An e-book reader is a mobile electronic device used to read books and periodicals. They are also called e-readers or e-book devices. While any device that is capable of displaying text on a screen can act as an e-reader, only the ones with the e-paper technology are technically consider one. These are specialized devices that are geared towards making it easy to read books using an electronic device. Careful consideration has been placed on available fonts, unit's weight, battery usage and overall readability.

Current research suggests that these types of devices are more popular with the older generations, possibly because they simulate real books more closely.

Amazon Kindle leads the market with 48% (as of Q4 of 2010), followed by Barnes and Noble Nook, Pandigital, Hanvon, and Sony Reader.

For around $100, current Kindle models have a 6" screen and weigh less than 6 ounces. For approximately twice the price, the Barnes and Noble Nook is available. The Nook is more like a tablet PC than an e-book reader. It uses a color touch screen, can play interactive games, and weighs about 16 ounces. It requires more battery power than the Kindle, which uses very little battery power because of its use of e-paper technology.