"Can Sony do for electronic books what Apple has done for digital music and video?" This article asks just that question. With the release of Sony's new paperback-size Portable Reader System this is a viable question to ask. The device only weighs 9 ounces and is one-half inch thick. The device will sell for $349.99 and will hold up to 80 e-books.
Sony is also establishing a store similiar to iTunes, which is a digital storefront where electronic books may be purchased. Sony has deals with six major publishing houses and almost 10,000 titles at its store, which is called Connect e-Book-store. The books can be downloaded, at a slightly discounted price compared to the printed version, and then put on the Sony e-book reader. This is similar to someone that buys MP3s from iTunes and puts them on their iPod.
The device is very unique. It only uses battery power when a new page is displayed and simulates actual ink on paper harnessing new electronic paper technology. One drawback it is only PC XP compatible and doesn't work with the Mac OS. Also, the device will only display e-books purchased from the Sony e-book store, and not others.
However, the device will display images, text documents, PDFs, and play audio files. I think that is a great addition to the product depending on the amount of space for additional content. Panasonic is currently working on their own e-reader to compete with Sony's.
So, "Can Sony do for electronic books what Apple has done for digital music and video?" Only time will tell, but my prediction is probably not. Apple has a much larger market. Those who are interested in music and video content far surpass those who are interested in e-books.
Digital Books Could Make a Breakthrough With New Sony E-Reader