Google eBooks for Your eReader, Computer and More!

Don't look now, but Google is making inroads into one of the hottest personal electronics items this year. On December 6, 2010, Google launched its ebookstore in the United States, entering into the universe of ebooks and ereaders, and encouraging consumers to buy electronic versions of their favorite reads from the Internet giant.

Google eBooks is easy to use. Think of a usual query you might input into the search engine. Now, just navigate to Google eBooks and search for any title, subject or author you choose.

Researching a paper? You can preview and read millions of books on Google for free!

If you are looking to download an electronic book, go ahead. Google has more than 3 million eBooks available for purchase. You can read them from your computer on the Web, or on Android, iPhone, iPad, Sony and Nook devices (sorry, but you can't use Google eBooks for Amazon's popular Kindle - at least not at the date of this publication).

Google eBooks is compatible with any ebook reader that supports an Adobe eBook platform, including the Barnes & Noble Nook™ and Reader™ from Sony. Its easy to take just a few steps before you can have access to millions of Google eBooks where ever you go.

Here's a link to a list of supported devices for Google eBooks. Generally speaking, Google uses an Adobe platform for its eBooks.

According to its official website, devices that work with Google eBooks support PDF and EPUB content:

These eBooks can be acquired by the listed devices either via wireless connection provided by the device (if available) or via a USB connection from the device to a computer running Adobe Digital Editions, the desktop application for organizing and reading eBooks on Macs and Windows® enabled computers.

Personally, I've been slow to warm to eBooks in part because I haven't been 100% convinced that its a greener option than traditional print books. Why? Because electronic devices like the Nook, Kindle, iPad and Android cell phones often need to be replaced within several years of purchase, as new, improved models come out. People often do not recycle electronics, which results in lead and other heavy metals getting sent to the landfill.

But I digress....

If you live in the United States (Google eBooks is not available yet in other countries), follow these simple instructions to buy Google eBooks:

1. Sign up for a Google Account, or simply sign in with your existing account.

2. Create a Google checkout account. The secure site allows you to pay for Google eBooks with any major credit card. If you purchase Google eBooks through other retailers, you may have other payment options.

3. Use any web browser that is JavaScript-enabled. You don't need to purchase or download any special software to buy Google eBooks.

Perhaps one of the best features of Google eBooks - other than introducing competition against Amazon.com - is the fact that you can read eBooks on a number of devices and easily move from your PC in the morning to your Android phone while you commute, to your Nook or Reader when you arrive at your destination. However, to be fair, you can already switch between a Kindle and Nook to your iPhone or iPad for free. But Google lets you also enjoy eBooks on your PC, as well. Instead of a single device or two, Google has created a cloud-based system that
allows users to read the same titles on their eReader, smartphone or computer.

Google has detailed instructions on how to use multiple devices and how to transfer files to your various electronics.

To be honest, the biggest influence on your enjoyment of eBooks is not the electronic file itself, but the eReader on which you'll be reading it. You can find a quality eReader for $200 or less, these days. Make sure you choose one with E Ink screen technology for best results. While you can enjoy Google eBooks on any format (except the Kindle), eReaders have an advantage in that the screen is not backlit, which means you can read them in bright sunlight. You will also want an eReader that is Wi-Fi enabled so you can search an eBookstore from any location.

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