Deciding how you want to utilize this great service is your first step. From "The Reader Digital Book" by Sony to the "eBookwise 1150" offered by eBookwise.com, your choices will be wide and varied. There is also the opportunity to forgo one of these special readers and simply download to your laptop or home PC. Most e-books are offered in many different formats including Microsoft Reader and Adobe Reader, both free software available from the company websites.
With a library of 17000 free ebooks whose copyright has expired in the USA Book listings, the Project Gutenberg collection (www.gutenberg.org) was produced by tens of thousands of volunteers who have scanned, checked and double checked the editions before they are released to the general public. Here you will find the classics(in multiple languages), books on everything from Adventure to Women's studies.
Many of the specialized readers can only accept certain types and formats of e-books. One of the best places to go to find multiple formats is Fictionwise.com (www.fictionwise.com). This is a for purchase e-book site, although they do have a lending library for members. Members also receive discounts on books, special coupons, rebates, and an e-newsletter that alerts you when your favorite authors publish new e-books. Booksonboard.com is also a great place to find e-books in multiple formats. With no membership or clubs to join, this site offers great prices on the newest available e-books.
Research the author and publisher. Many publishers now offer e-books directly and authors have links on their websites. Again, fee based, these tend to be more pricey than either the Fictionwise or Booksonboard sites, however, the selection can prove to be more in sync with the hardcopy book publication date.
Try your local library. Yes, even the libraries are getting into the act. It's now possible to sign up for an e-library card, that will allow you access to your local libraries e-book collection. Please note, there is sometimes a waiting list, and the e-book accessibility has a time restraint (just like taking out a hardcopy book) but it's worth it.
No matter where you choose to go to get your e-books, make sure you download at least one additional copy as backup. Most publishers and sites have a time or download limit associated with purchases.
Pick a favorite and enjoy. There's nothing better than sitting back with hundreds of books at hand, and only the charge in your computer's battery holding you back.