Reading a book online is possible but not practical. Even portable computers are hard to use if your primary goal is a good read. Disregarding the problems with eyestrain, short battery life, slow modem speeds and the dangers inherent in dropping your laptop into the murky waters of the tub, consumers who have grown up with books in hand are simply reluctant to switch. It's even leather-bound to give readers the tactile experience of opening one of those grand works of literature that feel so reassuring. According to the company's web page, the prototype Everybook is 9.5 by 12.5 inches in size, about 1.5 inches thick.
Readers can touch parts of the screen to display table of contents, subject index or to turn pages.
Books may be downloaded from the Everybook store on the Web or cartridges with your selections already pre-loaded may be ordered by mail. The promise is extraordinary. Like most innovations, however, much is promised that is not yet delivered. When I went to their Press Comment page for more information, a programming glitch placed an illustration on top of the text so it was unreadable. When I emailed some questions I got no response.