However, it's a well-known fact that all technology can be pilfered. The key to thwarting piracy may be found through another strategy, portable handhelds. Thomson Multimedia's RCA REB1100 and REB 1200 arguably offer a platform that supports secure file transfers. In fact, loading new content is as simple as plugging a phone line into the top of each device. David Arland, Thomson's director of government and public relations, said the two-pound device is well worth the costly investment.
People can carry one two pound item instead of eight books.
Whether users are ready to buy a bulky handheld, which only features e-books, remains contested. So far, RCA is not releasing its sales figures for the device, which sells at Circuit City and Nobody Beats the Wiz, among other locations. He declined to list the number of people working in the publisher's e-books division or the amount of revenue the company had partitioned. Since most Alley companies do not have the luxury of time to wait out the market, the familiar faces of the publishing industry stand to rule the roost. Send tips or comments to Christine Gordon .