So popular is the Kindle (pictured) that other manufacturers in the US are starting to produce their own e-book readers. Major electronic companies like Sony already have one, but price has been the key issue. With the Kindle coming in at US$399 and Sony’s Shop Reader Digital Book at US$300, they’re not cheap. It’s even worse for Australians. Dymocks’ iLiad weighs in at $899! Not really motivation to throw down that book and convert to the latest technology.

Now there’s the Astak Mentor e-book reader. Available in 5, 6 and 9.7-inch versions, prices will start at under US$200. Still not paper cheap, but getting there. They will all have touch-screen displays and be Wi-Fi capable, with 128MB of built in storage and space for an SD card of up to 4GB. You’ll be able to use them as MP3 players as well.

E-books provide a more realistic book reading experience when compared to a laptop or PDA because they are roughly the same size as a hardcover or paperback and use e-ink technology that emulates the look of ink on paper. There is no news yet of whether the Astak Mentor will reach Australian shores.

Would you use an e-book reader? Discuss it in our forums.