Thanks again Shifted - I've downloaded the PalmOS version and we'll give it a try.
I've tried eBooks before, but the reader units that I've used were just not right. First was a Newton. Too big, too slow. The Palm - too small (we'll try it again). I guess the idea is that I like having about 300 words visible at a time. At least half that - or the ability to view a complete thought (as expressed in a paragraph or 3 or 5).
Maybe the issue is the nature of reading material - I do read stuff from AvantGo on the palm - but they tend to be simpler, easier reading stuff - reminds me of the Big Chill line of Jeff Goldblum.
Finally, If I'm going to read something, really read it, then I want to sit down in a comfortable place and really read. If I want to read on a train or in a bathroom stall (see Big Chill), then this format is OK.
I guess the idea of integrating other tools into the electronic interface - blogging tools? or notation tools or extraction of idea tools would make the format more compelling. I often want to refer to a quote from a book - but unless I just read it, or it's something like Shakespeare - where you studied it and know where in the play the lines and ideas are from - you cannot really get the ideas out again. So again - tools would create some sort of enabling - hypertexted overlay on the books and stories....
Thanks for making it available for free - I'll try it again...
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An Easy Way to Experiment with Ebooks.
Down And Out In The Magic Kingdom
"I downloaded the PDB version of Down And Out In The Magic Kingdom a few weeks ago and have slowly been reading it in my spare time (It's really a quick read, I just have no time). Cory Doctorow released the book free in a zillion different file formats and I highly recommend either grabbing up one of the free versions, or spending a few bucks to get the print version. This is one of the best fictional works I've read in ages. Biting wit, intellectually stimulating ideas, and social criticism all make this a fun read for anyone who has been living and breathing in the last few decades. If Cory has more works like this one in him, he should emerge as one of the brilliant sci-fi writers of his time." [ReadYourPalm]
I'll reiterate that this book is a relatively easy way for libraries to get some experience with digital downloads. For those that are curious about interacting with ebooks in the library's OPAC, you can buy the paper copy for your physical collection and download digital copies for circulating through your online catalog. Very few libraries are ready for something like this, but it's one way to get your feet wet with little overhead and no worries for how to check the title in and out.
Interesting that there's still no WorldCat record for digital versions. [The Shifted Librarian]
11:09:01 AM 
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