Comments for eBook Magazine

Comment on What does Apple’s iPad offer eBook lovers? by Eli

Eli — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:41:11 +0000

The real issue is how to move beyond the eBook reader and still keep its benefits. E-ink is proprietary and does not allow a device to provide the high resolution options we crave for things like movies, pictures, e-mail, web browsing. Yet the backlit led displays necessary for these things is at odds with the benefits of e-ink. Not sure how to bridge this gap, if this were exclusively an e-reader I think we would have a real problem but as a multi-media device that also allows for documents to be read and adjusted I think we are looking at some real benefits.

Comment on What does Apple’s iPad offer eBook lovers? by Martin Hoscik

Martin Hoscik — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:24:17 +0000

Adrian

I hope you’re right, sadly the ill-informed coverage of eBooks – look at the near absence of warnings over the Kindle’s closed format – suggests the advantages of e-ink won’t be explained to potential punters.

Comment on What does Apple’s iPad offer eBook lovers? by Adrian E.

Adrian E. — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:18:15 +0000

I have serious doubts whether anyone who has ever enjoyed reading a book on a real e-book reader with an e-Ink display would ever want to go back to the pain of reading longer texts on traditional backlit displays (such as the one of the iPad or computer screens in general).

A few years back, Apple marketing might have been able to praise a device with an old-fashioned backlit screen as an e-book reader, but now it is too late for that, people already know that there is a better technology for reading electronic books.

Comment on What does Apple’s iPad offer eBook lovers? by Mark

Mark — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:58:50 +0000

As a gadget fanatic, on first impressions it looks very cool. However I share Martin’s concerns that a back lit screen could cause eye strain compared to a standard e reader.

It will be interesting to see what kind of price point the first generation of ipads are offered for, the presentation on Apple’s UK website goes to great pains to reassure viewers that they intend to make the product available to as many consumers as possible.

Comment on Delaying eBooks will drive piracy and push down prices by Mojo Yugen

Mojo Yugen — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:44:02 +0000

If the publishers delay the ebook version either people will just forget about it by the time it comes out in e-format or they will buy a used version of the hardcover a few weeks after it is initially released. They will sell a few more copies of the hardcover, but they will lose out on a lot more e-copies. This is a very short-sighted plan. Publishers will have to adapt and figure out how to make a living on ebooks.

Comment on Publishers ‘to delay eBook editions’ by Marco

Marco — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:16:01 +0000

Just ship the darn things and see if they sell. It is so disappointing having to click “tell the publisher I’d like this to be available on Kindle” in such a computerized age.

If they’re going to come out later than the paperback, they’d better be cheaper than the paperback. Which is probably fine with most customers, who expect ebooks to be much cheaper because the publisher doesn’t have to pay to print and distribute paper, nor pulp the remainders.

Comment on Delaying eBooks will drive piracy and push down prices by Marco

Marco — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 04:45:44 +0000

I have personally scanned over 100 books from paper into pdf files. It’s fairly tedious but it does only take a few hours per book if you’re determined to go paperless and don’t want the hassles of DRM.

ebook piracy may exist, but unless you’re talking about Harry Potter or some other top 20 book, good luck finding what you’re looking for. Not to mention that the pdf format has reportedly become an important vector for viruses and malware.

Kindle may be selling well, but what I want is books in an open format with no DRM that I can read on computer and smartphone. Because it’d be saving me hours of scanning per book, I’d be happy to pay for them. I will not pay until the DRM goes away though.

Comment on The world of eBooks is missing some favourite titles by Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:55:52 +0000

There’s lots of Rumpoles available in all the formats, you can do a quick check at my site at ebookprice.info

Sadly not the Ian Flemings though, it continues to surprise me how long it is taking to get the back catalogues available, I’d have thought it was money for old rope!

Rachel

Comment on The world of eBooks is missing some favourite titles by Martin Hoscik

Martin Hoscik — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:23:05 +0000

@eBook Reader You’re right that different titles are available in different countries but in UK-specific stores there are some important omissions in the titles available.

I didn’t mention Kindle because it’s closed system without much of a user base outside the US, something unlikely to change anytime soon – why would the average UK consumer plump for an overpriced reader they have to wait for, pay import tax when it does turn up and can’t extend the warranty on when they can pop into Waterstones, Argos or John Lewis, walk out with a reader and shop around for the best price for their preferred title.

Comment on The world of eBooks is missing some favourite titles by eBook Reader

eBook Reader — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:24:28 +0000

It all depends on which websites you buy ebooks from. Some have books from UK publishers and others specialize in Canadian publishers, etc.

For instance, the Kindle book store shows 6 Rumpole books.