Although hardware ebook readers are currently attracting much of the media’s attention, software readers are also available. Without the high up front outlay, these have the advantage of allowing to read ebooks on existing devices such as laptops, netbooks and smartphones.
Adobe Digital Editions
Adobe Digital Editions is a free, Flash based reader available for both Windows and Mac users which supports the popular EPUB format, PDF and Flash-based content. It also comes pre-installed on Sony’s PRS-505 and the PRS-700.
DE supports digital rights management, allowing multiple devices to be authorised to read books in your ‘library’
Download at: http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/
Smartphone apps
Users of smartphones such as the iPhone, Blackberry and Google Android powered phones can pick from a growing number of reader applications, many of which include libraries of free, out of copyright books.
Check your phone’s app store for a list of current readers.