3 steps forward, 2 steps back

[Green Aura]

Have a look at this. At first sight, good thing?

But
More plastic
Another thing to get nicked/lost
Damaging the paper/forestry industry/jobs
Won't light my boiler!

[Green Aura]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7670371.stm

[Annpan]

Just another gizmo I think - there is still a market for 33s and 45s even though we have CDs, minidisks, mp3s, ipods.

People will always prefer flicking through a newspaper and it is probably one industry that is (or could easily be) environmentally friendly - a lot of newspapers are made from a certain percentage of recycled material, the ink can be/is vegetable based and the presses can be run on renewables.

Give me a proper paper any day - then give me a few spare hours in which to read it

[ina]

Give me a proper paper any day - then give me a few spare hours in which to read it

Same here! I only get the Sunday papers, and sometimes don't read them until the next weekend...

[MKG]

I have to say that I like this one. One of the big problems with e-readers to date (used for books!!!!!!!!) is the display size. With a big enough memory, this thing could hold a few dozen books - a minor reference library if you like - and they could be read comfortaby. I'm watching this with interest.

[snapdragon]

it's all getting very H G Wells

[invisiblepiper]

Give me a proper paper any day - then give me a few spare hours in which to read it

Same here! I only get the Sunday papers, and sometimes don't read them until the next weekend...

ditto - still reading last Sundays!
Does the gismo work sittin up in bed? (I wish)

[Jandra]

I've had an e-ink e-book reader for a year now and I love it! I used to buy books; the library doesn't have the books I like to read. This device has saved me a lot of money for the books as well as a few trees (plus all the water and energy that's used in paper production and recycling).

The e-ink reads like normal ink on paper, though I'd like the contrast a bit higher myself. The background is a bit dark. It's very easy on the eyes, because it doesn't have backlight. That also means that you need external light in low light conditions. Also you can read it in sunlight, unlike LCD screens.

I put the thing in my bag; It's thinner than a paperback and about the same weight, but I have 20+ books at my disposal. I can read many hours (at least 10) before it needs to be charged.

I am not sure about it being a great replacement for newspapers, but for books it's great. Just my opinion, of course.

Jandra

[Rod in Japan]

It seems like a good idea to me, especially the all-plastic thing. I sometimes read PDFs on my Pocket PC (indeed, that's all I ever use it for now), and while not perfect, it's better than nothing.

But printing manager Ralf Oberthuer believes that - even if paper isn't perfect - it's still far more user-friendly than an electronic upstart.

"The advantage is the feeling of a newspaper," Ralf says.

"And you can take it everywhere you are going - to breakfast, to the bathroom, to the toilet. Or if you go to work with you in the train, no problem.

I'm afraid Ralf is kidding himself. Newspaper don't feel particularly wonderful or advantageous at all. I haven't touched one for years. And he doesn't explain why you can't take the 'lectronic thing into the bog or the train, because of course you can.

I bet the plastic thingie is better for swatting flies too.