eBooks are beginning to take off as an alternative to paper-based publishing, and if you're interested in joining the trend, then the MobiPocket Reader is a good place to start.

Compatible with the three major PDA operating systems, the MobiPocket Reader not only displays eBooks, but also lets you download and read the latest eNews on your PDA.

Installation of either service is invoked through the Web Companion desktop application, where you simply mark the news services you wish to install, click update and get eNews installed on your PDA.

Once the eBooks are on your PDA, the MobiPocket Reader allows you to format the text to your preference (font size, type, colour etc), and bookmarks can be added to ensure you can find where you last left the eBook. Find a book you like and you can beam it to friends irrespective of which eBook reader they own.

With each eBook costing approximately around $4 to $5, this is an inexpensive way to read books - just don't expect to get the latest releases.