2 weeks ago we spoke briefly about the new iPad, its features and why every one should have one, what we didn't speak about was what device should you purchase if your really not interested in all those extra bells and whistles (emails, facebook access, movies, playing games and listening to music) whilst still having a device you can store & read all your books on?

Its called an E-reader!

An e-book reader, also called an e-book device or e-reader, is a mobile electronic device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital books.

An e-book reader is similar in form to a tablet computer. A tablet computer typically has a faster screen capable of higher refresh rates which makes them more suitable for interaction. Tablet computers also are much more versatile, allowing one to consume multiple types of content, as well as create it. The main advantages of e-book readers are better readability of their screens especially in bright sunlight and longer battery life. This is achieved by using electronic paper technology to display content to readers.

E-book readers typically have some form of internet connection and sometimes have a relationship to a digital e-book seller, allowing the user to buy and receive digital e-books through this seller. In this way the books owned by the user are managed in the cloud, and the e-book reader is able to download material from any location. An e-book reader may also download material from a computer or read it from a memory card.

Now that you know what an e-reader is, its time to start looking at the various makes and models available on today's market place.
Brands such as iRiver, Kobo, Kindle, Nook, Sony, BeBook and Booken to name a few are today's top selling e-readers, all of which have the same functionality as each other.... the ability to read books!
some models have more features than others like color screens, 3G internet connectivity, touch screen displays, miniature keyboards, built in MP3 players and even the ability to download and read the latest magazines.
So where is the best place to purchase one of these devices?

Online you can visit:
http://www.ereadersrus.com.au
http://www.kindle.com
http://www.kobo.com
All three websites have a wide range of devices with enough information to sink a battle ship!
The best part about e-readers is that you can obtain just about any book online, whether it be free or paid for. A simple Google search for "free e-books" brings up a hundred and one different web sites all with access to thousands upon thousands of books.
Check out the following web sites and start downloading your free e-books now!
www.e-book.com.au
www.free-ebooks.net
www.manybooks.net
So next time your on the train carrying 3 or 4 books think of how easy an e-reader can make your life! The ability to store thousands of books in your hands whilst only carrying one device, not to mention up to 2 months battery life on most models!