The Sony Reader Wi-Fi also offers wireless public library access to allow users to borrow books directly to the device Harry Potter fans will be especially interested: Sony is offering a promotion with the Wi-Fi that allows buyers one free download of the first “Harry Potter” book in the series via Pottermore, the exclusive online retailer of the “Harry Potter” e-books. Sony’s Pocket Edition ($179) is the most portable of its e-reader offerings. The Pocket’s 5-inch touch screen may be small, but this 5.47-ounce e-reader packs a serious punch, carrying up to 1,200 titles and high-speed USB connection capabilities. It’s available in both a fun pink color and classic silver.

Kobo e-reader Touch

The Kobo e-reader Touch ($139) is another crisp, simple e-reader, holding up to 30,000 books with expandable microSD memory (1,000-plus without). It comes with a unique soft-quilted back for added comfort while reading and is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and a USB connection. Available in colors like lilac and blue, and weighing in at 6.5 ounces, the 6-inch display screen and monthlong battery life keep the Kobo Touch in line with its competition. Kobo also offers the Kobo Wireless e-reader that comes pre-loaded with 100 classic reads.

iriver Story HD 

The iriver Story HD ($139) is Google’s contribution to the e-reading craze. Known for its crisp image quality, the Story can load up to 1,500 books at a time and weighs just 7.3 ounces. It has a 6-inch, high-res display, which boasts 63 percent more pixels than the original Story model. The Story also comes with a full-functioning keyboard and has six weeks’ worth of battery life after a single charge.