Yes - font adjustment capability is a really big and good use for e-readers. The publishers don't always provide a "large print" version of the book (14 point or higher font size). My parents (both over 80) each have eyesight better than mine. They should buy the e-reader for me!

The crappy thing is that I knew about e-ink two years before it was commercialized into the ebooks, but didn't have the liquid doe-rah-mee to invest at the time. Now, kick self in butt, kick self in butt ....

You are not just whistling dixie, and I'm in the south. One big pipe that they can turn off anytime they like, slow down anytime they like, or adulterate anytime they like. Seems much like being plugged into the ministry of information, and paying a premium. Hey, is that like G4?

Walls lined with books make the best wallpaper. There's something about the scent they impart to the room ... it's a pleasant sort of ambiance that always makes me feel comfortable. But ... to each his own.

Yes, the DRM thing sucks. But, as an author who has published several books, I can tell you that the publishers don't have a clue about how to make this new market work to every persons benefit. Too many people are dishonest. I originally put my volumes out on the market in two tiers :

• 1 ) A creative commons, non-commercial use, no derivatives tier.
• 2 ) A commercial tier (usually the paperback).

My idea was that the ebook version could be bought, and the freebie would drive sales to the commercial version. I know that most people still prefer paper. Well, guess what happened? In spite of the creative commons non-com/no-derivative license, all kinds of shysters came out of the woodwork, took the free ebook version, and sold it in PAPERBACK form for more than my LIST PRICE!!!! They plastered their ads all over the internet! I can't really say I'd do that again, except for a book from which I expect no revenue.

"... aren't running with escalated privileges ..." [ Or so you think. ]

Um, yeah - but will Apple sue me?

An under-reported fact is the security rating of these devices. They are particularly effective against malware and keysroke loggers.

The gubmint's move still ain't good enough to let me move up from mp2 to mp3! Since there are so many patent experts reading this story, it should be timely for me to ask, "Has the mp2 patent really expired?" By the way... ahem, cough, rattle ... I use ogg. That whole mp2 thing was hypothetical ...

I like the idea of not using a continuously running SSHD at all, but instead put a trigger mechanism on an obscure port (or just reboot) to turn it on.

Well, I don't exactly see the unique benefit of this device (not enough coffee this A.M., I guess). But let's give 'em credit for something:

Marketing Marketing Marketing!

• Find a field that regular folks know nothing about, but is scary for them.
• Sell a widget that purports to save them from the scariness.
• Make millions.
• Sell it to Homeland Security providers.
• Make more millions.