Re: Free Knowledge

Martha Adams wrote:

"WaltBJ" <waltbj01@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:e8fbdf2f-62a6-4a83-a582-d20648327694@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

On Jan 28, 2:04 pm, Ian Malcolm
<valid.address.in.signat...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
SNIP:
If every SF reader gave $1 to a top quality engineer to

design a decent ebook reader and 10000 people gave a firm commitment to
buy one once the design had been debugged, we'd be seeing ebook readers
from China for less than a hardback. > --
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
SNIP:

See baenbooks.com subject baen's bar select ebook reader.
Walt BJ


I think ebooks are a little off the current topic
here, but very near to it. Re the ebook design,
I saw a new one in use by a person at the Arisia Con,
just finished. I think it shows the effect of needing
money to do a thing: it looked good, but its styling
was so sophisticated it didn't have the solid good
about it of a book. If you handled it, it changed
states. And if you put it into its carrier package,
it was too bulky to drop into a small bag. I think
the price was $400.

My ebook requirements include:

1) about the size, shape, and weight of a common
bookstore trade book;

1) Variable size for different types of books; I should be able to put it in a pocket, but if I am viewing a coffee-table book it should expand to a coffee-table book size.


2) runs off the cheapest available common batteries,
i.e., AA cells;

2) Rechargeable, no expendable parts, or at least no need for replacing batteries for years. Preferably recharges at least partly by harvesting motion from being carried around.


3) it has a clip cover which may be placed on the
front (to carry) or on the back (in use) as I see
with some calculators;

3) This I don't care about one way or the other; I'd want it in a pocket or, if I had one, a purse. I tried carrying my phone on a belt clip and the thing kept snagging.


4) is priced $40 max and easily accepts Gutenberg
books and other like materials;

4) Priced $100-$150, but upgradable in the software and accepts all data formats relevant to print reproduction


5) is free/public domain reader software;

6) offers a way to write notes into the document.


You left out the two I think are paramount:

7) Displays as clean, clear, and readable as high-quality print books, including resolution, contrast ratio, etc. Built-in illumination for reading at night.

8) At least as rugged as a regular book, able to last years with only cosmetic scratches despite being dropped, kicked, stepped on, etc.; able to survive brief immersion in fresh or salt water. Able to function in any temperatures I as a human being can.



--
Sea Wasp
/^\
;;;
Live Journal: http://seawasp.livejournal.com

.

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