The Future of Ebooks & Readers: By Stephanie Burkhart

It's National "Read an Ebook" week here in the US and I've found several "deals and steals" all week. Check out Rebecca J. Vickery's last post for some great deals for ebook week. You can also visit: http://www.ebookweek.com/index.html

On Monday, I talked a little about the history of ebooks on my blog (http://sgcardin.blogspot.com) along with the growing popularity of ebook readers, starting with Amazon and Sony in the mid-2000's. Let's take a look at the future. What are the best ebook readers? What's the advantage of having an ebook? Are ebooks & readers here to stay?

Since Amazon introduced the Kindle in 2007, Ebook readers have been on the rise. Sony, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Apple now offer competitive ebook readers at affordable prices.

In 2009, Amazon's basic ebook reader, the 2^nd generation Kindle sold for $259.00. Now you can get the basic 3^rd generation Kindle model (WiFi only) for $79.00. Kindle now offers several models for various price points to suit every reader. They offer 3G and Fire versions along with bigger screens. In fact, all of the ebook readers companies – Sony, B&N, Kobo, & Apple – offer various models at affordable prices. Every company has their advantages and disadvantages so it really comes to what you want in an ereader and how much you are willing to pay.

Advantages of an ereader:

Affordability

At a practical price, more readers are willing to check an ereader out.

Internet friendly to use

Most people these days have some Internet smarts/savvy. On Amazon, you can buy an ebook with one click and have it sent to your ereader. Sony, Amazon, B&N, and Kobo have made their Internet stores easy to maneuver. Sites such as All Romance Ebooks make it simple to buy an ebook. Programs like Calibre help to convert to the format of ebook you need.

Price Friendly

Ebooks are price friendly.  If you're a savvy shopper, you can find ebooks for free, for 99 cent, and other price friendly points.

Instant Gratification

Ebooks and readers nowadays help to satisfy the "instant gratification" of today's market with their accessibility and easy-to-buy format.

Ebook readers are:

Lighter than books

Saves storage space

They're easy to buy

So, what does the future hold for ebooks/readers? I see the readers continuing to improve. They'll become lighter, faster, and more convenient to carry.

Question for you: I'd love to hear your thoughts. What do you think the future holds for ebooks and ebook readers?

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. Her latest release is "The Secret Door," Book 4 in the Budapest Moon Series. Her 99 cent story, "Journey of the Heart" is an Amazon Best Seller. She lives in Castaic, CA, has two boys, is addicted to coffee and loves a good piece of chocolate, especially Cadbury Crème Eggs.

Enjoy an ebook. I'm offering my stories, Christmas in Bayeux and A Polish Heart for Free on Smashwords during "Read an Ebook" week.

Christmas in Bayeux: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72100

A Polish Heart: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164429

If you enjoy the stories, please give it a review. I'd really appreciate it.

Smiles

Steph

Read an E-Book Week and Chance to Win an Ebook Reader! And LADY OF THE STARS nomination at TRR

Since I'm an ebook author, I'm all for Read an E-Book Week.

Not only can you buy my ebooks (hint, hint), but you also have a chance to win an ereader.

http://www.ebookweek.com/ is giving away a Barnes & Noble Nook and 3 Kobo eReaders.

To enter, go to http://www.ebookweek.com/. On the right side, click on the "Win an eReader, Enter here" and answer the questions:

For a chance to win a Kobo: Kobo uses ePub format, which allows for downloading content from various sources, including your library. Who developed ePub format, and in what year?

Hint: Look in Wikipedia

For a chance to win a Nook: Although other display technologies may come and go, the E Ink corporation deserves credit for WHAT?

Hint: look for the answer here: http://www.ebookweek.com/ebook_week_eink.html

Make sure to follow the directions in order for a chance to win. Entries must be emailed from March 6, 2010 through March 12. Good luck to all.

And I just found out that TRR reviewers at The Romance Reviews (“TRR”) have nominated my Lady of the Stars for Best in Historical Fantasy/Paranormal for 2010.

If you're so inclined, please vote for my book here: http://www.theromancereviews.com/bookvote.php (scroll down)

Thank you all,
Linda
Linda Banche
Welcome to My World of Historical Hilarity!
http://www.lindabanche.com