Microsoft Reader is designed to make the on-screen reading experience as close as possible to reading a printed book, while adding active reading capabilities, instant access to content and storage of a personal library. Microsoft Reader is available (free) for PCs with Windows OS and handhelds that run Microsoft's Pocket PC OS.

• Microsoft Reader 1.0 exclusively ran on the first range of Pocket PC devices, including the iPAQ H3600, Jornada 545,
• Jornada 548, E-115 Cassiopeia and Cassiopeia EM-500.
• Microsoft Reader 1.5 exclusively ran on Windows-based PCs and has now been superceded by Microsoft Reader 2.0.

A screenshot of Microsoft Reader
on a handheld device

Feature summary

• An interface designed specifically for reading online
• Includes ClearType -- a technology developed by Microsoft that enhances LCD screen clarity through its use of sub pixel rendering
• Free
• Allows the reader to annotate and markup ebooks
• Allows the reader to alter the size of the type used

A screenshot of using annotations with
Microsoft Reader on a handheld device