“The book will never be replaced! The user interface is perfect. The price is right. Why would you even want to change?”

Um… because we can!

Think of it! One average size book, that could provide a speed reader enough content to last a for a full two-week vacation. One smallish text-book that contains all of the books needed for the year plus class notes. It could make backpacks and briefcases obsolete. The same book could have a library of reference material instantly available. And best of all, the text would be readable.

Key Features:

• 2 year battery life**
• Front-lit screen (like a book, not back-lit like a computer)
• Extremely durable
• Water-resistant
• Customizable type size
• Optional USB input from keyboard, stylus, remote, etc.
• Optional USB storage from thumb drives, external hard drives, etc.
• Optional USB output to additional pages*, or other devices
• Easy sharing of content (with customizable DRM to protect authors)
• Highlight text and write notes in margin*
• Optional full color*
• Unfolds as two flexible pages with controls and connectivity built into the spine
• Insert additional pages with persistent memory*

* Only available in some models
** Based on average use estimates for the iPage Reader model. Front-lit screens consume much less energy than the traditional back-lit LCD screens.

Content purchasing options:

• Virtually all published books available through the internet and in bookstores
• Browse covers, table of contents, author bio, summary, and a few pages of the book
• Search for any word and see surrounding context
• Most books under $10.

Models

iPage Mini Reader
Black-and-white, 5” X 7”, two USB ports, roll-able
Retail: $19.99

iPage Reader
Black-and-white, 8 X 10”, two USB ports, roll-able, wireless optional
Retail: $39.99

iPage Color Reader
Full-color, 8 X 10”, two USB ports, wireless optional
Retail: $49.99

iPage Writer
Black-and-white, 8 X 10”, four USB ports, fire-wire port, stylus, support for additional pages, wireless connectivity
Retail: $149.99

iPage Color Writer
Full-color, 8 X 10”, four USB ports, fire-wire port, stylus, support for additional pages, wireless connectivity
Retail: $199.99

***** Coming Summer of 2006 ***** ………….. I hope.

Now that your mouth is watering (or is that your eyes?), I have a confession to make. I have not built a prototype yet. But, wouldn’t it be great! The technology is there. My CEO is interested. All we have to do is GO.

I have been dreaming about this since I was a kid and I have been researching the various technologies for years. And in the last year several pieces have come together. The last piece will not be available for about six months, but when it is, all media forms will be able to take a giant leap forward. My question is, will existing companies (like mine) embrace these changes or slowly fade into history.

And of course we will have to change the name. It sounds too much like iPod. Apple would never let us use the name, unless we could partner with them. Hey, that is a really neat idea. Actually, I had hoped that Apple would do this, but it would neat if we could do it ourselves. And we just might.

Disclaimer: This is the personal opinion of one employee. If you make any investment decisions based on this blog, you are crazy. All product specifications, prices and dates are merely what I would like to see and do not reflect anything remotely resembling actual plans. This is all based on publicly available information. If you want to pretend that you have access to inside information that is between you, God, and the FCC. I am just a dreamer, who thinks he is seeing one of his dreams come true.