In response to questions about the readers' high price and proprietary format, Yuen breezily offered plans for secure copyright, distribution and sales that clearly make publishers and authors comfortable, but which may prove offputting to some consumers. Bestselling author Patricia Cornwell also praised Gemstar. The new machines are easy to use, with large viewing screens and storage capacity. They also eliminate the need for a personal computer for hard-drive storage. Equipped with modems, the devices can be used to log directly onto a personal Gemstar eBook account to buy and download books.
Consumers can also buy books at different online retailers or in person at bookstores.
The purchase is registered through a serial number and the book uploaded to the consumer's Gemstar e-book account. It can then be accessed along with all the user's other Gemstar e-book titles. The devices and the e-books themselves will be priced higher than many had expected. We don't want to give the impression that e-books have less value. We think consumers will pay value for value.