Oh, look. Yet another e-book device that spells the end of paper books in the near future... no, really. We guarantee it this time. Yawn.

Cluelessness is confirmed by the statement, "The main reason e-books haven't taken off [and presumably, taken over] is poor screen resolution." Yep, no other factors to consider here. Just improve the technology and that solves the problem. What a classic developer attitude.

So what does this _latest_ miracle gadget cost? (Not that cost would be a factor, mind you. Only screen resolution matters.)

Posted by: Curtis on August 25, 2003 07:24 AM

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When will I be able to write in the "margins"?

Posted by: Frank on August 25, 2003 08:06 AM

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Curtis is onto something. Another great $49.95 device which will price out considerably higher. My guess is they've never actually watched what people do with books -- including leave them places. Will there be a way to highlight, or scribble notes in the margin? Probably not.

I don't believe today's book designs succeeded by closely copying previous alternatives like scrolls and large manuscripts. Rather they pioneered a new, superior, interaction model and consumer pricing. Until they prove out brand new advantages which are unique to ebooks, they will continue to flop.

Posted by: on August 25, 2003 08:10 AM

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Assuming you could keep it in the library, this might be a better solution (considering space, energy) for replacing microfiche (sp?) viewers.

Or any place where documents/maps need to be displayed, and interacted with, but the owner doesn't want the document changed.

Eh, I'm just trying to be positive. I need the practice.

Posted by: fajalar on August 25, 2003 08:34 AM

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No one buys e-books because:

1) The interfaces suck.
2) Their usage is confusing. How do you load new books? Where do you even get new books? Am I buying the next betamax?
3) They're way way way too expensive.

Forget revising the interface. Establish a standard so I can buy, rent or borrow an e-book like I can a DVD or VHS tape. Do all that, and get libraries to adopt the technology, and printed books will begin receding.

Why would manufacturers want to establish a standard? The desktop printer ink ideology states there is no money in selling the product. Bilk on the accessories, or make the technology obsolete every two years. Neither are conducive to e-books being taken seriously. And, on the other end, many industries stand to lose from e-books, from print houses to pulp processors. This isn't only a user-friendly issue. Monied interests have a huge stake in delaying adoption.

Who in their right mind would want to waste away hours searching for, downloading and burning music onto CDs? Why, it only took 15 years for the technology to make its way across the U.S. border.

Posted by: Porkins on August 25, 2003 10:33 AM

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The Stanford-Poynter study (5-2000) found that reading on screen is 25% slower than reading text on paper. What a tremendous improvement this device will be for wasting our precious time! -To say nothing of the added eyestrain, and the added cost! -AND if you drop it, it probably will stop working! Why would any old Luddite want a BOOK, I ask you? Aaaah, technology...

Posted by: Drachen on August 31, 2003 04:25 PM

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