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Opening the Book on an Apple iBook Reader

by , 3:45 PM EST, February 5th, 2008

In the past, Steve Jobs has denigrated some technologies that seemed logical for Apple to pursue. At one time, Mr. Jobs said Apple would never build an iPhone. He doubted people would want to watch video on an iPod. Then, recently, he said that few people read any more and that the Kindle would go nowhere. That's enough proof that Apple is working on their own eBook/iBook, small tablet sized reader, according to Jim Lynch at Extreme Tech on Tuesday.

In fact, Mr. Lynch is really surprised that people in the media even fall for that ruse any more.

Of course, the iPhone and iPod touch are just a bit too small to comfortably read an eBook. A larger screen, like the Kindle is needed, and Mr. Lynch pointed to the evidence. AppleInsider has reported from sources that Apple never really gave up on the Newton project and is working on a Mac tablet or slate that exploits the multitouch technology.

Even more telling is recent evidence that Apple is interested in a specific 5.2 inch LCD screen made in Germany. "Then about a month ago, another source revealed that Apple has shown significant interest in a 5.2 inch, 800 x 480 pixel touch screen design by Balda, a German company and the current iPhone screen supplier, and Wintek, an Asian component supplier. This second piece of evidence reveals the real purpose of this new device, an ultra mobile device occupying a position between the 3.5 inch iPhone and the much rumored 7-10 inch Apple tablet. There was also a previous article I wrote which highlighted Apple's sudden concern for flash memory supplies in 2008, despite industry predictions for next year which emphasize greater production and softer demand. This further confirms that Apple is working on a new device due sometime in 2008 that will put strains on the flash memory supply chain," Mr. Lynch wrote.

Adding to the speculation, Mr. Lynch pointed out that Apple still owns the name "iBook." He went on to also point out that a color LCD screen of this size could breathe new life into the comic book and graphic novel industry. "Comics could be a killer app for the iBook reader," the author concluded.

TMO notes that that tablets haven't really been successful because they're designed for people who have to do work on them. Leave it to Apple to figure out that the format is a good idea, it's just that the target user was misunderstood and neglected.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Guest
Subject: already you can read books in phones

A regular cell phone is fine for reading straight novels. You can try for yourself at http://www.booksinmyphone.com If you have the internet on your phone you can browse and install directly, otherwise via a PC. I had read many of their books and not having to worry about carrying a book/reader means that whenever a reading opportunity arises I can just flip out my phone and carry on..

Close Name:brett_x Posts: 322 Joined: 24 Jan 2006
Subject: By his logic...

....Apple must also be working on subscription-based iTunes accounts, and DRM-free movies since Steve J has discounted their feasibility.

I'm not saying he's completely wrong, but my bet is that he is a comic-book fan with a very subjective view of what Apple is working on. If they did come out with a reader, it would have to have more of an audience than a few balding on top, pony-tail wearing middle age guys.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Book Reader

This doesn't make sense to me at all. While I can believe that Apple is working on a larger iPod like device, I do not believe that it will be a one-trick pony. It will be similar to the iPod Touch and just happen to allow you to read books. This way you get music, web-browsing, email, calendar, address book, maps, etc and the ability to read a book on a screen size that makes sense. While I am not sure I would give up my books for this, I might switch some of my magazines to electronic versions and read them on this. Curling up with a book is still too satisfying a thing to trade for an electronic device.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: e-books on iPhone/Touch

I disagree completely that e-books need a larger device. I currently use a Dell Axim X50v and find e-books are GREAT on that device. So I would expect that the current iPhone form factor will be just fine. In fact the narrower 'column' for the text means less eye-scanning back and forth over the page, and very quick reading.

Close Name:Sir Harry Flashman Posts: 792 Joined: 08 Feb 2007
Subject: Reference material

Quote
Guest wrote:
While I am not sure I would give up my books for this, I might switch some of my magazines to electronic versions and read them on this. Curling up with a book is still too satisfying a thing to trade for an electronic device.


Yes, there is something about a comfortable chair and a good book that can not be replaced by an electronic gadget. Now it maybe useful for reference material, tech manuals or something along those lines.

A book does not interfere with the avionics of an airplane or hospital electronic equipment. Be that it is really a problem and not just an urban legend.

Close Name:mhikl Posts: 15 Joined: 20 Aug 2003
Subject: e-books: a good read

I agree with Guest “e-book on iPhone/Touch” that a narrower screen is more comfortable on the eyes than a book of any size.

Reading has been one of my passions for nearly 50 years but I like to challenge my long acquired habits so I began reading novels on a Palm TX about two years ago. I have amassed nearly 400 e-books, 15 per cent of which I have purchased and the rest downloaded freely and legally. The first book I read on my TX was a bit of a slog but I was impressed enough with the small screen to purchase my first e-book.

I like the reference options to highlight selections, make page marks, copy sections and make notes. I used to like curling up with a good paperback or hard covered book but now I do so only when I can’t purchase an e-book for my TX or when reading poetry which, for me, still reads better from the printed page.

What a pleasure it would be to be able to do my reading on my iPod Touch especially with its clarity of print and the ability to incrementally change font size. I hope Steve Jobs can learn to Think Different and see the potential for selling e-books from the iTune’s Store.

Cheers,
mhikl

Close Name:Sir Harry Flashman Posts: 792 Joined: 08 Feb 2007
Subject: Habits

Quote
mhikl wrote:
I agree with Guest “e-book on iPhone/Touch” that a narrower screen is more comfortable on the eyes than a book of any size.

Reading has been one of my passions for nearly 50 years but I like to challenge my long acquired habits so I began reading novels on a Palm TX about two years ago. I have amassed nearly 400 e-books, 15 per cent of which I have purchased and the rest downloaded freely and legally. The first book I read on my TX was a bit of a slog but I was impressed enough with the small screen to purchase my first e-book.

I like the reference options to highlight selections, make page marks, copy sections and make notes. I used to like curling up with a good paperback or hard covered book but now I do so only when I can’t purchase an e-book for my TX or when reading poetry which, for me, still reads better from the printed page.

What a pleasure it would be to be able to do my reading on my iPod Touch especially with its clarity of print and the ability to incrementally change font size. I hope Steve Jobs can learn to Think Different and see the potential for selling e-books from the iTune’s Store.

Cheers,
mhikl


Reading a book, a physical book, is habit for me that the computer has not yet changed. That could change sometime sooner rather than later. Of course it will probably be combination of real books and eBooks.

What has changed is that I am starting to watch more video on my iPod Nano. I have found that the relatives size of the Nano screen at arm's length is about the same as the 13-15 inch TVs in my office and in my bedroom. I can imagine how much better it would be on an iPod Touch or on an iPhone. The TV in the living room is much larger, but I can connect the Nano and watch video.

"Always carry a book, you never know when you are going to be arrested."
Emma Goldman

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