The advent of the digital age has definitely made this world a more convenient place to live in. For instance, even the most avid reader would balk at the thought of bringing his favorite books with him wherever he goes. But with an electronic book reader, you don't only bring your top five books, you get to take the whole library with you. It doesn't matter if you're traveling or just having a cup of coffee at the nearby caf, your books go with you everywhere. However, owning an ebook reader could cost you a few hundred dollars, and if you want to get your money's worth, you should definitely get one that is best for you.

The cheapest of ebook readers still have yet to breach the sub-$100 mark. But you can find some readers for just over $200. This may be all you need from an ereader depending upon how heavily you plan to use it. Don't expect a battery that will last for an entire transatlantic flight, however. If your job requires lots of traveling or down time, you may want something slightly nicer. You can expect to spend nearly $500 for the higher-end models. The new Kindle DX, for instance, is the biggest and most advanced of its kind. While many people don't want to spend that much, you do get a lot more when you pay more. If you're really looking to go crazy, you can even buy models like the Flepia for over $1,000.

Whether you spend $200 or five times that, the important thing is you get the ebook device with the features you need. Otherwise, it would all be a big waste of money. A battery that lasts long and a screen that's easy on your eyes are some of the basic things that you would want to look into. If possible, try using the device before making the purchase. Even the most expensive ebook readers may not be the perfect fit for you.

Another important feature to check out is the file compatibility. This is a basic concern and yet many ebook owners overlook this. For instance, if you see yourself frequently needing to browse PDF files, make sure that your gadget supports PDF files as some don't. Since different ebook devices support different file formats, your access to ebooks could be limited. As for content availability, Sony has more than 100,000 ebooks in its library, while Amazon has around 250,000 ebooks available.

You don't have to jump through hoops just to have the right ebook reader. The important thing is to know what you really want in an ebook reading device. Buying the most expensive e-reader, like the Flepia which costs around $1,000 for instance may impress people, but it's not really the smartest or most practical move. You can still find a nice touch screen reader without such a steep price tag. Ultimately of course, the choice is up to you. You can spend a ton of money on a pricey gadget, or you can find a value-for-money ebook device. That for me, is the best ebook reader.