Aside from PC's, Mac's and cell phones a whole array of alternate reading devices exists in the marketplace.

These e-reading devices are typically units dedicated for black/white readion. By accepting these limitations, it has been possible to create units that are compact, with long battery life times (typically in excess of 10 days) and can be read in both daylight and in direct sunshine.

For the moment the number of these e-reading devices is climbing steadily, and it can be hard to remain aware of the many differences between the different units. As such, we have decided to introduce the most popular units in the marketplace. Due to the complexity and detail level available for each device, it has been necessary for us to limit the amount of information delivered - we do however not have any particular preference and work to support each and every one.
 

Kindle is probably the best known, or the most widely discussed e-reader currently on the market. Amazon decided to create a businessmodel where all publications need to be processed through Amazon in order to be read on the Kindle. This in turn also means that tight control of the rights to the content exisits and it also limits the high number of free books, that exist on example Google Books. Amazone owns Mobipocket and their DRM-method (Digital Rights Management) is by many seen as being fairly closed, due to the difficulties of making DRM-protected content for Kindle. They have however created a system which makes the purchasing of publications extremely easy by offerin free 3G access in all of the US and now also in Europe with special international models allowing for 3G access in major countries/cities.

Publishers can publish to Kindle either by making an agreement with Amazon or by having the readers downlad publications to PC/MAC - for then to use a converter tool and transfer files via USB cable.

It has a build in keyboard and the opportunity to play MP3 and other sound files. A large English dictionary has also been included along with free access to Wikipedia.

Price: $259 USD + Delivery, Customs and Handling Charges.

Barnes & Noble are new to the marketplace, and we have not yet had the opportunity to view a nook. Contrary to the Kindle, it is based on a more open business model med the opportunity of reading ePub and PDF files directly without having to go through converting tools. The nook also operates with 3G access, but for now only available in the US. It's WIFI access can however be used Internationally. Barnes & Noble is one of the largest book stores in the US with an abundance of stores in all major cities. Barnes & Noble provides access to more than 0,5 million free e-books and in total provides access to more than 1 million different books, newspapers and other publications.

Sony has had e-readers in their product range since 2005, but initally only in Japan. Since then, they have launched several models on the International market and Sony Reader - In it's various models is sold by their stores. The reader can be bought i several European countries and around the world. As an example, it can be found in Germany for 299 EUR.

It seperates itself from the others by having a touch screen interface, great support of PDF and other standard formats, but unfortunately it has a screen with much reflection (more than seen with the competition).

Sony has annouced a larger screen and 3G wireless access in their Reader Daily Edition, that has been scheduled for launch in December next year. Unconfirmed rumors has it that Sony currently is in the process of negotiating an International access to 3G. Furthemore, Sony has build in an opportunity to borrow books for 21 days from the local library, by simple specifying a zip code which returns a local list of possible loans available.
Spotted at: $300 USD Price: $259 USD + Delivery, Customs and Handling Charges.
 

IREX Technologies are also one of the pioneers in the market place. They are a spin-off from Philips, that has already worked with E Ink about commercialisation of this type of displays. iLiad is the first device with both E Ink screen and wireless access to obtain publications, of iLiad has also been used for different attempts with electronic publications for European newspapers such as:
NRC Handelsblad, Les Echos etc.

An IREX DR800SG has just been annouced for $400 USD which includes a dela with Barnes & Noble for access to books, Best Buy in the sales link and Verizon Wireless for 3G access in the US. Furthermore they market the access for more than 750.000 titles via Barnes & Nobles.
 
It is scheduled for European delivery in 1 half of 2010.

Price: 599 EUR + Delivery, Customs and Handling Charges.