Really Easy Reader

Anyone who has read about the benefits of speed-reading will know that mastering this particular skill can save time when poring over pages of text.

Really Easy Reader is a program that can help users learn to speed read and can, in theory, prove that you don’t need months of practice to become adept at it.

The simple application works by encouraging concentration and improving comprehension by flashing up text on screen.

An imported text file (it can work with standard text files, PDF documents, Word documents and web pages) is split into single or multiple word chunks and flashed up at a specific speed.

Most people read at an average of between 200 and 300 words per minute (wpm) and not long after starting with the program we were able to read at 400wpm quite comfortably. This sounds great, but in truth there are drawbacks to the process.

Because the reader focuses so intently on the words as they appear, it can put quite a strain on the eyes and after a few minutes it is necessary to take a break.

Reading an entire novel or a particularly large document in this way is likely to be extremely stressful on both the eyes and the brain as they struggle to keep up, and though shortcuts, bookmarks, speed controls and the ability to revert to the conventional text layout are easily accessible with a key-press, we were left questioning the method’s long-term appeal.

Reaching the intended advanced level of 1000wpm seemed like an impossible task as the words that appear on-screen are effectively a blur at this stage. The software is designed as an aide to exam revision and more as a time-saver way.

While the initial speed increases were impressive, the faster speeds did not seem to offer much improvement in comprehension. The software also had problems with some documents we tried to import, though most worked fine.

There is some fun to be had with the package and prospective buyers can test the process on the product’s website or download a trial. We would encourage anyone considering a purchase to do so before buying.