Tech From an E-booker’s Viewpoint

I got my Project Gutenberg newsletter today and read about this concept e-book reader.  Here’s the link to the article.  This is the brain child of Pierre Schweitzer, who conceived the idea almost eleven years ago.  From the picture the screen reminds me of the early Palm Pilots as well as the Franklin eBookman.  I think this looks kind of cool and could be attractive to the younger folks out there.   From what I read this reader is really light and get this:

“The screen is surrounded by a translucent and flexible frame that folds to protect the screen when not in use. ”

Also different screen sizes would be available.  The default size is larger than a PDA screen and would sell for $100,  then if you elect a larger screen size, of course the price would be higher.  The part that impresses me the most is that no conversion is necessary.  All file formats would be readable.  That means no propriety format or DRM (Hey Mobipocket!).  Can you imagine not having to convert formats?  Wow, I might actually have time to read my books.

So, when can we get one?  Well, you know there has to be some bad news right?  Apparently this project has no funding.  You can read the explanation of it in the article.  I wonder how much money it would take to bring this reader to fruition.  Currently the folks over at Bean are putting together a reader  in conjunction with Bookeen.  It has been going on for quite some time.  Could a grass roots group do this?   I doubt it since it is only a concept, not an actual device that can be modified.  I can hope that they find a fairy godparent, but more than likely, we will never see this reader reach the market.  Please read the article and tell me your take on this.

When you own a lot of gadgets, software, and belong to several forums, how do you keep track of need to know information?   You could build a spreadsheet with the pertinent information, but what if your computer fails and you haven’t backed it up?  I used to keep all my information about my purchases in a journal, but after awhile it became so disorganized.  Now I use a paper address book.  Now I can enter information alphabetically.   The information I keep includes the name of the device, software, website, and serial numbers, tech support phone numbers, user ID, passwords, etc.  Basically everything and anything I think I may need. I find this has been not only a quick reference, but also serves as a historical catalog of my purchases.  I also keep information associated with extended warranty purchases. I often go back and write notes when I have to call a vendor, or if I decide that the product sucks.  It also helps when I reformat my computers and need all my registration information to reinstall applications.  Sometimes I keep non tech info too, like my son’s wall locker’s combination, and for my youngest, his lunch PIN.