Beyond the desktop computer.

Crystal Ball Gazing Reflections on the role of information resources in a liberal arts eduction
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The conventional desktop computer was designed primarily as a writing or data-entry tool. The erect posture imposed by the monitor and the typical desk chair, combined with a large keyboard creates an environment derives from the model of a secrtarial station, typing information in the most efficient manner possible.

On the other hand, reading calls for a more relaxed setting where one can contemplate the ideas within a text. For this reason, Most online users prefer to print long or complex messages to enable more comfortable and reflective reading in settings away from the computer console..

The desktop is not the only possible option, however.

Two vendors now market a portable device intended to replicate the many convenient features of printed books. These devices store up to 5,000 pages of text, presenting them in a layout directly comparable to printed pages.

Battery-operated, the device can be read anywhere, with a screen sufficiently sharp for easy viewing of both text and images. The devices typically include some simple tools for note taking, searching for specific words and phrases.

The Open eBook initiative is an industry organization that is developing a text formatting standard that can be displayed on all portable devices as well as desktop computers. Adoption of this standard should increase dramatically the diversity of texts available for purchase.

In February, 2000, Gemstar International purchased both of the pioneering developers of these electronic books. With substantial financial resources, Gemstar is well positioned to transform these devices into a viable product line.

For more information, visit SoftBooks or NuvoMedia
Comments from Dan Okrent, Time Magazine
Comments from Jacob Weisberg, NYTimes
Analysis from Steve Ditlea, Technology Review
Prototype for a competing product.

With the "dot.bomb" recession of 2001, most of the vendors who were first to market e-books have sharply cut back their product development teams. This appears to be another technology that is currently transitioning from the "great expectations" phase to the "disillusionment" cycle.

Meanwhile an MIT spin-off company named "E Ink" is pioneering a new screen technology that presents the same contrast ratio and readability as printed pages in a laptop-sized device with very low power consumption. This technology could be an critical component to the success of electronic books.

What new forms of user interaction become feasible once the computer can be used anywhere, anytime, and still contain the equivalent of thousands of pages of information? Two recently announced experiments include:

Siemens plans to use the SoftBook technology to create electronic books for Austrian public schools. Since Austria selects a single set of texts for national school adoption, it is very feasible to condense the complete set into a single SoftBook.
The Presbyterian Church plans to use SoftBooks in place of printed resource books for their many board meetings. The church believes that the SoftBooks will substantially reduce printing and publication costs by loading the current agenda and background documents into a re-usable electronic reader. Text modifications can be made up until just minutes before the text is loaded into the devices.