Company URL: Franklin

Reader URL: Mobipocket Reader (look under free software)

Buy at: Franklin

• Building from a position of devices containing reference resources (dictionaries, spellers, thesaurus, and more) Franklin also provides devices that support the mobipocket reader.

• These products are ideal for the cost-conscious consumer. Avoiding the catch-all of being a mobile computer, these devices are designed to deliver a specific set of functionality while maintaining very aggressive pricing.

• In fact, if cost is of major concern (especially if you are mostly interested in reading ebooks) Franklin and palm are definitely the two companies you should focus on.

• Well, I say with tongue in check that the Franklin 1450 wins the day. It seems to be able to handle ebooks and is a bit less expensive than the palm Zire.

• BUT - I have not been able to confirm to my own satisfaction that this product handles mobipocket ebooks. I know that Franklin does state this on their website (but only in one place as best I could tell).

• If it does indeed support ebooks then it is the lowest cost ebook device I have found.

• The Franklin eBookman definitely supports the mobipocket reader.

• Very reasonably priced, this is a strong player for the value consumer. The ebookman is very similiar in look and feel to palm devices - because it is based on the palm OS and reference design.

• Regardless of what model you choose, the dent in your pocket will be a lot less than the PocketPC options or high-end ebook readers.