4. Where you’ll be using it:  If you plan to read while you commute then think about the lighting on your train, bus, etc.  If lighting is low you may not want to get an e-ink reader since there is no backlighting.  The lack of back lighting can be solved with attaching a book light to the reader. By contrast, if you are planning to read outdoors or under well lighted conditions then backlighting features may not be that important.  Either way think about how much stuff you already carry with you.  For example the Cybook  has a backlit large 10 inch screen, but it is somewhat bulky and heavy at 3 pounds.  Three pounds doesn’t seem like much now, but it will if you are already toting a laptop, purse…you get the idea.  It would be like carry a large hardback book.  If you plan to read at home a larger device may be more convenient.

5.  Availability of reading material:  If you like public domain classics then you’re in luck.  There’s plenty of reading material available at places like Project Gutenberg and Many Books.  I like reading best sellers so I am more restricted.  Before purchasing a reader look around the web at the various e-book resellers and make sure that they sell your genre of books.  Take note of the formats available for download and verify that the reader you plan to get is capable of displaying the text.  That’s part 2.  Final part to come…