I can remember in elementary school a teacher telling me that one day we would read books off of our computer screens. Without a doubt, I thought the woman was crazy. Now twenty years later e-books have become huge. A great deal of books today are released in e-book format as well as in paperback and hardback versions.
For a long time I had trouble understanding why anyone would want to purchase an e-book. Most of my time reading is spent snuggled up on the couch, in bed, or out enjoying nature. I can’t think of a time where I’ve wanted to sit down and read a book in front of my computer screen.
In the past few years several electronics manufacturers have solved this problem with electronic e-book readers. The readers allow you to download copies of the e-book onto your reader and then take the book along with you digitally to the beach, to the dry cleaners, where ever you go.
Most e-books will only allow you to download them one place in order to keep you from sending them to all your friends on the web. Not every book is available in e-book form, so you’ll still end up with a few paperbacks on your shelf. These can be great alternatives to collecting tons of books however, and can allow you to carry a few books along with you at the same time.
Here are a few popular e-book readers:
Franklin eBookMan
Franklin’s line of eBookMan’s are the least expensive of the electronic readers I’ve come across. The eBookmans allow you play mp3s and audio books as well as record voice messages and save contact information like a PDA.
Sony Reader
The Sony Reader is a little more expensive than Franklins e-book reader, but it also much larger and more book like. The reader has optional covers and is perfect purse size for keeping with you throughout the day.