Sharper Image Literati E-Reader: Review & Give-Away!

Aimee — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:22:33 +0000

(entry for the Literati giveaway is now closed)

I have been waiting to get an e-reader ever since I first learned of their existence. However, I really didn’t want to spend money on an expensive e-reader that didn’t have color. So I waited.

And waited.

Until now…

The new Literati e-reader by Sharper Image is here. And it’s in color!

Why do I care so much about color? Because I want to read my magazines in color. I want to see the pictures in my cookbooks in color. But, most importantly, I want to read my son’s favorite children’s books with him in color. Most e-readers are black and white because they use e-ink technology, which also means there is no back-lighting. The Sharper Image Literati uses a back-lit LCD screen, which not only means it can display color content but that you can also read in the dark. There will be no need for a book-light! This is good news for any late-night readers that don’t want to disturb their partner while they sleep (*raises hand*).

I like my gadgets to not only work well, but to be stylish and easy to carry around. The Literati is sleek and small enough to throw into my purse. What I also love is that the Literati comes with a simple, but effective, free case. I always hate buying an expensive gadget and then have to go out and buy a separate case to protect it.

The Literati is also simple and easy to use. Unlike other e-readers that are really more like tablet computers, this one seems purposely simple. What that means is that when you turn it on, you get a bookshelf. Period. You don’t get a set of icons and unnecessary features. Another bonus is that this device synchronizes with your other devices. As described in the 4th video on this page , if you’re reading a book on your Literati and stop on page 20 you can start reading on your smart-phone right where you left off.

The Literati, which is powered by the online bookstore Kobo, comes with 150 free books (25 pre-loaded and 125 available when you log-in), including many great classics that every reader should have in their library. You can read for weeks before even having to visit the built-in wireless bookstore! But, when you do, you will have access to a store with over 2 million titles. The Literati also has a built-in dictionary, which I really appreciate. Hey, not everyone was an English major in college.

The Literati’s original price is $159, however, good deals can be found (especially this Thanksgiving week.). I’ve read that Kohl’s will have a Black Friday special for the Literati at $100 (after a $30 rebate). If you’re not willing to fight the crowds, check out the web for other good deals. Either way, the Literati is a lot less expensive than the $250 color Nook. In addition, you can find a Literati at nearly every major department store, such Macy’s, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Best Buy, and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

If you want more info on the Literati, make sure to check out the Literati website or the Literati Facebook page. And, if you stop by the Facebook page, make sure to play the fun and highly addictive Literati Title Search game. I’ve already spent way more time than I care to admit playing it.

Want the chance to win a Literati e-reader? Just leave a comment below. For your first point of entry, please share what book you’re looking forward to reading on the Literati. For additional entries you may:

Subscribe to AYMB via e-mail or RSS feed
Follow AYMB on twitter
Tweet this post or post a link of this review to Facebook.

Please leave an additional comment for any other point of entry. This give-away is only open to U.S. residents.

I will select a winner on Tuesday, December 7th via www.random.org and will post the winner on Wednesday, December 8th.

Good luck!

(check out the Literati commercial below)

FTC Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated for this review. The kind folks behind the brand new Literati e-reader generously provided an e-reader for my review and one for the purpose of a give-away. In the spirit of a fully honest disclosure, I was introduced to the Literati from someone I know who works with the manufacturer. However, as with any other review and give-away I offer my readers, no free product or compensation influences my reviews. I stand by the products I endorse and all opinions expressed are my own.

Ain't Yo Mama's Blog » Kobo

Sharper Image Literati E-Reader: Review & Give-Away!