Australians can now use an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch as an e-book reader after Apple opened the doors to its iBookstore in the country.

It’s taken the company five months since the iPad’s launch to get the store up and running but it has succeeded in signing up a wide range of book publishers including Macmillan, Hachette, HarperCollins, Hardie Grant, Murdoch Publishers and Wiley, reports “The Age” (http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/tablets/apple-finally-opens-ibookstore-in-australia-20101103-17dd4.html). Previously, Australians viewing the iBookstore could only access old out-of-copyright books but now there is a range of new release titles on offer, the article adds. The exact number is unclear but an Apple spokeswoman said they numbered in the “thousands.”

Books is Apple’s ebook/PDF reader for the iPhone and iPad. iBooks works with the The iBookstore features books from major and independent publishers. Once you’ve bought a book — or downloaded a free one — it’s displayed on your Bookshelf. Just tap it to start reading. iBooks is a free download at the Apple App Store.