your net:// The story is getting better

By CHRIS BARTON

On-screen reading may be a pain, but things are improving.

The most common reading format, other than standard web pages, is Adobe's Acrobat PDF (portable document format). You can get one free at www.adobe.com.

Also from Adobe, and specifically for ebook reading, is the Glassbook reader. I tried it out with Stephen King's first instalment of The Plant. (Yes, I paid $US1).

I found the type fuzzy. The reader has controls to sharpen and enlarge text. Eventually I found an acceptable setting, but to finish the book I will probably print it out.

Reading on a Palm handheld computer is also possible using PeanutReader's free software from www.peanutpress.com.

The Microsoft Reader features ClearType technology. At present it is available only on Pocket PCs made by Hewlett Packard, Compaq and Casio, but the effect is dramatic - providing type that's easy on the eye, and approaches the quality needed for reading. It is due to be released for PCs later this year.

There are several purpose-built devices with proprietary software, The Rocket eBook Pro is a paperback-sized electronic book priced at $US269.

The SoftBook Reader with built-in modem is designed as a portable way to buy and read electronic newspapers, magazines and books. Price, $US600, or $US300 with a 24-month subscription agreement. A colour version is due in September.

Still in the making, the Everybook is a two-screen device that opens like a book.

At present, there aren't that many ebook titles available. They range in price from free to 20-30 per cent off the paperback price.

E-bookstores include:

Bookstore.glassbook.com

Bn.com/ebook

Poells.com

Softbook.com/store

More information can be found at: E-bookconnections and E-booknet.

Links:

Adobe Acrobat

Glassbook reader

PeanutReader

Microsoft Reader

Rocket eBook Pro

SoftBook Reader

Everybook

Bookstore.glassbook.com

www.bn.com/ebook

Poells.com

Softbook.com/store

E-bookconnections

E-booknet