E-book reader
Definition
An e-book reader or e-book device is a device specially made to display e-books.
The word "e-book reader" can also be used to talk about a "reader" (collection of articles) ins eletronic format
Hardware
E-book devices are specially made for reading books, i.e. are supposed to have at least the following features:
- Ease of use
- Reading of contents in any condition (even light)
- An easy mechanism to download texts
- Support for severl e-book formats
- Long time without recharging
See E-book Reader Matrix (MobileRead Wiki)
Software
E-book devices need an OS, e.g. Amazone kindle is based on some small unix
There exist several formats. Proprietary / standards-based and open / locked.
- Read E-book formats at MobileRead Wiki.
In education
Probably such devices don't have big chances to be systematically used. Learners probably will want a device that also can run other software, e.g. a big cellphone, PDA or a small tablet PC.
However, the interesting thing about this device is that companies (or maybe other organization in the future) can integrate seamless and cheap download technology.
E.g. Amazon's Kindly so far only in the US lets customers download over a (fast) mobile phone network. A book costs typicall $10 and the download itself is free. In other words, Amazon could become the equivalent of Apple's iPod (but much easier to use). On the other hand contents are DRM protected, i.e. they run only on one device and one can not sell/pass it to other people.
Links
- MobileRead Wiki (Best source currently - Daniel K. Schneider 09:36, 20 September 2008 (UTC))
- List of e-book readers (Wikipedia)
- E-book Reader Matrix (MobileRead Wiki)