Share Reading

Yesterday I started discussing ebook reader tablets. For a software version, you can download the Microsoft eBook Reader for PC, or for devices running Windows Pocket PC or Tablet PC software. Reader doesn’t work on Palm OS devices, only Pocket PCs and Windows systems. There are some complaints that the software is sluggish (I did experience this myself when I tried it on my laptop). Also, to use it with encrypted purchased books, you have to activate the software at the Microsoft software so that the book will be tied to your computer only (once again you will not be able to share purchased books.) The native format for MS eBook Reader is the .lit extension, although it will read some other formats as well. There is a way to convert .lit files to html to read them in your browser, if you would rather do that.

• ABC Amber LIT Converter
  
• Convertlit.com

This will also allow you to convert any books you bought to be converted to new readers that you may decide to switch to.

I have been intrigued by the ebook readers since their introduction. The main attraction was being able to carry lots of books with you, the “techiness” of it, but primarily so I could crank up the font size and read without my glasses. But I have put off getting one for one simple reason. I don’t like to pay full price for books. I go to used book stores, yard sales and swap books with my friends.

I still look at the readers. Recently, Amazon introduced the Kindle reader. This has wireless capability to download books (after purchase of course). So it also falls short of my needs. If you want to get free ebooks for your computer, pda or ipod there are many choices.

• Manybooks.net - There are 19,282 eBooks available in all types of genres
• Memoware.com - Some are free but seem to be from project Guttenburg , mostly a front for their store.
• Fictionwise.com - This is how ebook stores should be. If you want to buy it is the place to go, but there are also some free books available.