APRIL SHOWERS MONTH IS A
GREAT TIME TO CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK
-- MORE TITLES, MORE CHOICES, MORE eTYPES --
WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

HOW ABOUT 'ALL OF THE ABOVE' ?

Whether you're reading a traditional paper version, or reading an eBook on your favorite device, or listening to a great book while your hands and eyes are busy with something else, there's never been a broader list of choices available.

Many of the favorite series titles are available in packaged groups -- at a package discount price -- and that makes everyone happy. Last October I bought the whole Twilight series (4 books) in eBook format for less than paperbook price. Several weeks ago I caught up with Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series (also the basis for HBO's popular "True Blood"), when the first eight books were offered as a single eBook file that I could download from B&N to my computer and read from the larger screen as well as on the NOOK..

Audio books have been a long time favorite for me because they entertain me while I'm driving, or sewing, or doing anything else with my hands and eyes that leave my brain free to enjoy listening. I had to rely on the library to supply titles, though. The trouble with audio cassettes and audio CD's has always been price! DVD movies sell for less than half the price of my favorite author's CD albums.

Digital Audio books present a whole new class of listening pleasure to fill that gap. They're also available from the library, but the waiting list is usually too long for me. I've bought a few from online retailers, but the best deal (with the best catalog list) has been from joining Audible.com. Now I can download to my PC and also to my MP3 player (both use Apple's ITunes software for playback). When I'm on the move, the MP3 player brings a dozen novels along. When I'm sewing I prefer playback through the PC speakers. On the road, my MP3 player plugs into my car radio and continues the novel (or series) while I drive.

And that's the real object, isn't it? To be able to enjoy, in any format, what the author has written for us? So my preference is ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Apple® - iPod touch® 8GB MP3 Player (3rd Generation) - Black. See your Public Library for audio download access to your favorite novels, and play back on an MP3.

Barns & Nobel's "Nook" looks like an interesting unit to explore. Especially with the ability to share purchased books with friends. That's a big plus and one of the primary complaints from our members about the prevailing price of eBooks --- they're close to paperback prices, but lack the advantage of sharing or re-selling which paperbacks offer. We can thank B&N for the policy that allows time-stamped downloads to friends and family (lending for a fixed limited time, which is not the same as allowing free "copies" to be made).

Also the "Nook", like the Sony eBook Reader, works in multiple eBook formats and therefore allows us access from the local library as well as other eBook vendors.

Amazon's Kindle has been touted as the fastest selling eBook Reader of the season. I was tempted to try one unti lI discovered it uses the Sprint Cellphone Network for exclusive contact, and does not include Internet download access.

Sprint works ALMOST everywhere so that won't be a problem for everyone --- but it doesn't work in my home near Lake Oconee in Georgia. I have Internet access at home, but I'd have to drive almost 20 miles to get a Sprint connection to Amazon (as the single compatible supplier) whenever I wanted to buy more books. And because Kindle is a single-source access product, I'd have to give up downloading volumes from the local library to carry in my purse. It's just not the right unit for me.

The lesson here is --- if you're looking at a wireless unit, first check the coverage area for access. Sometimes there is an advantage to sticking with non-wireless units (having to connect to your PC and download new books from the Internet).

Those of us who have the Sony PRS505 model can download and install updated software to be compatible (I've already updated mine; it works without a problem). Anyone still holding an original Sony PRS500 can trade-in or upgrade directly through Sony Style.

I did give myself a couple heart-palps with my new laptop using Vista-64 . . . had to install the new software and re-download my purchased books. But it was all accomplished without cost to me, and without a problem. I'm happy with it.

Now that many eBooks are also available with FREE reader software (for IPod, Blackberry, and PC/Mac), there's a whole new wave of this resource gaining ground with the public.

PC reading wasn't so appealing when my choices were the trusty Sony PRS505 or the clunky desktop PC. I wasn't that willing to spend more hours in front of the desktop monitor even to follow my favorite author.

Now that I've switched to laptop computing, the functions have merged considerably. I still carry the PRS505 in my purse for "wait time" reading. And it's more convenient and lightweight than a paperback for bedtime reading. But I also carry the laptop in long distance travels, and make use of a few features even the eBook devices can't match.

For instance, my PC has ebook software from multiple vendors -- multiple formats -- and I can choose what to read without that bit of restriction. And when my eyes are especially tired at the end of the day, I can still enjoy reading on the laptop because the "page" size is expandable with text I can read even without my glasses!.

We're still at the mercy of an outdated industry setting prices to prevent hurting sales on hard-cover volumes, but that will change as more and more of the reading public opt for electronic versions.

As the number of eBook hardware models grows, the number of eBook vendors grows even more. Increased demand justifies more vendors, and more vendors create price competition. More and more customers are shunning the pricey volumes that require traditional printing, shipping, and warehousing -- and it shows..

Prices have been coming down on eBooks. New publishers have been entering the market, more authors have been finding publishers, and more choices have become available to the reading public. Electronic production, delivery, and end-user enjoyment have finally been recognized!

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-- Barnes and Nobel Links --
Those Little Pots of Gold
Never Disappoint
Our Readers OR Our Authors

If you've clicked through on any   of the book titles for sale through our links to Barnes and Nobel, you've already found the wealth of information on the selected title page.

Whether you're buying, or just looking, that click through is like a magazine page of it's own. You'll find a full synopsis of the novel, a collection of book reviews by multiple sources, and much more.

You may even find a truly informative bio on the author's career. Several of those include an audio linked interview that have been a favorite with our Struggling Authors group.

And always you'll find links to both new and used copies of the book, as well as other formats in which that book may be available.

Look for the lists (which are links, of course) to other books by that author, and then more by others in the same genre.

When you have time, click through on any of the links for specific titles. You'll be glad you did.

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Visit Digital Readers - eBook Readers Discussion Board and follow our adventures with the Sony Digital Reader. Share your experience with any of the digital readers on the market, and the eBook sources you've found.

Visit Sony eBook Store and browse titles available: Sony eBook Titles

Unearth A Classic for your Digital Reader; download from google-eBooks.

Go lightly. At just 1.4 pounds, the new Sony VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC lets you take the world with you. Shop Sony Style now!  

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