Data Directions, Inc.

For the confused, eBooks are just what they sound like – representations of a book’s text in an electronic format. From a technical standpoint, this can be as simple as a text file that people can read on their computers. More often, they’re other types of files, meant to be read on smaller, portable devices like PDAs, phones, or dedicated eBook readers

eBooks have their advantages. Some PDAs or readers can store hundreds of them, and thousands more on memory cards like the ones your digital camera uses. Most eBooks are cheaper than their tree-murdering equivalents, and purchasing new ones from the web is a snap.

Critics point out that eBooks can cause eye strain, and that “real books” don’t require batteries. Even we admit that it takes a special kind of PropellerHead to curl up beside the fire to read an eBook, and you won’t find us soaking in a candle-lined bathtub on Saturday nights with an electronic copy of Sense and Sensibility. Hey, even computer nerds have feelings.

That said, if you’re looking to buy a dedicated eBook reader, the Big Two right now are the Sony Reader (sony.com/reader) and the just-released Amazon Kindle (amazon.com/kindle).

The Sony Reader was introduced in late 2006 and is now in its second incarnation. At $300, it’s cheaper than the Kindle, and has built-in support for more file formats. It also allows free access to blogs and newsfeeds, and gives users the option of reading in “landscape mode,” which is the technical term for “sideways.”

The Amazon Kindle costs more ($400), but has a built-in Internet connection for downloading eBooks directly to the reader. The included keyboard makes the device larger, but makes it easier to search through eBooks. Around 90,000 titles are available (compared to Sony’s roughly 20,000), but access to blogs and newsfeeds is not free.

Prices for eBooks depend on the title and the reader, but Amazon currently offers most bestsellers and new releases for $10 or less, available from their web site. Sony’s prices vary more, so check out ebooks.connect.com for current information.

Other dedicated eBook readers include the Cybook from Bookeen (bookeen.com) and iLiad from iRex (irexshop.com).

All of these face competition from general-use devices, like laptop computers, tablet PCs, PDAs, mobile phones, and media players with large enough screens.

Lastly, we should mention that gutenberg.org hosts over 20,000 free books in plain text format – all have expired copyrights, and some of the greatest literature of all time is included. But alas, no Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

With several eBook readers and thousands of titles to choose from, you’ll want to research your options more on-line. Meanwhile, we’ll be catching up on our reading. On our mobile phones, of course.