Electronic book readers may just be the perfect gift. They are handheld electronic devices that are equipped to digitally download your next good read. There are a variety of them on the market, but they all function basically the same way. My teenager was describing the advantages of a reader to me and I will admit, I loved the idea of slowing down the invasion of paperback novels, hard covered classics, educational books, newspapers and magazines that infiltrate my home, so I thought I would do a little research.

Astounded by so many versions of electronic book readers on the market, my timing to learn more led me into a hot bed of electronic articles and conversations speculating the new one that Apple was about to come out with, making this one of the most popular new product announcements so far this year.

The most popular one for now is Amazon’s Kindle that has a display that reads just like a paper page. It is lightweight and has the ability to store hundreds of books, newspapers or magazines. As popular as the Kindle has been, it was announced recently that the Amazon has opened the device to outside developers to create applications for the Kindle. Many feel the move is in anticipation of Apple’s electronic book reader expected to be announced on the 27th of January.

Developers will receive 70% of the generated revenues by their applications that will be available later this year through Amazon’s Kindle Store. The company is looking to distribute content in one of three ways: Free applications that are smaller than 1MB, one time purchases with less than 100KB per user per month and the third will be a monthly subscription for active content.

To say there are many rumors surrounding electronic book readers is an understatement. Like the one I heard this morning that Amazon will not be upgrading the Kindle because they would rather promote the Apple i-Tablet, i-Slate, i-book, i-Guide, Apple i-Pad, MacTablet or whatever it is going to be named, than to compete with it. Which?, who will be covering Steve Jobs anticipated announcement, has been tracking the top ten rumors surrounding Apple’s version of the Kindle – including one that Apple has scooped up the rights to the website address, islate.com.

No matter what you call your favorite electronic book reader, these handy little devices are sure to gain in popularity. They are a perfect alternative to lugging around a heavy briefcase or backpack just to satisfy your reading addiction.

Even though I would like to have one, there are just too many on the market to decide which one I like best even with this convenient comparison. Maybe I’ll just wait for Mother’s Day and let the kids decide which one is right for me.

Top Ten Apple iSlate iTablet Rumors = http://www.which.co.uk/news/2010/01/top-ten-apple-islate-tablet-pc-rumours-195981

Convenient comparison of electronic book readers – http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_Reader_Matrix

Judie Mackie is a writer, reporter and editor for SearchAmelia. http://www.SearchAmelia.com/