• Devices
• Software
• File Formats
• Mobile Apps for Reading

Things you need to consider when choosing a device:

• Device Size: dimensions and weight determine portability.
• Screen: screens range from 6 to 9.7 inches, are E Ink or backlit, and can feature touch options.
• Battery Life: drastically different across devices, from ten hours to one month!
• Access to Content: varying options for borrowing from WUSTL and buying from a retailer.
• Network Access: WiFi and 3G are common options.
• Software: features (highlight, bookmarks, searching) and operating system features (dictionary, apps).
• Storage: quantity of megabytes/gigabytes are offered, along with cloud storage.
• Price: Prices range from $79 ereaders to $499 tablets.  Consult a buying guide for details. 

E Ink (dedicated ebook readers)

• Amazon Kindle
• B&N Nook
• Kobo eReader
• Sony Reader

Backlit Display (multi-functional tablets with color screens)

• Amazon Kindle Fire
• Apple iPad
• B&N Nook Tablet
• Samsung Galaxy Tab

Software can be dedicated to one device or accessible across platforms, letting you access accounts and ebooks on multiple devices. The following is a list software and supported platforms:

• Kindle software
• Available for Windows, OS X, iOS, BlackBerry, Android, and Windows Phone 7
• Nook apps
• Available for Windows, OS X, iOS, and Android
• Google eBooks
• Available on Android, iOS, iriver Story HD, and on any browser with Javascript enabled
• Adobe Digital Editions
• Available for Windows, OS X, iOS, Android
• iBooks
• Available on iOS

• Kindle (.azw)
• Comic Book Archive (.cbr, .cbz)
• DjVu  (.djvu)
• EPUB (.epub)
• Portable Document Format (.pdf)
• Plain text (.txt)

To convert one format into another format, see Calibre