It's official: If you were considering buying an Amazon Kindle for someone on your holiday list, it's time to make alternate plans. The online merchant says that the $399 electronic book/wireless device is now "sold out." And any new orders will be filled on a "first come, first served" basis. Amazon's site also warns: "Your Kindle will not arrive by December 24th."

There appears to be availability still for the Sony Reader PRS-505, the updated version of the first-generation Sony Reader. At $299, the Sony device is cheaper than the Kindle and has comparable readability. (Both Sony's and Amazon's devices use so-called eInk technology.)

We've taken a closer look at the revamped Sony Reader and one of the things we've discovered: It's harder to use than the Kindle, in part because you need to connect the Reader to a computer in order to download books and other content. (Unlike the Kindle, the Reader doesn't have wireless broadband access to the Net.)

However, Sony is offering a great deal right now for those who want a collection of classic books on their Reader: Buy the device before January 31 and you can download 100 classic titles (a $199 value) from Sony's Connect eBooks store for free. (Click on the "Specials" tab on Sony's Connect Web site for more details.)

If you're looking for last-minute gift alternatives to the sold-out Amazon Kindle—or even if you're just curious about electronic book technology—check out our First Look at the Sony Reader for free on ConsumerReports.org.

—Paul Reynolds