El eReader Tagus is the model of La Casa del Libro. One of the most popular models among Spaniards related to this great bookstore. However, if you do not want to depend on this store, you should also know other alternatives that we show you and compare with Tagus so that you can dispel all your doubts if you are still wondering which one to buy.
Recommended Tagus eReader models
The Casa del Libro has come to have several models of its Tagus, however, currently has models like:
Tagus Astro
El Tagus Astro eReader from La Casa del Libro is a light, thin and compact reader, but it hides quite decent specifications inside:
- 6″ e-Ink Carta XCG screen
- Cover Lens design for added strength
- 212 dpi resolution
- 1.2 Ghz Quad-Core ARM processor
- 1 GB of RAM
- 8 GB of internal flash storage
- 1500 mAh Li-Ion battery capable of lasting weeks
- WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity to listen to audiobooks in MP3 and WAV format
- Android operating system 4.4
- Size 153x107x63 mm
- Weight 138 grams
Regarding the price of the eBook Reader of La Casa del Libro, we have to have a price close to €160. Therefore, the alternatives that we will show below will be around that price approximately.
Tagus Gaia ECO
The Tagus Gaiga ECO eReader is another of the most comfortable and light models from La Casa del Libro. It has everything you'd expect from a modern reader, including compatibility with the Smart Case with page turn buttons. In addition, it has the following technical characteristics:
- 6″ E-Ink Carta screen with 1024×758 px resolution and 212 dpi
- QuadCore ARM processor at 1.2 Ghz
- 512 MB RAM
- 8 GB internal storage + microSD to expand capacity
- Adjustable front light
- Android operating system 4.4
- Dimensions 155x113x8.7 mm
- Weight 158 grams.
- Eco-sustainable, antibacterial and self-cleaning materials.
El price in this case is €107,99. However, there is a PLUS variant that costs a little more, but also improves the features of this other Tagus Gaia ECO version. Specifically, in the case of the Tagus Gaiga ECO Plus we have:
- 6″ E-Ink Carta screen with 1024×758 px resolution and 212 dpi with improved contrast
- QuadCore ARM processor at 1.2 Ghz
- 512 MB RAM
- 8 GB internal storage + microSD to expand capacity
- Adjustable front light
- Longer battery life than the basic ECO version, with a capacity of 2500 mAh
- Android operating system 4.4
- Dimensions 160x115x8 mm
- Weight 168 grams.
- Eco-sustainable, antibacterial and self-cleaning materials.
Best alternatives to Tagus
If you are looking for the best alternatives to Tagus, we recommend these models that can compete both in quality, functions, and also in the number of books available:
Kobo eReaders
The Canadian firm Kobo, owned by Rakuten, is one of the best alternatives to Tagus from La Casa del Libro since it surpasses it in features and has an even larger book store, such as the Kobo Store:
Kindle
On the other hand, another of the titans in the world of eReaders is Amazon Kindle. It also has features similar to Kobo, competitive price, and what is the largest book store, with more than 1.5 million titles:
PocketBook eReader
Another great alternative for its quality and benefits is the PocketBook. These products are also packed with features, the latest technology, and the PocketBook Store:
Characteristics of the Tagus of La Casa del Libro
To compare with the alternatives that we have proposed in the previous section, you should also know some of the outstanding technical characteristics of the Tagus:
Cover Lens
La Cover Lens it is a kind of protective film to make the Tagus protected against bumps and scratches. In this way, it will not be as delicate as other eReader models that do not have any type of protection.
e-Ink Letter
La e-Ink, or electronic ink, is a widely used variant for eReaders, as it offers an experience similar to reading on paper. This type of e-paper screens also consume much less battery, so it will help improve autonomy.
On the other hand, its operation is simple, with small white (positively charged) and black (negatively charged) particles trapped in microcapsules and submerged in a transparent liquid. In this way, by applying charges, the pigments can be controlled so that they display the text or image that is needed. Also, once they display the screen, they won't consume any more power until it needs to be refreshed, which is tremendous energy savings.
However, the Tagus screens are of the Letter variant, which is a very specific e-Ink technology that was first introduced in 2013 and is quite popular with today's eReaders. This variant has a resolution of 768×1024 px, 6″ in size, and a pixel density of 212 ppi.
WiFi
Of course, the Tagus of La Casa del Libro has WiFi connectivity so you can connect to the online book store and thus buy and download all the titles you need without having to transfer them first to your PC and then via cable to your Tagus.
Android
It is based on the Android operating system in its version 4.4. It may seem like a somewhat outdated version, since mobile devices already have versions like Android 11 or 12. However, you don't have to worry, since this version is more than enough for what this Tagus eReader needs, although it's fine. It is true that this version is no longer supported.
Bluetooth 5.0
On the other hand, you can also see that Tagus Astro has wireless BT connectivity. Thanks to this, you can connect your headphones or wireless speakers to enjoy the audiobooks that this model is capable of reproducing, so you don't have to read and can enjoy literature while you do other tasks.
ecoactive
Another remarkable feature of the Tagus is that it is a design ecoactive, something important today. In other words, designed for green consumers who want these technologies to be as sustainable as possible and respectful of the environment. For example, using recycled materials, eliminating certain toxins, being more energy efficient, etc.
Kindle vs. Tagus
If you are hesitating between Kindle or Tagus, the truth is that we recommend a Kindle, since you are going to have a technically superior product and also a bookstore with many more books and categories available. In addition, you also have all the advantages that Amazon offers, such as its Kindle Unlimited service to read without limits under this subscription service, or the Amazon cloud to store all your books there.
In the case of Tagus, La Casa del Libro does not have as many titles available as in the case of the Amazon store, since it has some 700.000 titles compared to 1.500.000, and it does not have services like the Kindle either. What you can do is pair your Tagus with a dropbox account that you have to upload your titles.
It is true that Tagus from La Casa del Libro It has no ads or other interruptions that distract you from what you really need. But in the case of the Kindle there are also versions that for a little more money you can get rid of the ads, even slightly more expensive versions that also include Kindle Unlimited.
And, finally, we must not forget that if you have book titles purchased on Kindle, with proprietary formats like AZW3 or AZW, Amazon owners, will not be compatible with your Tagus. This could also be a major limitation.
Who makes the Tagus?
The Book House does not have a factory for electronic products. Therefore, they need an external company to manufacture them for them. And that fell from the hand of the Spanish firm bq, which as you know has disappeared.
The bq company was the one that delivered both the Tagus and the Inves eReaders of El Corte Ingles. In turn, this brand did not directly manufacture these devices either, they brought them from China and renamed them and customized the interface for these clients.
What formats does the Tagus read?
The eReader Tagus from La Casa del Libro are somewhat limited in terms of format compatibility, since they allow eBooks to be read only in EPUB or PDF formats. While the audiobooks it supports can be uploaded in both MP3 and WAV formats.
Other eReaders, as you can see on this page, support many other formats, so they will give you more compatibility possibilities without having to use Calibre to convert from one format to another.
How to transfer books to eBook Tagus?
For download eBooks or audiobooks from La Casa Del Libro to your Tagus, the steps to follow are:
- The first thing is to have a user account on the web casadellibro.com.
- The second thing will be to turn on your Tagus and press Start.
- Connect to WiFi and link your Tagus with the casadellibro.com username and password.
- You will now be able to Synchronize the library.
- All the titles you buy will be stored in your Tagus profile and will be ready to be accessed for reading.
Where to buy a Tagus?
Lastly, if you want buy a tagus from La Casa del Libro, the options are somewhat limited, and it is that you will only find it available in:
El Corte Ingles
El Corte Inglés also includes Tagus eReaders among its electronic products. Therefore, it is an alternative store where you can find these Casa del Libro devices. In this Spanish chain you can order it through its official website or go to any of its sales centers to buy it in person.
The book house
Of course, La Casa del Libro also allows you to buy your own eReader, both from its website so that it can be sent to your home or if you go to any store of this bookstore chain. In addition, from there they can also advise you if you have any questions.