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Old 07-28-2007, 09:40 AM   #5
Steven Lyle Jordan
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I particularly liked the idea of being able to visit the bookstore, see the print version of the book, and use its barcode to download the e-book. But although we could probably do that today, getting the publishers to prepare all of their legacy print material to be made available for e-book downloading will probably take over a decade, if ever. Within 10 years, however, I can see them doing that with all new books.

The reader's operation doesn't seem too far beyond present technology. Though the interactivity was pretty intense, I don't think it's beyond present markup languages to accomplish. The reader itself was pretty svelte, and of course, who knows about the screen. Since I don't speak French, I have no idea if the script referred to sharing files, storage systems, or replacing broken or damaged readers. But I think hardware like that is beyond 5 years away.

I think that, when people start habitually carrying entire libraries of books with them on their readers, a reliable backup system will be devised out of demand and sheer necessity. Absolutely automatic, perhaps a wireless sync when you return home, and maybe even sent by internet to a safe location (like your ISP's allocated webspace) in case your home is destroyed, or you need access away from home. Perhaps all that will be needed is a verified list of titles owned, allowing you to re-download them if lost or stolen. Insurance companies would likely provide a way to keep track of e-titles owned in case of loss.
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