David Rothman writes “Foes of e-books have raised issues ranging from screen readability to battery power. But technical progress is happening to address such questions. And, besides, aren’t e-books on a laptop better than no books at all? In the end might there be substantial new opportunities for Net-savvy libraries, schools, e-stores and publishers able to come up with appropriate business models and pricing and sensible DRM policies?
One of the most interesting examples of the potential here is the MIT Media Lab’s $100 Third World laptop project. More details at TeleRead. Also see here and here.
Given all the promise of the Internet as a knowledge-spreader to fight poverty and improve life in other ways, I’m amazed why a certain “populist” politician is so relucant to speak out against Draconian copyright laws that will reduce the number of free books available for the users of those $100 machines. Is he hoping for more Hollywood money when he runs for President again?”
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