An article in this week’s Economist talks about how electronic books are growing in popularity, and, well, we just have one thing to say about that: Finally! Newspapers and magazines are now widely read online, and have been for some time, but when it comes to books, could the digital revolution really be starting now?Indeed, a new wave of portable e-readers is making it easier and more comfortable for readers to curl up with a good e-book. One of the exhibitors at UK Aware this year is Libresco, distributor of the Iliad Reader, a lightweight, portable device that lets you read digital documents as easily and as conveniently as print. You simply upload books, newspapers, work documents or what have you onto the Iliad using WiFi, a PC connection or flash memory, and voila! Your reading material is always at hand.
Most importantly, investing in an Iliad is an investment in the environment. Paper production is harmful to the planet on so many levels. According to the UK charity Waste Watch, the average UK household throws out 4kg of paper each week, and as that rubbish rots in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
What’s more, the rising demand for paper is leading to a loss of diversity in the world’s forests – this also according to Waste Watch. The loss happens when magnificent old-growth forests are chopped down and replaced by managed plantations of fast-growing trees such as conifers. This process destroys valuable wildlife habitats and damages ecosystems.
So come to UK Aware in April and try out the Iliad reader for yourself. After all, nobody said being book smart was a bad thing.
These are such a great idea, much better than trying to fold my newspaper on the tube.
ReplyDeleteWould be really interesting to have a play with one at your show