Sony will soon unveil its latest version of the eBook reader, retailing at $350. In NYT’s Trying Again to Make Books Obsolete, David Pogue addresses readability problems and remarks that, with its new design, this reader has very few.
The Reader employs a remarkable new display technology from a company called E Ink. Sandwiched between layers of plastic film are millions of transparent, nearly microscopic liquid-filled spheres. White and black particles float inside them, as though inside the world“s tiniest snow globes. Depending on how the electrical charge is applied to the plastic film, either the black or white particles rise to the top of the little spheres, forming crisp patterns of black and white.
The result looks like ink on light gray paper. The ink is so close to the surface of the screen, it looks as if it’s been printed there. The reading experience is pleasant, natural and nothing like reading a computer screen … There“s no backlight, however; you can read only by ambient light. Sony would probably argue that this trait makes the Reader even more like a traditional book, but it also means that you can’t read in bed with the lights off, as you can with a laptop or palmtop.
As for book prices, the daylight robbery continues with $16 for a hardback and $8 for a paperback, on top of the money shelled out for the reader. “You can read them on a total of six machines, counting Readers that you own and Windows computers. You can’t give away or sell a book when you’re done with it, much less return it to the store.”
However, as the article mentions, you can load the reader with your favorite free books from the 19,000-strong Project Gutenberg collection. When coupled with the lighter bookbag (and less money spent on textbooks), bang for the buck is definitely achieved.
The HP Compaq 1100 Tablet PCs weigh 4 pounds and have been adapted so students can highlight key passages on the screen and write on the e-text with a digital pen. Students also can send their homework on the Tablet PCs and get material from their teachers. “I can understand the material better because I have a visual image. It’s a lot easier and faster to type. It’s all on one file,” said [Chaohua] Chao, 14…
Very nice concept, but I’ll wait for Version 2.0.
Walt Mossberg in the 10/12 WSJ reviewed the device with similar comments.
I just can’t see it…after staring at a computer screen all day, there is something really nice about picking up an actual book, complete with actual paper and actual ink. This new-fangled technology may very well not be for me.
One of the most sensual experiences is reading a great book bound in leather. I don’t know why.
“The book, like the bicycle, is a perfect form” — Jaques Barzun
Nice comments from people who can afford books. Content over form, people. Do you realize that the average paperback costs $14 retail these days? “The new-fangled technology” keeps the content democratic and freely available and reproducible, especially when it’s in plain-vanilla ASCII text and can be read on a 386 which costs all of $10 these days. Public domain content in the hands of the publishing industry is a dangerous combination.
Especially those whose libraries were turned into soggy mulch during the flooding of New Orleans should keep this in mind.
Honestly your preaching to the choir when it comes to the issues you cite (democratizing information, etc.) But if your arguing asthetics.. well… see Barzun.
Even so… there are factors to consider beyond just cost. The “digital divide” is one issue that comes immediately to mind.
Also, used books (still widely available) go for considerably less than 14 bucks… while public library materials (still somewhat available) can be accessed for even less.
I would also like to point out that while posting on a literacy-related topic, I managed to employ the incorrect form of your/you’re. Thank you… I strive only to meet the highest of standards.
Actually, the literacy divide far exceeds the digital divide. When fishermen in India use cellphones to report their day’s catch, they can read books on their cellphones, too. The trick is in pre-packaging such “readers” with books.
Used books go for a lot more when they are to be shipped worldwide. We’re talking mass availability of information here. So big that no one party can shut it down, reign it in or control it.
Whenever discussions of electronic media supplanting print come up, I have to wonder if anyone was worried about the passing of the hand-lettered manuscript. Beautiful artform, but somehow doesn’t seem like much of a loss looking back.