E-books have gone mainstream! The latest announcements on airlines include: "Please turn off all electronic devices, including electronic book readers...." That translates into a home run for e-books. They have arrived!

Of course, e-books can just as easily read on a computer or laptop. That's what the first e-books were created for. But now e-books are more commonly read on e-book reading devices like the iPad, Sony Reader, Kobo and a host of other dedicated devices.

The list of e-book readers, and format they read in, is growing yearly. The good news is that new technologies make these devices more durable and easier to see in all lighting situations.

E-books can also be read on handheld computers (aka Pocket PCs, or PDAs). These pocket-sized devices are popular with people on the go, and can carry an astounding amount of memory!

Smartphones are combined PDAs and cellphones, and like PDAs, they are great e-book readers for people with long commutes on public transport. Try an e-book on your Nexus One.

Last year during Read an E-Book Week we had a list, and link, to the most popular e-book readers. This year there are simply too many to keep track of. Instead, here's a few great links to learn about e-book readers -- past, present and future!

E-Book Matrix
Mobileread Wiki for E-book Devices
The eBook Reader Blog
The eBook Reader
eBook Reader Guide
Ebook Readers Review
E-Book Reader Comparison

With the proliferation of devices and formats, both proprietary and open, it can be quite confusing to the reader to know which device to buy. Even your location has to be taken into consideration since not all devices are available, or will work, in certain countries. For an informative overview of various e-book readers and their reading format, Sara Rosso has a great blog: When I Have Time that can help untangle the information.