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emellaich · 07-11-2009, 10:19 PM

Yes, there is something new on the horizon. I believe there will be something new for the next several years/decades/foreseeable future.

Name any consumer electronics maker they are or are rumored to be working on a device. For example rumors are hot in regard to Apple, but they have been hot ever since Apple killed the Newton in the 90's. Sony is expected to update its line soon. There are also many companies you have never heard of.

Many of the readers that already exist are private-branded readers from two manufacturers. Both of these manufacturers are updating their product lines, and you should expect new generation devices from existing providers such as Bookeen, Bebook, Astak, Cool-er, and others.

With a few exceptions, the screen tech for these devices is all made by one company and that has resulted in many common features. On the horizon are newer screens by many others including pixel qi (behind the OLPC), tire company bridgestone, Fujitsu, Samsung, and a flexible version of eink technology.

Many of us are quite happy with dedicated ebook readers; however others are looking for computers that can read books. Especially, those who want to read and annotate pdf files. The best bet for this category has been the tablet PC. Looking into late 2010 there are quite a few developments in this area. TechChrunch is working on an internet tablet, Google is getting ready to introduce (2010) an internet centric OS. The other google OS (Android) is also rumored to be arriving in a tablet or netbook form. As mentioned earlier, Apple is said to be preparing a tablet computer.

I almost said this is akin to asking whether there is something new in the laptop market. However, the truth is that for the next several years its MORE volatile than laptops. There are constantly new laptops, but laptop changes are really fairly predictable. With book readers we will have a few years of radically changing tech. Even after the tech matures there will be constant tweaks as models are continuously introduced.

Give us some hint of what you are looking for, and I might be able to suggest any factual or rumored changes that might impact the near term.

However, if an ebook is right for you then you should go ahead and buy one. And when you do, be assured that within three to six months a better and cheaper one will be available. You just have to be satisfied with what you purchase at the time you purchase it.

07-11-2009, 10:19 PM	#3
emellaich Wizard Posts: 1,101 Karma: 4388403 Join Date: Oct 2007 Device: Palm>Ebookman>IPaq>Axim>Cybook>Kndl2>IPAD>Kndl3SO>Voyager>Oasis	Yes, there is something new on the horizon. I believe there will be something new for the next several years/decades/foreseeable future. Name any consumer electronics maker they are or are rumored to be working on a device. For example rumors are hot in regard to Apple, but they have been hot ever since Apple killed the Newton in the 90's. Sony is expected to update its line soon. There are also many companies you have never heard of. Many of the readers that already exist are private-branded readers from two manufacturers. Both of these manufacturers are updating their product lines, and you should expect new generation devices from existing providers such as Bookeen, Bebook, Astak, Cool-er, and others. With a few exceptions, the screen tech for these devices is all made by one company and that has resulted in many common features. On the horizon are newer screens by many others including pixel qi (behind the OLPC), tire company bridgestone, Fujitsu, Samsung, and a flexible version of eink technology. Many of us are quite happy with dedicated ebook readers; however others are looking for computers that can read books. Especially, those who want to read and annotate pdf files. The best bet for this category has been the tablet PC. Looking into late 2010 there are quite a few developments in this area. TechChrunch is working on an internet tablet, Google is getting ready to introduce (2010) an internet centric OS. The other google OS (Android) is also rumored to be arriving in a tablet or netbook form. As mentioned earlier, Apple is said to be preparing a tablet computer. I almost said this is akin to asking whether there is something new in the laptop market. However, the truth is that for the next several years its MORE volatile than laptops. There are constantly new laptops, but laptop changes are really fairly predictable. With book readers we will have a few years of radically changing tech. Even after the tech matures there will be constant tweaks as models are continuously introduced. Give us some hint of what you are looking for, and I might be able to suggest any factual or rumored changes that might impact the near term. However, if an ebook is right for you then you should go ahead and buy one. And when you do, be assured that within three to six months a better and cheaper one will be available. You just have to be satisfied with what you purchase at the time you purchase it.