Media News - Tuesday, October 21, 2008

E-readers seen facing tough competition

Electronic reading devices are gaining converts but are unlikely to replace the printed book and will have to compete hard with other ways of consuming digital media, exhibitors at the Frankfurt Book Fair said. Sales of electronic readers such as Amazon's Kindle and Sony's Reader have been growing fast, prompting smaller companies to introduce their own prototypes at the fair and publishers to step up the digitalization of their books. The gadgets, small and light enough to fit into a handbag, can eliminate the need to carry around books and newspapers by accessing texts from the Internet to be read on a display screen at the user's convenience. Some also come with WiFi connection. Fair exhibitors said e-readers were mainly used by scientists and early adopters at the moment, but were ideal for reducing the carry loads of commuters, students and travellers. Green enthusiasts may also be swayed by the argument for e-readers, as they are not backlit, use little energy and could contribute to reducing paper consumption. But some think the price tag that comes with e-readers will prevent it from becoming mainstream, especially in the current economic climate. Some also believe mobile phones could prove more popular as a display for reading digital content than e-readers as most people already have one, and they provide opportunities for readers to interact. Publishers and technology specialists at the fair said readers would have a choice of devices on which to read e-content, ranging from e-readers and PCs to digital watches. But many readers and writers say that the practicality and novelty of e-books will never replace what books offer to the senses. (Reuters)

Bookmark this : | Listen to this article | Sphere: Related Content

• Home |
• Seminars  |
• Events |
• Media Landscape |
• Newsroom|
• Media News|
• Resources

Terms of service and Privacy policy.

Copyright © 1992- 2009 European Journalism Centre. All rights reserved.

Valid XHTML and CSS.

European Journalism Centre

Sonneville-lunet 10
6221KT Maastricht
The Netherlands

Tel. : +31 43 325 40 30
Fax : +32 2 400 42 20

E-mail: info[at]ejc.net