GREAT GADGETS

Your entire digital library in one book

The SoftBook Reader ( SoftBook Press, www.softbook.com ) may just hail the future of books and bookstores. The first thing you'll notice about this digital book reader is that it actually looks like a book. For $299, plus a $19.95/month minimum charge for content, it should look nice, and it does—with its protective leather cover, you might be sitting down to read one of the classics.

The SoftBook Reader stores favorite novels in one place.

No computer is necessary to get your e-book fix. Simply connect to the SoftBook Network via the built-in 33.6Kbps modem and you can download your choice of dozens of digital books and articles. Browse them later at your leisure on the backlit 9.5-inch touch screen. A rechargeable battery that gives up to five hours of reading time powers everything.

Titles for sale include the latest best sellers (at up to 50 percent off hardcover price) and articles from magazines such as Time and Fortune. You can also enjoy more than 100 free classics, including "The Time Machine" and "Little Women."

E-books aren't for everyone: The number of available titles is limited, and the readers are expensive. The screen on the SoftBook Reader can be hard to see under certain lighting conditions. But if you're ready to gather all your books (as much as 8MB worth) into one neat package and you have the extra cash to burn, the SoftBook Reader is a good place to start.

- Eric Griffith