The Amazon Kindle 3

Even though there were e-book readers around long before the original Kindle, it revolutionized the industry by taking the relatively simple task of storing and displaying e-books and pairing it with some of the latest technologies, like wireless capabilities, electronic ink displays, and an integrated book store. The latest Kindle, version 3, is no stranger to modern technologies. Like its predecessor, it includes WiFi, physical QWERTY keypad, and optional 3G data connectivity, but it also features a more compact chassis, faster hardware, more storage space, and better battery life.

The Sony Reader Pocket PRS-350

The PRS-350 is the top rated e-book reader on alaTest right now. It offers the usual build quality you’d expect from a Sony product, but without the huge Sony price tag. It lacks any sort of wireless connectivity, but it does feature a very responsive touch screen and high-contrast E-Ink display. If you intend on using an e-book reader strictly for e-books, the PRS-350 really with the best choice for the job; however, web browsing and wireless file transfers, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

The Barnes & Noble Nook Color

The Nook Color is by far the most feature rich e-book reader available. Built on the Android platform, it’s actually more of a Tablet than an e-book reader, but with its Barnes & Noble proprietary software, it offers a great e-booking experience. It has a healthy e-book library to browse and purchase new titles, a full web browser, and perhaps most importantly, a color LCD screen. This of course makes a bit more expensive than other options, and that color screen means you’ll only be able to read for hours between charges instead of days.

Tablet and Smartphone Alternative

With today’s app-centric mobile world, you can read e-books on your Windows or Android Smartphone, iPhone, iPad, or Android Tablet. Each platform has various e-book solutions, such as a Kindle app for the iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android. There is also an official Google Books app for Android, and apps like GoReader bringing Google Books to Windows Phone 7. Of course Smartphones’ smaller screens aren’t ideal for e-booking, and tablets can only offer several hours of battery life. Still, both Smartphones and Tablets offer suitable e-book solutions if you don’t care to invest in a dedicated e-book reader.