At the recent BNI International conference one of the presenters was talking about the forthcoming Barnes & Noble Nook.
This is an ebook reader, similar to an Amazon Kindle, but what makes it different is the service delivery.
He also talked about how ereaders will affect schoolchildren and university students – instead of a bag full of books all they will need is an ereader. As there is no print process involved books can be updated as knowledge develops as often as necessary.
With wifi and 3G coverage there is no need to connect the device to a PC or Mac.
There are also eNewspapers and eMagazines available as well.
With the growth in ebook readers, such as the Nook, Kindle, and maybe the upcoming Apple tablet there is a real possibility that these will change the market for books as well as for Newspapers and Magazines.
You can read any book in their library for free while in a B&N store – as there are coffee shops in store as well it is an ideal place to meet up. In a library there is no talking or eating, but in their stores you can do both.
You can also lend books to friends with a nook (or for their computer or cellphone), for up to two weeks.
James