E-book readers have been available for ten years now. The original reader – the Franklin Ebookman – launched in’99, and it’s still on sale today. However, 2009 has been the year when these devices really entered into the mainstream marketplace. Right now, the Amazon Kindle reader family are the front runners. E-book readers and the downloadable books to read on them are the perfect product for Amazon. So maybe it shouldn’t be surprising that they launched two new readers in the first half of 2009.

The Kindle 2 was first to launch in February and the large, 9.7″ display, Kindle DX hit the market in June. If you haven’t cast your eye over these devices yet, or if you are still unsure as to whether or not an e-book reader is a good choice for you, then here are ten facts hat might just help you to make up your mind:

1. You can download a book from the Amazon store in less than sixty seconds. You’ll never be without anything to read again.

2. E-books are better for the environment. They don’t use ink, paper or binding materials and they don’t generate carbon emissions during distribution.

3. No need to worry about “getting connected”. Amazon use a fee free 3G wireless technology to download Kindle books.

4. You can take the equivalent of a small library with you wherever you go – without breaking your back. The Kindle 2 has storage for 1500 books and the DX holds a whopping 3,500 titles.

5. Customize your Kindle and express your personality. You can even get beautiful leather covers that will make your Kindle look more like a “real” book if you like.

6. There’s a huge selection of books at the Amazon site for you to choose from. With in excess of 300,000 available titles – a number which is increasing every day by the way – you’re certain to find something that you like.

7. Enjoy a little background music while you read. The Kindle is able to store and play mp3 music files.

8. Apart from being kind to the environment, no printing and distribution means that e-books cost you less than traditional printed books.

9. Save money (again). You can find plenty of free books for the Kindle direct on the Amazon website. Many of these are classics – The Last of The Mohicans, Sherlock Holmes etc. – but you will also find special promotions of modern books.

10. The first chapter of most Kindle books is available as a free download. So you can try before you buy and see if you like a book before you part with your cash.

Check out the Kindle soon – it’s the future of reading.

Discover the Kindle ebook reader, and learn how to save money by downloading free Kindle books direct from Amazon.