Best Apps: Books

books_intro-graphic1There's no reason to lug around your paperback and hardcover books if you've got an iOS device. Whether you're looking for best sellers, classics, poetry, scripture, graphic novels, kid's titles, or even the iPad Users Guide, you'll find them in the App Store's Books category and through the eBook readers there. The free eBook reader apps that link to online stores let you download popular eBook titles that don't have stand alone apps. One of these which we felt warranted mention, but wasn't yet at the same level of quality as the other readers included in our lists due to it's recent introduction to the App Store, is Nook from Barnes and Noble. We expect some quick updates for this app will bring it up to par. You'll also find some great library organizer apps that help you track your existing library of physical books.

A number of iOS features make eBook reading easy and enjoyable. The accelerometer makes it easy to switch between landscape and portrait viewing by simply rotating the device. The high-resolution display, especially on the iPad, is easy on the eyes. And the touchscreen interface makes flipping through the book's "pages" a cinch. Give eBooks a try; you'll never be without a good read, and you may find that you don't miss paperback and hardcover books as much as you thought you would.

eBook Readers

Classics ($2.99, app2.me/168) Provides a realistic and satisfying book reading experience with superb animation.The collection currently includes 18 public domain classics.

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eReader (Free, app2.me/2426) Browse multiple eBook websites and download content in the eReader PDB format.

iBooks (Free, app2.me/2403) (The built in iOS book reader is a great way to get your feet wet with the eBook landscape.

Kindle (Free, app2.me/2482) With a simple touch of the button, you can order just about any book online, download it, and then sync it up on your iOS device.

Marvel Comics (Free, app2.me/2564) A revolutionary new way to experience the Marvel Universe on your iOS device.

Stanza (Free, app2.me/218) Gives you thousands of electronic book titles, from completely free downloads of old time classics to new bestsellers and has an excellent library organization system.

Book Apps

3D Story Book - The Wrong Side of the Bed in 3D (2.99, iPhone version available, app2.me/2840)

Alice for the iPad ($8.99, iPhone/Lite version available., app2.me/2652)

Jack and the Beanstalk Children's Interactive Storybook ($3.99, app2.me/2841)

Scott Pilgrim (Free, app2.me/2843)

The Little Mermaid and Other Stories by H.C. Anderson ($8.99, app2.me/2842)

The Cat in the Hat–Dr. Seuss ($3.99 app2.me/2346)

The Elements ($13.99 app2.me/2654)

Toy Story Read-Along (Free, app2.me/2655)

True Ghost Stories From Around the World ($0.99, free version available., app2.me/2653)

Vampire Academy ($8.99, app2.me/2844)

Issue: 
NovDec2010_BuyersGuide
Department/Section: 
Apps
TOC Weight: 
19