Before you can buy an eBook,
you need an eBook reader or an eBook app. There are several different models and apps available. Many offer accessibility options such as text enlargement and some offer text-to-speech.
Buy eBook readers
You can
try eBooks and readers in many high street shops, and of course you can buy eBook readers there too. You can buy eBook readers online at
Amazon and
Apple. Many high street book, electrical and department stores sell eBook readers in their online shops. You can also buy eBook readers, often second hand, on
eBay.
Prices
The price of eBook readers varies. The cheapest Kindle is around £69. The Kobo eBook reader from WHSmith starts at £49.99. You can read eBooks (as well as doing much more) on iPads, which start at £269. (Prices correct in January 2013.)
Buy eBook apps
You can download eBook apps to use on your computer, tablet or smartphone. For instance, you can download the iBooks app for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch from the App Store or the Kindle app for your PC, tablet or phone.
Prices
The good news is that the majority of eBook apps are free once you have the device!
Buy eBooks
Once you've got an eBook reader or app for your PC, tablet or phone you can go online to buy eBooks. You can usually do this via the eBook reader or eBook app.
For instance, if you have a Kindle eBook reader or the Kindle app you can shop in Amazon's Kindle Store via the reader or app, or any other device that connects to the internet. The eBook will then be sent directly to your Kindle or Kindle app via its internet connection.
Most other eBook readers and apps work in this way.
Physical bookshops like Waterstones, Foyles and WH Smith also have online bookstores, and some shops like Pottermore and LoveReading only exist on the web.
Some of these shops sell books in one format only, while others sell multiple formats of their books for different eBook readers and apps.
eBooks are usually able to be searched by title, author or genre (such as childrens, romance, horror) onlien bookshop.
Prices
Unlike print books, eBooks are not exempt from VAT. This means they sometimes cost a little more than their paper counterparts. However, there are often very good deals and offers to be had. In addition, there are many thousands of free eBooks, including popular classics that are now out of copyright. Many aspiring authors publish their own eBooks and sell them at bargain prices.
Free ebooks
You can get free ebooks from online bookstores or other websites, for instance:
Choosing a reader or app
Read our guide to the
accessibility of eBooks for reviews of specific eBook readers and apps.