The new book

I know that in couple of days we will find out what's the nextg big thing from Apple. Whether is a a tablet/ebook or not I really don't care too much.
I specifically tried not to write about it because I don't want to align in the row of commentators.

I think that more important is to define what are those features that will make an electronic device a worthy adversary to the god old paper book (or at least to a hard cover).

I plan this for long enough but never made the list. Let's try doing it today.
The list will not have a specific order. May be letter I'll make a prioritized list.
Today I will use bullets:

• ePaper like screen - I like the sensation it gives you in contrast with the LCD. It's better under powerful sun light, has much better contrast, no reflexive, etc. Better to be in colors.
  
• the size is around 7x9' / 17x24cm - I consider this the optimum size for a device that should be capable to display fiction , scientific content or daily newspaper articles. This is a size that fits well in the hand.
• allows some physical flexibility - a device that's not capable to bend a little, even if only the outer shell bends in reality, is hard be compared with a book that's able to accept so many punishment from the reader
• at least 2 days of battery power - it has to last longer than a day even if is on all the time
• very simple docking station (touch only) complemented with solar cells for longer life - I don't want to use a big black clunky device to load some juice in my book, thank you. Better if it just use the solar cells. I can accept a dumb device that's not playing video or something else if it's capable to work on solar power only
• no buttons - even if some technophiles appreciate a technological design this device has to avoid buttons. even the best product designer will make mistakes and place one very important button in the worst position possible. we have touch screens people. let's try using our fingers on it. we use them on a paper sheet, why don't we do the same on a screen
  
• always ON - it has to be always on. or just switch off the screen if let alone for a while
  
• good handling capabilities no matter the orientation - when you keep a book in you hand you use your opposing fingers to bend it in such a way that it fits better in you hand. if you can't replicate the same flexibility in a device at least think about a design that will give the reader a good handling sensation. look at the DSLR. it's a device designed to be kept in your hand. it was designed to be manipulated with one hand and have a good grip while you're making the photos.

That's it for now.
I'll try to add some more tomorrow.