Computerworld has published an excellent article by David DeJean on e-paper. The future of e-paper is “excellent” because it is an excellent entry point for people new to e-paper, providing some good background material. Newsagents ought to read about developments around this technology in which several publishers have invested. The final paragraph summarises the economic case.
Overall, there is a feeling of potential about e-paper that’s fueled in large part by the size of the current market for publishing on paper. If e-paper grows from its current 0.1% of that market to even just 3% or 4%, said Peruvemba, “you’ll be looking at a $400 billion market.”
Eliminating distribution costs adds to the commercial appeal of e-paper for publishers. Instead of selling a new product every day, they sell recharge.
I’ve commented on this post at:
http://billbennettnz.wordpress.com/2008/06/10/prints-ipod-moment-is-coming-but-not-yet/