The college textbook market is also a likely target, as companies try to convince students to carry the portable e-book rather than a heavy textbook. For one thing, the electronic books are expensive. For another, they break with a long tradition. I want to hold a book, feel its weight, admire the typography, smell the ink. That's not to say there aren't people eagerly awaiting the opportunity to obtain an electronic book.
Many authors look at it as an opportunity to be seen.
Readers are excited about the possibilities too, though they raise concerns about the prices. All three companies will charge an additional fee for the books themselves. That isn't stopping Melanie Russell, a 20-year old Toronto art student, who said she plans to save for one. They generally refer to retail and retailers in cyberspace, usually in the form of on-line malls and merchants. And nine times out of 10, the 'e' means electronic.