If you are new to reading eBooks (electronic books) on a computer, PDA or
electronic reader, as decadent as it may sound to do so, it can be very helpful in dramatically
reducing bulk and weight of your carry-on bag.
If you are one who likes to read on a trip, it is not unusual to take along 2 books or more,
not to mention magazines or newspapers. You can easily download eBooks and take more books on your
device than you could carry in paper form. (The Kindle: 1500 titles, Kindle DX: 2500
titles)
Some readers, like a Palm PDA, tablet or ipad are backlit to read without accessory
lighting. Sony's Reader, Barnes & Noble Nook and Amazon's Kindle all require lighting, perhaps with
a booklight, but will last thousands of pages between charges. (The Kindle can go a week
before recharging) Don't forget, though, a few extra batteries for the booklight; spares,
though, could always be purchased along the way.
Before purchasing a reader, check out the books available for it. Both Palm, Sony and
Kindle (Amazon) have their own bookstores that sell books formatted to their
particular machines. Palm does offer Adobe Reader for it's devices but some eBooks in .PDF format will
not interface with the Palm software and may only be downloaded to a computer (which you may
have wanted to leave at home) or Nook.
The Kindle and Nook are unique in that they download wirelessly via Wi-Fi (though
some Kindles also have 3-G download capability), not requiring a computer and internet
connectivity to download the book then transfer to the device. With 3-G capability you
can shop for books and download on the go anywhere you would expect to be able to use a cell phone if
you don't want to be tied to Wi-Fi access. (Some new Kindle 3G devices can now download in
Europe.)
Kindle now has hundreds of thousands of books available, many for free. For Amazon Prime
members, selected books can be borrowed. Participating public libraries can loan Kindle
books!
Reduce Your Carry-On Weight! These devices can reduce your carry-on weight and bulk
substantially. (The Kindle 2 is a little more than 1/3 inch thick and weighs 10.2 oz.)
If you like to read when you travel, these eReaders warrant your attention:
