To E-Read or not to E-Read???

Yes, lately, I've been putting serious consideration into purchasing an e-book reader. But which one? I've been hesitant to get a Kindle due to its lack of ability to read any format other format other than kindle e-books (although, I have a handful of friends who have kindles, who use them for different purposes--books, newspapers, etc, and who all adore them). I also have a friend who has an ipad (snicker snicker-what a silly name!), and who really enjoys it. After the winter holiday season, a lot of people at our library came in with new Sony Readers, and they all seem to enjoy them (and all keep asking when we're going to get e-books for them to check out).

Now there's this new Sharp E-book reader is coming out. It seems pretty interesting and affordable, too.

Still, as far as I'm concerned, libraries are the most cost effective way to go. My friend Kit was talking about how inexpensive e-books are for the kindle, to which I responded, yes, but are they free? Library books are free. I read at least two a week (not to mention all the children's [picture books). Even at $10, it would cost me $80 a month in e-books for the e-reader. Until libraries are able to offer e-books for e-book readers (and I definitely see this happening in the near future), I'll stick with my free library books.

PS Did you here that last month, the number of Amazon's kindle e-books sold outnumbered hardback books (143 kindle books for every 1 hardback!!!)??? Check it out! http://www.extraspace.com/news/post/2010/07/19/Ebooks-Driving-Hardcovers-into-Collector-Status-Faster-Than-Previously-Predicted.aspx