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Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: e-readers

In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right.

Engadget's summer gear guide 2012 ereaders

Summer is coming. Time to relax by the pool with a good book -- though, judging by what's on your reading list this year, perhaps it's time to go for the anonymity of an e-reader. No one needs to know how you've been slogging through Fifty Shades of Grey for the past two months, right? Thankfully, there's no better time to buy one of these devices -- there's plenty of choices and, thanks to competition, some seriously good deals. One thing all of these readers have in common: E Ink displays -- way better for reading out in the summertime sun than their LCD counterparts. So let's not delay that warm weather reading list any longer. Head on past the break to see our picks.

Editors' Choice

Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Engadget's summer gear guide 2012 ereaders

The original Nook Simple Touch was an excellent e-reader. A hefty price drop and a zippy software upgrade make the package that much more appealing. Barnes & Noble clearly didn't see a lot wrong with the device when it introduced the awkwardly named Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, leaving most of the elements in place, while adding the titular patent-pending technology to assure that you can still read after the sun goes down. Of course, that added technology comes with a bit of a premium. The latest Nook will run you $139 new -- $40 more than its predecessor, but, all in all, not a bad deal.

Price: $139 at Barnes & Noble

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Engadget's summer gear guide 2012 ereaders


Kindle Touch with 3G

Sure, you can snag a Nook Simple Touch for $99, or you can pick up a Kindle for $79 -- that is, if you're willing to part with touch functionality and add on some localized "special offers" (read: ads). If you want to go all out, however, this Kindle's the ticket: no ads, a touchscreen and 3G functionality so you don't have to be tied to a WiFi hotspot to get new books, making this an ideal choice for frequent travelers. Of course, all of those details will cost you -- $189 to be exact.

Price: $149 / 189 at Amazon

Engadget's summer gear guide 2012 ereaders


Sony Reader WiFi

Want bells and whistles? This reader brings music playback, hand-writable note-taking functionality and pinch-to-zoom via dual-touch. Also on board are built-in access to library lending and Google Books -- all in a lightweight package. Best of all, thanks to a $20 price drop down to $130, the reader is now more in line with its direct competition.

Price: $130 at Amazon