E-lectronic books might be a decisive innovation -
actually I'm not really sure it can kill paper books.
It will be really usefull when wireless will be everywhere, so you can download news or chapters or whatever whenever, wherever. as long as all you can read is files you downloaded first at home, well it's a gain of space and weight, but not much more.
This could be a big topic, there's loads to serach and talk about… It's closely link to the issue of mobility (see my post about it on myblog
For today, i see two issues: what content, on which device?
Content: Can you really find ebooks? and more?
First format for ebook is obviously text. Generally, companies sell the device with a catalog of partly free partly paying content. You can also find digital books on ebooks.com or e-library or many others; wikipedia show us an impressive list of digital library projects
What about audio or video content? that would make ebooks really better than paper books. But what about multimedia players then?
For the moment, ebooks devices are clearly different from usual portable mp (probably for marketing reasons!)
Device: What can you read them on?
Amazon Kindle: do you have $399 to spend on innovation?
The wellknown online bookshop has released one of the first "ebooks".
let's forget about design… what does it do?
Let's here what say say:
Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle.
We designed Kindle to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both "lefties" and "righties" can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time.
We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read.
Off course it comes with a store!
The Kindle Store currently carries 88,000 books plus newspapers, magazines, and blogs. You can shop the Kindle Store directly on Kindle or on your PC via Amazon.com. Either way, all titles are wirelessly delivered right to your Kindle for free.
The Kindle Store provides the same Amazon shopping experience you're used to, including customer reviews, personalized recommendations, 1-Click purchasing, and everyday low prices. Check the store often; we're adding new titles every day.
Other ebook we hear less about (while they look better!)
Bookeen
handlin e-reader
iliad
sony reader
