Ebooks require reading software--usually downloaded to your computer--or other device. Online ebook retailers like ebooks.com, Kobo.com and others offer free downloads of their ebook software. Electronic books come in a variety of formats--though most commonly they are found as PDFs or as ePubs (electronic publication).
Ebooks offer the same text as the original book (unless noted). PDF files are Mac and PC compatible. Ebooks also offer the flexibility of zooming pages to a comfortable size without fuzzy type. Readers can also print one page, or all the pages of the ebook.
Besides instant delivery, ebook software also allows readers to do word searches, making finding what you want quicker than looking it up in an index. You can also use thumbnails of the pages to find the section you want as well as bookmark pages you want to return to.
Most ebooks available at popular bookstores run about $10. There are those who feel the cost is high. According to Sam Sattler, publisher of the blog, Book Chase, some in the book industry feel that because you aren't getting something you can lend out to other people--nothing physical--you shouldn't have to pay so much for a digital copy.
Ebooks have security settings which may prevent or limit printing and copying, as well as specifying how many different devices you can download the ebook to.
Sattler notes that ebooks can't be donated to a library, sold to a used-bookstore or traded elsewhere. In addition, some books are badly designed and offer little pictorial or other kind of visual relief.
The Kindle 2 device, retailing at $259, is a wireless reader, which unlike a laptop or smartphone, is a dedicated reader with a chiclet-keyboard. It's designed to read like real paper--16 shades of grey that are easy to read--even in sunlight.
Other ebook readers include Sony's Reader retailing at $265 and the Barnes and Noble Nook which retails for $260. According to Charlie Sorell of wired.com, Nook looks a lot like the Kindle, only instead of the chiclet-keyboard there is a color multitouch screen to be used as a keyboard or to browse books.
Ebooks are not meant to replace paper books. Instead, they offer tech-lovers a new way to enjoy books.