Looking for a cheaper e-reader? You've got options

Intrigued by e-readers but not willing to fork over $259 for a Kindle (much less $499 or upwards for an iPad)? You might want to check out the Libre Pro, coming to Borders this summer at a price of $119.99.

Borders announced on June 1 that the lower-priced Libre Pro e-reader – which also offers offers digital music and photo albums, and a battery that permits 24 hours of continuous use – will become available at Borders.com in early July and at stores in August.

Different from other high-volume booksellers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon, Borders has decided to remain "device neutral" when it comes to e-readers.The chain is already taking orders for the Kobo, an e-reader priced at $149.99 and scheduled for arrival on July 2. By the end of the year, the company expects to offer 10 different kinds of e-reader, relying on what one commentator calls "a good, better, best scheme."

"By offering eReading devices ... in the neighborhood of $100, we can introduce a population of readers to the joy of eReading who would not have considered buying devices at entry points of $250 to $500,” said Borders Group Interim President Mike Edwards in a press release.

But for those who still want Amazon's Kindle, finding one just got easier. Target announced today that as of June 6 it will carry the Kindle in its stores, making the mega-retailer "the first brick-and-mortar retailer to carry the reading device."

Marjorie Kehe is the Monitor's book editor.

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