Reading the future in new e-book markets

The range of e-reader devices is expanding, with opportunities in public and private sector markets

Webb: we are seeing big demand in education

Samsung has become the latest vendor to announce a standalone e-reader that will let users read a variety of texts on the go.

Dominic Webb, general manager at Samsung’s displays division, said its 6in and 9.7in handhelds were its first in Europe and that there is clear sales potential.

“There are segments we are aiming for, including consumers via bookshops, but we are seeing big demand in education,” said Webb. “My understanding is that local education authorities do not fund the purchase of new books, but they do fund technology.”

The product was expected to become available this month as CRN went to press and should appeal to any market where a lot of reading was required, he added.

“We are seeing some demand from distribution already,” said Webb. “And the distributors are looking at it from an education viewpoint, but also from a subscription or services perspective as well. So they might work with a publisher to come up with some content.”

The device allows users to annotate texts electronically, using a stylus or a key pad.

It joins those from vendors such as Bookeen, LG, and Amazon, which launched the popular Kindle range in late 2007. LG’s solar-powered e-book was announced in October.

Ki Yong Kim, head of solar cells for LG Display, said: “E-books are attracting a lot of attention because they store thousands of books’ worth of content in an easy-to-carry device.”