Chapters Indigo is focusing all energy in the digital space on its Kobo service, which brings digital books to smartphones. But the book retailer may want to move in another direction if it wants to help keep Canada up with the growing ebook segment.

Sure, reading a book an iPhone or other cellular device that has a relatively sizeable screen is do-able, but it can't compare to using a dedicated eReader. These have screens ranging from 5" to 10" that employ e-ink technology that makes them look like an actual book. This means there's no backlighting to hurt your eyes, along with the ability to store hundreds, maybe thousands, of books in one thin unit. Most have standard functions like the ability to enlarge text, look up words in a built in dictionary, and display other files, like Adobe PDFs, JPEG photos, or even music. Some even come with touch-screen interfaces, and the ability to handwrite within text.

As suspected, electronic book readers are a hot item at the show, with plenty of models within the dedicated ebook section, as well as more spread throughout the show floor.

The jetBook lite is a standard-sized ebook reader that's powered by two AA batteries. Which adds a little bulk on the back, but still affords easy gripping. It comes wit 100 MB of memory built-in, but can accept memory cards up to 32 GB in capacity. It's coolest feature is a subtle one: a small slider button on the left side that you simply push down on with your thumb to flip to the next page. Another cool function: it has a built-in accelerometer so that you can view text in widescreen mode as well if preferred. It sells for $149.95, only through www.newegg.ca right now.

Copia is a new company with plans to launch six eReader models by April/May. All will employ touch-screens, except one model that boasts a full QWERTY keyboard. Copia's focus is on integrated WiFi and social networking. The device can be used as a portable Internet unit for surfing on the go. Copia has its own social network where owners can contribute their thoughts, notes, and reading collections to share with the community. It also incorporates Facebook Connect, as well as access to sites like Twitter and LinkedIn. Pricing will range from US$199 to US$299.

While there's no plans to bring this model to Canada yet, Sony's Reader Daily Edition follows the same design principles as its Pocket and Touch editions, but adds integrated 3G wireless access, affording access to the Sony eBook Store anywhere within a 3G network to download titles on the go. Like the jaybird, it allows for reading in both portrait and landscape mode. The Daily can hold up to 1,000 books plus more with card slots; and offers up to two weeks of battery life on a single charge.

Samsung has two models: one with a 6" screen and another with a 10", both of which focus on handwriting capability via a stylus, WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.0. Both will accept Google's library of ebooks, along with other formats. The E6 will sell for US$399 and E101 for $699, but there's no word yet on Canadian availability.

The EnTourage EDGe is a bit different in that it actually contains two screens (9.7" and 10.11") with a hinge in between, looking like an actual open book. One screen is the standard greyscale for reading books, and the other is colour for doing things like surfing the Web via integrated WiFi. Thus, the device functions not just as an eReader, but also as a tablet netbook, a notepad, and a music and video playback device. It can be used in portrait or landscape mode, and affords up to 16 hours of battery life. It won't be available until February, but the company is already taking pre-orders. The device will come in blue, white, black, and red for US$490.

As with any category of consumer electronics, growth in a new area also leads to growth in accessories for that particular product segment. In the case of eReaders, it's, well, cases. Speck offers a desk jacket specifically fitted to the Amazon Kindle, with a plastic holder that lets you pop the device right in. Available in red and black nylon or leather, the case also comes with a flip-out stand for reading while keeping your hands free. The nylon version will sell for US$29.95 and the leather for US$34.95. Speck says it plans to launch models for more eReaders in the near future. A company called M-Edge even has a neat line of waterproof cases for the Kindle.

Personally, I prefer the simplest of eReader devices that allow me to store books and read them, and nothing more. My interest in the category is to reduce the number of paperback books in my house, and be able to bring more books with me on vacation, for example, without all the bulk. But for people like students or some business persons, the added ability to do things like handwrite notes and surf the Web will be an appreciated one.

In Canada, the eReader market is dominated by Sony and Kindle. But going forward, we can expect to see many other companies enter the foray. U.S. book retailer Barnes & Noble has already launched its own eReader device across the border. While Kobo is a neat initiative, it might go the Beta way of the market. Hopefully the Canadian company will get on board with this category, as it's ready for explosive growth as we move into the next generation of reading.

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