What is an Ebook Reader?

Consumers may find that they are interested in the latest and most popular technology being offered: ebook readers.  What exactly is an ebook reader?  An ebook reader is a small device in which people can download an electronic ebooks and other documents into a handheld ebook reader and later be able to access those documents with the handheld device.  There are other ebook readers that are software applications that are installed on a personal computer, laptop, or Palm device as well.  While ebook readers may seem relatively new, the products have been in a slow state of evolution and myriad ebook readers have come and gone.  There was a time when the publishing industry believed that the ebook and ebook readers would actually replace the physical book entirely.  Although this is not the case, at least not at this time, ebook readers have become coveted by many readers for a variety of reasons.

For more information on what an ebook reader is, visit Maple Tree Publishing Company at:

http://www.mapletreepublishing.com/ebookquestions.htm


What is the Best Ebook Reader?

The top two handheld ebook readers are the Sony ebook reader and the Amazon kindle ebook reader. The kindle ebook reader is the newer of the two devices, and each of the ebook readers comes with its own features and advantages.  The kindle ebook reader is a wireless device that allows readers to download books, newspapers, and blogs.  Currently, Amazon is offering over 90,000 titles which can be downloaded and the reader is capable of holding up to 200 titles altogether.  The latter fact makes the kindle ebook reader something that is ideal for someone who travels, or readers who read a lot of texts and want the ease of portability.
The Sony Ebook Reader is no larger than a paperback book and it is extraordinarily light weight.  The Sony ebook Reader has 64 MB of memory and the device allows for removable memory cards to be used for additional storage options.  Along with thousands of book titles, readers can also access Adobe documents, personal documents, blogs, JPEG's and other images, and finally newsfeeds with the Sony ebook reader.  The battery in the Sony ebook reader is set to last 7500 page turns before it requires recharging.  Like the kindle ebook reader, the Sony ebook reader is excellent for travel or for bringing one's library anywhere they go.
For more information on and the kindle ebook reader visit Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-
Reading-Device/dp/B000FI73MA

For More information on the Sony ebook reader visit Sony at:
http://www.learningcenter.sony.us/assets/itpd/
reader/reader_features.html

Software Ebook Readers

Some readers prefer to install software applications on a computer, laptop or Palm device instead of purchasing a handheld ebook reader.  Microsoft Reader is a totally free software application which can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.  The software will require activation and the text-to-speech option is downloaded separately after the initial download and installation is complete.  Microsoft Reader allows the reader to take notes, highlight passages, search pages, and bookmark pages within the software application.  Meanwhile, Adobe allows readers to read PDF versions of texts in the same fashion and can be downloaded from the Internet.  Texts that are readable for Microsoft Word and Adobe are not interchangeable: in other words, if a reader wants to read a text that is formatted for Microsoft reader the Adobe program will not open it and vice versa.


The Advantages of Ebook Readers

Ebook readers are coveted and appreciated primarily for their portability.  Ferocious readers will find that they do not have to lug around heavy books everywhere they go, and since handheld ebook readers can store numerous books in a small unit, it is like the readers carrying a large library in a pocket-sized item.  Meanwhile, some people simply want an ebook reader because they adore having the latest electronic toys available.

Readers will find in many instances the text and documents that are downloaded into an ebook reader are substantially less expensive than purchasing a physical book or getting access to a physical text or document.  Further, if personal computer or laptop user relies on a software application like Microsoft Reader or Adobe, the reader will find many classical texts and popular literature can be downloaded at no cost to the reader.

For a complete library of free ebook texts visit Project Gutenberg at: http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

Readers will find that reading ebooks with an ebook reader is a far different experience than actually reading a physical text.  Software applications, in some instances, allow for text-to-speech conversion and the reader can take notes within the application as well as highlight significant passages of whatever they are reading.  Yet, some readers preferred a physical text because they like the experience of reading -- the smell of a new book, the feel of a hardcover or soft cover text, the texture of the pages, and the entire physical experience of reading is the ritual that a reader desires to fulfill whenever they read.