If you’re intrigued by the huge selection, convenience and instant availability of , but aren't sure that you want to invest in the actual device (or can’t afford it right now), here’s a great alternative. Amazon is now offering a variety of  for your favorite device. Amazon calls them “the best reading experience for your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, or Android Phone.” No Kindle is required, and the apps are available as free downloads from Amazon.com.

The free apps allow you to search and browse more than 700,000 Kindle books, including 107 of the 111 current New York Times Best Sellers. You can also get free book samples just like you can on the Kindle, so you can read the first chapter for free before you decide to buy. Books start at just $9.99, and any books you purchase to read with the apps will go into your Kindle library so they can also be read on a Kindle if you decide to buy one.

Even if you already have a Kindle, Amazon’s “Whispersync” technology lets you access your entire library of Kindle books, notes, placemarks and more across all of your synchronized devices. So you can start reading on your Kindle, and pick up where you left off on your Droid. Pretty cool, eh?

You can also read thousands of free books with these apps, including popular classics such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, and Treasure Island. It won’t give you the full Kindle experience, of course, but it’s a great way to see what’s available in the Kindle store and get an idea of whether or not you might like a Kindle of your own.

PSSST: Be sure to visit our next week for another Friday Freebie.