[HarryT]

Originally Posted by KiloSierra

I am completely new to the e-reader concept, so I have questions.

1. Is there a universal name? Is E-Reader a brand name or a device description?

"eReader" is the name of a specific book format. Don't use it to describe a reading device - it causes confusion. Best to call the device an "eBook Reader".

2. Is there a preferred format?

The main eBook formats you'll find in stores are:

1. PDF - avoid like the plague!
2. MobiPocket - can be read on a wide range of different devices.
3. Microsoft Reader - can only be read on Microsoft Reader software on the PC and Windows CE, but can be easily converted to other formats, hence very popular!
4. eReader. Once popular on Palm devices. Best to avoid, probably.

In addition, certain devices have their own custom book formats, most notably the Sony Reader uses a format called "BBeB", which is sold as DRM-protected books by Sony's own bookstore, and in DRM-free versions for some books by a number of other bookstores such as Baen and Fictionwise.

The most popular "generic" formats are, I'd say, MobiPocket and Microsoft Reader.

3. Is there free out of print downloads? (like from a library or Google)

There are tens of thousands of eBook in the public domain. See our "Book Upload" forums here.

4. Are the reading programs interchangeable with any laptop software?

All the main eBook formats have reading software for a PC. If you mean "can a book be imported into OTHER software" then generally the answer is "no" - not without conversion, at least. There are, however, tools for CREATING eBooks from many different formats freely available.

5. If I already own the book, do I still have to pay for the e-version?

Yes, of course you do, unless the text is in the public domain.

6. Who supports new printed material? Publishers or book stores?

What do you mean "supports" it? eBooks are created (generally speaking) by publishers, and sold in eBook stores.

7. Will the e-readers put book stores out of business?

No.