How to Purchase Ebooks

EBooks allow you to carry a library in the palm of your hand.

EBooks have become a popular format in the publishing industry for distributing both current and catalog fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as newspapers and other periodicals. An eBook is a digital file rather than an actual book, and is purchased and downloaded to an eBook reader device, where it is displayed and read on-screen. The first major eBook reader was Amazon's Kindle, released in 2007, with competitors soon following suit. Once the particular reader device is selected, purchasing eBooks can follow.

Things You'll Need

• EBook reader device
• Computer with Internet connection

Instructions

With Kindle or nook

1. Purchase and download titles directly to the eBook reader if you have Amazon's Kindle or Barnes & Noble's nook. These readers feature wireless technology similar to cell phones allowing you to connect to their online store from nearly anywhere. Begin by registering your device and creating an account on-screen, including providing valid credit card information for billing purposes.

2. Click the "Menu" button on the Kindle or "Shop" on the touchscreen of the nook to enter the eBook store.

3. Browse through the library of available selections or enter keywords like author or title information in the search box to locate specific titles.

4. Click on the selection of your choice for more detailed information about that item, including the price. With nook, click "Sample" to sample the eBook before purchasing. Click "Buy" to purchase a title, and it will be downloaded to your reader and appear in your library.

With Sony Reader

1. Connect the Sony Reader to your computer with an active Internet connection using the USB cable provided. The "Install for Reader" window will appear; click "Install eBook Library" and follow the on-screen prompts to install the Reader software. The eBook Library program will open automatically anytime the Reader is connected to the computer; double click its desktop icon to open manually if it does not.

2. Click "eBook Store" in the Source view to go to the Store. Browse the library of available titles or enter keywords like author or title information in the search bar to locate specific selections. Click on the chosen selection for more detailed information about that title.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to purchase and download the title(s) to your library.

4. Click "Library" in the Source view and click on the titles you wish to transfer to the Reader. Drag the selection to where it says "Reader" in the Source view and the file will tranfer to the device.

References

• EBook Reader Reviews: Amazon Kindle
• Barnes & Noble: nook Start-up Guide
• Sony Style: Reader User's Guide

Resources

• Sony Style: Reader Store