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Since the mid 1990s, critics have proclaimed the death of the traditional book to be imminent. Beth Lasser looks at the latest e-book developments to see if they are right.

For over a decade, technophiles have been desperately awaiting the e-book reader that will ultimately bring about the demise of the book as we know it. In that time, several e-versions have been released, and many, if not most, have failed. While some readers appreciate the technological advances, most continue to stick with paper.

There are many reasons for the continuing dominance of books. People like the tactile sensation of reading one – holding the book, the smell, flipping the pages. Also, many read to relax. It seems somewhat defeatist to step away from the computer at work and relax by staring at another computer. We can’t forget that some people like the caché of having a full bookcase to impress friends and family (regardless of whether they have actually read the books or not!).

However, the real reason e-books have failed to take off relates to usability, cost and the availability of digitally formatted titles – all of which have improved in recent years.

It’s just not the same

For many, there is an indescribable psychological and physical satisfaction that comes from the act of reading a book. An actual paper object. Yet, often, those who have been adventurous enough to try an e-book have not been completely happy with the experience. While they appreciate that that the device can hold a range of books, they have found issue with the format.

In many instances, the screen is a point of contention. Early versions often proved difficult to use in certain conditions, particularly in sunlight, and this reputation seems to have stuck to the device to some extent. Fortunately, newer models use E Ink, a type of electronic paper using minimal power to operate, that is not affected in the same way. Several high-profile e-books, including the Amazon Kindle, the Sony Reader and iRex iLiad, utilise this technology.

Other screen complaints relate to the resolution of e-books. For example, the resolution of the much-hailed Kindle cannot compare to that of a printed page – 167 pixels per inch (ppi) versus 600-2400 ppi.

Despite these perceived flaws, e-books are convenient in a way that traditional books are not. The devices can hold hundreds of books. This is a major convenience for travellers and, well, anyone who loves reading. As one gentleman commented in response to a blog critical of e-books, “[My e-book] has fulfilled a dream of mine being able to own a very complete classical library. For example, I have all of Charles Dickens, many of which I have never seen in book form…” He also noted that his collection of traditional books had become a waste of space and trees that he seldom looked at anymore.

Additionally, e-books can facilitate easier reading. Users are able to change text size, style and colour to suit their needs. Also, unlike traditional books, e-books do not need to be held open to a page. Hands-free reading allows users to multi-task.

It’s too expensive

Indeed, e-books are not cheap. The starting price for current models is approximately $300 (USD) (for the Sony PRS-505) while more expensive models can cost up to $700 (USD) (for the iLiad). However, if you are an avid reader, the savings you make by switching to e-books will quickly add up.

Though the initial outlay for e-books is quite steep, the actual cost of books is quite low. For instance, on Amazon, a Kindle copy of Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns currently sells for $9.99 (USD) while the hardback edition is $15.57 (USD) plus shipping. The eBook Store from Sony offers it for $12.99 (USD). To use an older example, Dickens’ Oliver Twist sells for $1.56 (USD) for Kindle, $1.99 (USD) on the Sony site and $7.00 (USD) in paperback on Amazon. While the traditional book and e-book prices may be comparable in many situations – particularly when looking at books on Amazon – you still have to factor in other costs, such as shipping, delivery time or actually venturing out to a store.

If you look at it another way, investing in an e-book is really no different from purchasing other portable electronics. In replying to the aforementioned critical blog, another e-book owner made a very astute remark, “My guess is that the author probably owns a portable DVD player (did you pay about $300 for that puppy?) and maybe a PSP, too”. In many ways, e-books are conceptually similar to DVD players, except, rather than buying the latest release for $9.99, you get the newest DVD for $20.

My favourite book isn’t available

Availability of titles seems to be a major issue that frustrates both e-book converts and curious bystanders alike. If you are checking availability of your favourite books in various formats, you may find that Sony offers some and that Mobipocket (the format used by the iLiad) offers some, but there may be little or no overlap. For example, Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion is available from Sony and Amazon but not in the Mobipocket format. Moreover, the works of many well-known and highly regarded authors, such as Michael Chabon and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, are not at all on offer.

Hopefully, this problem will be resolved in the future. As e-book technology continues to develop and sell, publishers and copyright holders will likely become more willing to license their books to companies that produce the digital texts. When this hurdle is overcome and readers do not have to worry about being able to access the books of their choice, the e-book will likely attract a larger audience.

See also:

For a brief comparison of currently available e-books, check out this article on MobileRead Wiki.

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What about Oz?

E-books are just starting to enter the Australian market, and the iRex iLiad looks poised to become the market leader. Though many may be more familiar with the Sony e-book and Amazon’s Kindle, neither is available on our shores yet. In the meantime, Dymocks is getting a head start on the competition with the iLiad.

Looking to become the e-book leader in Australia, Dymocks currently features the iLiad and a selection of digital titles on its homepage. The iLiad sells for a whopping $899 (AUD), but many of the titles are very competitively priced relative to their more traditional counterparts. For example, the hardback edition of Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret is priced at $34.95 (AUD) but the Mobipocket edition is just $18.95 (AUD). However, the pricing isn’t consistently lower among all publishers. Some have priced digital offerings to match their print titles.

Fortunately, e-books are so new to Australia that there is only room for greater competition and lower prices.

For more information on the availability of e-books locally, visit Dymocks’ website.