Electronic Book Readers: Now From Only $49

While media tablets offer considerably more functionality, electronic book readers continue to be popular among many customers. Owners value their dedicated e-book readers for extremely long battery life, high-contrast screens and light weight. Let's see what the main suppliers of e-book devices offer this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

With its "Special Offers" initiative started earlier this year Amazon can sell its affordable 6" Kindle e-book readers at $79 by default. Apparently, the company decided not to provide any significant discounts on Black Friday on its own web-site. Nonetheless, large retail chains like Best Buy, RadioShack, Walmart will also carry Amazon Kindle 6" with SO for $79. Target and some other stores will also carry Kindle 6" with keyboard for $85.

The least-expensive Barnes & Noble 6" e-book reader typically costs $99. On Black Friday only B&N and its partners (such as Best Buy or Wallmart) will sell its Nook Simple Touch 6" for $79. The company will also continue to offer its Nook Color e-book reader for $199 and Nook Tablet 7" for $249.

A little known maker Pandigital plans to sell Novel 6" e-book reader for $49 at RadioShack. The device does not have a special service to download books, but those, who already have an e-book collection and just want to have an e-book reader, may find it a good option. Pandigital will also offer Android-based e-book reader with 7" colour-screen for $69 at Best Buy. Ematic also has a similar product for $69 at Best Buy.

It is rather evident that the pace of price-drops on e-book readers slowed down. Nonetheless, it looks like both Amazon and B&N will be looking forward bringing the price of their e-book devices down to $49 levels next year.