e-book readers

U.S. consumers crave their gadgets, but the cell phone rules them all, according to a new Pew Internet study.

Among the 3,000 adults surveyed, 85 percent own cell phones. Mobile phones are especially in demand among younger adults, with 96 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds owning one. But even among those 65 and older, 58 percent have a cell phone.

The second hottest device--a computer--is owned by 76 percent of those surveyed. Breaking down that category, the laptop has grown in popularity and is now owned by 52 percent versus 30 percent in early 2006. Meanwhile, desktop ownership … Read more

So here's how the e-book reader landscape is looking these days. For $139 you can buy a Kindle with Wi-Fi. For $149 you can get a Nook, also with Wi-Fi. And for $129.99 you can scoop up a Kobo without Wi-Fi (which would be idiotic given that a new wireless version is coming November 1 for $139.99).

Then there's Sony, which steadfastly refuses to add Wi-Fi to its Reader series of, er, readers. If that's OK with you--meaning you don't mind installing Sony's archaic desktop software and using it every time you want … Read more

Even though the Kindle doesn't officially allow you to borrow or lend e-books, CNET editor Sharon Vaknin shows you how you can share with your trusted friends.

The Kindle will soon join Barnes & Noble's Nook and Sony's Reader on the shelves of your local Best Buy store.

The consumer electronics chain announced Thursday that it will expand its lineup of e-book readers by selling the Amazon Kindle in the coming weeks. Best Buy will display the Kindle and its rival readers at prime locations at the end of store aisles, giving shoppers the opportunity to check out each model side-by-side.

The new Kindle 3G and the smaller, lighter Wi-Fi-only Kindle 3 will both appear in Best Buy stores this fall, while the larger Kindle DX … Read more

Borders is cutting the prices of its two compatible e-book readers.

Effective September 1, the Kobo eReader will retail for $129 (a $20 reduction), and the Aluratek Libre will cost $99.99 (down from $119). Both devices can be used to read books from Borders e-book store (which, in turn, is powered by Kobo).

The Borders price cuts come less than a week after Amazon's third-generation Kindle began shipping to consumers. At $139, the most affordable Kindle costs slightly more than Borders' offering, but it offers direct access to Amazon's e-book store via Wi-Fi. (The $149 Barnes & Noble Nook … Read more

And, lo, the era of the sub-$100 e-book reader is finally upon us! Sears (Sears?) has the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300BC for $99.99 (plus $7 for shipping and sales tax in some states). It's new, not refurbished.

For years I've been saying (to anyone who'll listen--a surprisingly small group) that $99 is the magic price point for e-book readers like this and the Kindle. (Apparently $139 is fairly magical as well, as evidenced by the immediate sellout of Amazon's new Kindle Wi-Fi.)

Sony's product doesn't get nearly as much ink (no … Read more

Otterbox is known for its ultraprotective iPhone cases. Now, M-Edge, which specializes in Kindle cases, is doing the same for the Kindle, with an announcement that its first waterproof Kindle is now shipping.

The company says the Guardian is made of molded plastic and protects your Kindle in all water environments up to 1 meter deep, whether you're in the pool, ocean, or just soaking in the tub. Your e-reader is totally sealed in the case, but you can still access all the buttons through "flexible sealed button cutouts." Even better, the case turns your Kindle into … Read more

China's Hanwang Technology has teamed up with chipmaker Marvell to create a new line of inexpensive e-book readers powered by the latter's Armada processor.

Hanwang, which is also known as Hanvon and is China's largest e-reader maker, already sells devices such as the Wisereader N516 and N518 in China and internationally.

Marvell's Armada 166E system-on-a-chip includes an integrated e-paper display controller. It is designed to offer quick display of high-resolution PDF and ePub electronic documents, according to Marvell. It also features a hibernation mode to conserve power.

Hanwang's new e-reader line will hit the market … Read more

Sony is getting ready to send its e-book reader on a worldwide trip.

The company announced Thursday that it will introduce its Reader digital book device into several new global markets this year. Sony plans to hit the Asia-Pacific market with launches in Japan, China, and Australia, and expand throughout Europe by reaching countries such as Italy and Spain.

The company said it will use existing relationships with retailers, publishers, and distributors to help push the Reader and make sure local e-book content is available for consumers in each region.

"In the years since we unveiled the first eReader, … Read more