In an article from businessweek.com, it states that this digital book technology is becoming more noticeable such as its counterparts which have most recently made a switch to digital like music, photographs, and movies. New technologies are paving the way for digital books such as a company called E Ink, which uses and electronic ink technology to make type look like it is printed. This new technology is going to be used in the new Sony Reader. Apple's iPod's have also paved the way and made these digital books possible. Other company's like in China, called Jinke. Jinke is another digital reader hitting the market in the near future. Google, to this day, has been scanning thousands of books to make available online, making books more accessible. This new technology is around the corner, and will explode like iPod's in the future.
Links
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_09/b3973111.htm
Comments (1)
Hi Daniel, et all,
As I read your selected article, I also noticed some other interesting issues raised in the comments. I wonder what you all think about them.
1 the success of digital books will be dependent on the readers. Do you think that's cost, readability or content?
2 DRM issues and the concept of purchase vs lease and being locked into a particular format.
Do you think that will impact general acceptance?
Here are the comments posted at the business week site:
Nickname: JB
Review: As a print author who made the "jump to light speed" (digital publishing) over five years ago, I applaud the effort in this article, though it is hardly comprehensive. In fact, I can say from personal experience that many writers are getting a shot at the "bigs" (print publishing) via the digital route. Digital books or e-books are here to stay and actually have been for some time. All we need now is a good reader device. Go Apple!
Date reviewed: Feb 23, 2006 5:24 PM
Nickname: pete
Review: The problem with buying e-books (much like buying digital music) is that they are generally wrapped in proprietary digital rights management. This makes it more akin to a long-term loan than a purchase. You can only transfer e-books or DRM'd music so many times. Each time you upgrade your computer, one tick goes off, and when you hit anywhere from 0-4 ticks, you can no longer use your content. Furthermore, if you standardize on Sony eBooks, you're locked into Sony hardware. If you standardize on Apple's (when they come out), you'll only be able to use the iPod. If you change technologies, all your books (or music) becomes worthless. I've bought a number of e-books, but so far, only from www.baen.com, since they give them in open formats (HTML or RTF).
Date reviewed: Feb 23, 2006 2:40 PM
Posted by Pat | December 17, 2006 6:01 PM
Posted on December 17, 2006 18:01