SF Signal: BiblioRoll

BiblioRoll

A while back I was adamantly opposed to reading devices. I preferred the experience of reading a physical book over a digital counterpart. When I started my 2004 short story reading project, I became something of a convert. While I generally do not read novels on the PDA, I'm OK (and sometimes prefer) reading short stories on the PDA. There are many features that mobile reading offers.

But I have to draw the line somewhere.

There's a prototype of a new device called BiblioRoll that is meant to enhance the reading experience by simulating picking up a book off a shelf and reading it. It looks like one of those drive-thru bank pneumatic tube carriers and it works by twisting it and pressing buttons.

While I applaud the intention of finding new ways to make digital reading more usable, I gotta say my impression of this device is far from "Hey, that's cool!" This device looks to be cumbersome and too large. Check out the video and you'll see what I mean. Does this thing look like must-have device to you?

[via MobileRead]

Hmmm. I spotted that little gizmo, too. Granted, it's an early prototype, but as a library employee (and general futurist techno-advocate), I came up with a scenario where something similar could totally revolutionise research methods in libraries and similar institutions. One can but dream... ;)

Posted by Armchair Anarchist on Sunday September 03, 2006 at 3:31 PM

Sure, your reading usage model will matter. My viewpoint is from one who reads mostly fiction, but I could see some benefits from the research angle.

Posted by John on Sunday September 03, 2006 at 5:13 PM