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2011's Best... E-book Readers
For lovers of literature
WHSmith Kobo Touch
It's not quite as compact as the new Kindle, but it's 6in touchscreen makes it easier to use: just tap the screen to turn the page. Simples. And while all Kindles are tied to Amazon, the Kobo can handle DRM-protected e-books purchased from a variety of online suppliers, downloaded over Wi-Fi, and not just Kobo and WHSmith. Shame about the slightly girly, padded-look casing, mind.
Sony Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T1
Sony finally gets over the off asymmetrical designs of its previous Readers - and adds wireless connectivity (802.11n) into the bargain. Like the Kobo, it supports Adobe DRM to work with various e-book shops, and if it's pricey in comparison with its rivals, it has an expandable memory - just plug in a big (up to 32GB) Micro SD card - and can play music. It's less cheap looking too. If it was only under £100 - £99.99 would do - it would be the winner here.
Amazon Kindle
The latest reader from the online retailer, the new Kindle is thinner and lighter than its predecessors, and though it's less capacious too - 2GB of book storage - you can still get a lifetime's worth of e-books - downloaded over Wi-Fi - onto it. Yes, it's tied to Amazon, but who doesn't have an Amazon account these days? It has one of the best 6in e-ink screens around, and will slip into most pockets. Crucially, for these economically difficult times, it's only 89 quid.