I'm thinking about getting an electronic book reader. Does anyone have one? If so, what brand, and what do you think of it? Is there sufficient selection available for it, and is it reasonably priced? Is there selection beyond bestsellers? Are you bound to one vendor for your downloads?

I'm thinking this would be a great way to bring a lot of books on the Discovery Cruise later this year, without having to weigh down a suitcase with them. I realize that there's a decent selection of books in the ship's library but I want to be able to have my own selection available.

I've been wondering about that, too, Crystal. One thing that is keeping me from looking into it, though, is that Mom and I like a lot of the same authors and we pass books back and forth. I may think about it more strongly after she moves in with us.

I think they look awkward to hold, but like the concept. To me there is just something about the feel of a book. I think I'm passing into the dinosaur era. :D

I really like the audiobooks on the ipod. You can put alot of them onto it. It's not reading, but I like it when the author reads his own book. I'm listening to Infidel now.

I do too, Diane. They're great for when you can't or don't want to read (I don't get these people who can read and work out at the same time). But, I'm semi-old fashioned and still love the written word. But only semi, since I'm willing to try reading on a device.

Crystal, I don't have one, but frequent amazon.com and their Kindle looks interesting. As you can imagine, I am kinda into the written word, myself. I also love the feel of a book in my hands. Must be the librarian in me!!

Well, the business I'm in is related to this technology, software not hardware, so I'm no expert on what to buy. New ones include the Kindle, and the Sony product, just out, both of which I've seen.

I'll tell you what I do (but I'm a geek, so this won't suit lots of people.) I use the Mobipocket format, and read them on my Palm. I've been reading ebooks on a Palm for years, but things have improved with the higher screen resolutions. Mobi's not perfect, and it doesn't look beautiful on a Palm like the other proprietary ebooks, but it has this one advantage--it is small, and you don't have to carry yet another electronic device.

There's also a decent ebook format for Pocket PC's as well, the books actually look prettier than Mobi, at least on a small device.

I've got about 5 ebooks on my Palm right now.

There's a couple of LCT members that have Kindles (Amazon's reading e-book) including Amanda - I know she loves hers. :) The mobipocket format is available for the Kindle as well.

I'm very close to doing the kindle thing. Finally in stock. Will decide tomorrow.

Robert, what did you decide? If you did decide to get it, let me know what you think of it.

I have the Sony reader. It was a gift so I didn't get to choose whether it was that or the kindle. I really like the design and feel of the Sony. It's easy to read and I've even caught myself trying to turn the page! It is fantastic for travel!!!

The Sony Bookstore does seem to be more limited that Amazon's support for the kindle. The usual best sellers are there, plus a few others and many classics. The prices are too high I feel since you don't actually get a "book". There are some other sites you can use (see http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11052 ) some of which are free. You can also store photos and music on it.

The kindle is more expensive initially (about $100 more) but I think many of the books are a better deal. Also, you can download a book from just about anywhere in the US whereas with the Sony reader you have to first download it to your computer. The Sony reader charges off of a USB connection to your PC but an AC adapter is available.

I think I would have gone with the kindle even though I think it's kind of ugly (the Sony is very sleek).

If it's any consolation, I think the lack of books may be temporary. There are lots coming down the pipe, new releases, re-releases and best sellers. Just wait a few months. Don't know about cost--I've paid anywhere from "free", to about $7 for a mobipocket book.

Masaki's right, I love my Kindle. The case needs a little work and sometimes, I accidentally press one of the buttons and skip to the next page. The prices vary, but the most I've paid for a book is $9.99.

That's good to know, Amanda. Are you satisfied with the selection of books available?

Hey Crystal - I'm still on the fence. I'd love to try one but want to avoid the hassle of ordering and returning if it doesn't feel right.

I took the following from their site so I'd imagine they have something for everyone, selection wise...

More than 120,000 books available, including more than 98 of 112 current New York Times® Best Sellers.

Crystal, so far (knock on wood), everything I've wanted to buy has been available on the Kindle.

Just to let you know, I wound up getting the Kindle, and just love it! It's easy to read, portable, and so far I've been able to get every book I've wanted (though I had to wait a couple of weeks after it hit the bookstores for one to become available). Plus, it has some functionality I hadn't realized: I can download some of my trip-planning documents--saving the weight of paper in my suitcase.

Thank you all for your input.

Good news, Crystal. I thought it looked really neat. Can't wait to see it. Also a big plus on the travel info. I was dreading the thoughts of taking all those wonderful, info-filled (though heavy and space taker-uppering) binders you created.

Glad to hear, Crystal!! :)

Thanks to all of you I decided to get a Kindle for Tom for his BD. He's not so sure he likes it yet, I've been looking for books that he will enjoy.

While I'm still using my iphone and audible for my "reading" enjoyment, this is a wonderful invention!

I think the newspaper feature is pretty cool too - you can get paid subscriptions to electronic versions of various newspapers and have them automatically delivered wirelessly to the Kindle daily. Maybe you can see if Tom might be interested in something along those lines?

Masaki...what a great suggestion - I need to check on that - it would also make our recycling bin a lot lighter!