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The best e-readers for the holidays

E-readers for the holidays, some of which will actually fit in your stockings! Maybe.

Eric Franklin
Eric Franklin led the CNET Tech team as Editorial Director. A 20-plus-year industry veteran, Eric began his tech journey testing computers in the CNET Labs. When not at work he can usually be found at the gym, chauffeuring his kids around town, or absorbing every motivational book he can get his hands on.
David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
Eric Franklin
David Carnoy
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1 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (special offers, 2013)

The 2013 edition of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is faster, brighter, and more responsive. There's a $20 premium for the ad-free version, but with a price that starts at a low $119, ads or no ads it's a great deal.
Barnes_Noble_Nook_GlowLight_35831166_14.jpg
2 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET

Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight

Barnes & Noble recently released its next-generation e-reader, the Nook GlowLight. It's a nice improvement over its predecessor, with an improved lighting scheme and lightweight design. At $119, it's the same price as the Kindle Paperwhite.
Kobo_Aura_35826967_01.jpg
3 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET

Kobo Aura

It may not quite measure up to the the Kindle Paperwhite 2013 or the Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight, but the Kobo Aura's still a pretty nice e-reader with a lightweight design and built-in light.
02NewNook_CNET_5_24_11.jpg
4 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET

Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch Reader

Now starting at only $79, the Nook Simple Touch remains a solid low-price e-reader option. There's no GlowLight, hence the low price.
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5 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET

Amazon Kindle

Amazon's entry-level Kindle may not feature a touch screen, but it's still a attractive budget e-reader for $69.

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