Would you like an e-reader but not want to pay the $300 or so for the Kindle or its competition? Lifehacker gives you the ins and outs, actually the lefts and rights ups and downs of how to convert your mini-notebook or netbook into an electronic book reader.  Also, don’t forget about the Microsoft e-reader.

1) Turn your mini-notebook sideways.

2) Use the  EeeRotate application to turn the screen so it is facing the same direction as the computer.

3) Adjust the brightness of the screen to its lowest setting or see if you can turn it off all together.

4) Maximize your battery’s power by setting up the special power saving mode.

5) Decide on which free e-reader software you want to add, such as Kindle for the PC, Calibre, or MobiPocket Reader Desktop.

6) Start reading!

Another option that has been out for some time is the Microsoft Reader, which is a free program for Windows that can been downloaded.  You can also use it on a PocketPC by using Cleartype Technology for reading on small PDA screens. Books are displayed in the .LIT (literature) file format, which is based on the Microsoft Compressed HTML Help format.  Boks can be bought and and downloaded from online stores, but not Amazon.com.

The Kindle is easier to use and has more choices of books, but options are always good to look at.  Sometimes it is nice when it is not necessary to carry around four or five different electronic “toys,” when one or two that are a little less convenient can handle more functions.