Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
English
Date of Award
12-2001
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Jeffrey Powers-Beck
Committee Members
Kevin E. O'Donnell, Darryl E. Haley
Abstract
The electronic text reading device, or e-book, is an idea that has reached the implementation stage. Technology has only recently made possible the production of a device to challenge the printed book’s dominance as the media for information transmission. These microprocessor-based devices are attempts to exceed the limitations of printed texts while retaining their strengths. Two generations of these devices, and the companies that created them, have reached the marketplace.
This thesis provides a short history of electronic text readers and gives an overview of the first and second generations. The issues that will affect the adoption of the e-book as the dominant media for the transmission of texts are discussed. The primary objections to the e-book’s replacement of the book are durability, ease of use and clarity. With these concerns addressed by improvement of the underlying technology, the e-book will replace the majority of the printed books in the marketplace.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Doman, Todd O., "Electronic Books: An Overview of the First Two Generations." (2001). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 108. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/108
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.