Ebook readers

[sobrique]

OK, so I saw one of these in Waterstones:




And almost had a nerdgasm. They've lovely - they've got a 'paper style' screen, which was always what put me off PDA book reading, and it's a nice form factor.

So, anyone got any experience with ebook readers in general, and specifically the Sony one? (It looks like the best of the bunch that's available in the UK)
And especially regarding ebook availability? Biggest problem with ebook readers is not being able to get stuff I want to read on 'em.

Comments

[linamishima.livejournal.com]

Holy crap, with a smaller bezel, smaller form factor (A4 is too big to fit in most nice bags!), colour and wireless functionality... I think I would be forced to sew me up a TNG uniform o.O

[fearmeforiampink]

On the size, yeah, they're more aming for the business market.

On the general form... I'm reminded of a discussion where we were saying that Science Fiction tends to overestimate the tine it will take to get technology, and underestimate its effects. So yes, we're getting the Trek style PADDs or whatever they are, now.

Of course, when these things become more widespread, will this lead to book piracy, along the lines of music?

[syntheticbrain.livejournal.com]

Book piracy already happens, just on a smaller scale than most other media - all because people don't like reading off current screens.

e.g. (NSFW) http://thepiratebay.org/browse/601

Personally I don't mind reading on a small lit screen. For instance I own the "His Dark Materials Trilogy" but I reread it via an illegal e-book version on my pda because it's a darn site more portable.

And yes, yes it will. But that might not be a bad thing...
http://www.thebookseller.com/blogs/61920-the-story-so-far----and-beyond.html

[fearmeforiampink]

Indeed. I was more meaning along the same scales, or closer to such.

I've read quite a few things off my palmtop, and didn't have too much of a problem with that.

But once these eInk type things, that are easier to read, drop to say, £50, then it'll be much more tempting to pirate books.