- Consumers evaluated readability in regular room lighting. They were allowed to change fonts and sizes if they desired. GHRI engineers tested the ease of reading in bright sunlight and in a dark room. Engineers also measured the diagonal screen size of each eReader.
- In addition, consumers evaluated whether they believed the text was portrayed on the screen in an ideal manner. This was to take in to account how E-Ink is supposedly easier in the eyes due to the high-contrast display. Consumers were asked if they felt any eye strain after reading.
- A panel of consumers navigated each device and assessed the ease of the user interface. To test the ease of changing location in a book, consumers used Pride and Prejudice to navigate through different portions of the book (different chapter, different page, beginning, end, etc.) and then assessed the ease and intuitiveness of the process.
- Consumers tested the ease of adjusting the font by manually making it both larger and smaller and then assessing how easy and intuitive the process was.
- To assess portability, we measured the length, width, thickness, and weight of the devices. The thickness of each device was measured using calipers. The weight of each eReader was taken on the calibrated scale in the Consumer Electronics lab. Each device was measured with the battery in place, as this is how the consumer would be carrying it around.
- Consumers evaluated the comfort of holding and using each device.
- To test the turn-on time of the device, each eReader was completely powered down. We then recorded the time it took to power up the device until the main menu was functional. Three separate readings were taken, and the time was averaged based on these readings.
- To test the transfer speed, we copied the same book, Crime and Punishment, onto each device from the same computer and timed how long it took to transfer. Since some of the devices are only able to obtain books via Wi-Fi, these books were tested in succession using the same Internet connection.
- We recorded the speed of turning a page in Pride and Prejudice for each device. The time was recorded for turning from the first page to the second three times, and the speed of page turn was found by averaging these three times.
- To test fingerprint resistance, we made an S shape on each device to mimic a fingerprint stain. The screens were then evaluated in the light room to see how much of the fingerprint remained on each device, when on and off.
- Because many of the eReaders are able to last well over a week on one charge, we based the battery life off of manufacturer specifications. We then used the time provided for each eReader with Wi-Fi capabilities turned off to level the playing field.
- We based the storage capacity for each device off of the manufacturers specifications. The score was based off of the number of books each device could hold in its given form, without using external means.
- To test the quality of the manual, we reviewed each manual to assess how comprehensive and helpful it would be to a consumer.
- To evaluate customer service, we called each manufacturers toll-free customer service number with a standard troubleshooting question. We timed how long we waited before speaking with a representative and evaluated how helpful the response was.