensive, starting at $5 for a two-pack.
show more
Many tablets on the market have feature settings that can be adjusted to improve eye comfort. Changing your tablet’s backlight temperature to a warmer tone and switching its display to dark mode will make it easier on your eyes. Many tablets have built-in eye-comfort features that automatically do this for you; Just find these in your settings.
show more
The Kindle is a handheld e-reader that’s light enough to carry in one hand for easy reading, but third-party accessories like Strapicycle can make almost any tablet comfortable enough for reading. Although Strapsicle is for Kindles, Strapsicle is working on a new iPad case coming soon.
Also: My favorite Kindle accessory brand just released an iPad case at CES — and it’s totally genius
Similarly, other brands offer hand straps to hold the tablet in one hand Kobak. I’ve been using one of these straps on my TCL Nxtpaper 11 tablet for months, which has made it easier to use such a large tablet for reading.
show more
More accessories to turn your tablet into an e-reader
There are many accessories available that help you use your tablet for long periods of time without distraction or eye strain. Here are other accessories you can add to your tablet to make it feel more like an e-reader:
- You can get yourself a tablet stand table, Lapor a floor stand To place your tablet at a suitable height for your eyes.
- Blocking distractions can prevent all apps from interrupting you while you study, like a bricked device does for your phone.
- One item many e-reader users like page turner remoteI am also involved. These work to control your touchscreen, so you can read and turn pages without touching the screen. It’s a fun addition to reading in bed, and is especially loved by readers who use a stand.
