The latest rage in technological gadgetry is the electronic reader (e-reader), a mobile electronic device designed primarily for the purpose of reading electronic (digital) books and periodicals. While this certainly sounds like a device that could only have been thought up in the twenty-first century, the original idea is credited to an “early-twentieth-century writer and impresario named” Robert (B0b) Carlton Brown according to The New York Times (Schuessler, 2010). Though there are many credits to Bob Brown’s name, he is most known for a manifesto written in the 1930’s in which he blasts the written word for not keeping up with the age (Schuessler, 2010). Brown writes:
To continue reading at today’s speed, I must have a machine…A simple reading machine which I can carry or move around, attach to any old electric light plug and read hundred-thousand-word novels in 10 minutes if I want to, and I want to. (Schuessler, 2010, para. 6).
Although Brown would not live to see his idea to fruition, today’s e-reader certainly fits the description of his “simple reading machine”.
How It Works
While there are many brand names of e-readers, the majority of them fall into two categories: wireless or not wireless. E-readers that are not wireless require the user to purchase their digital print media through their computer first, then connecting the e-reader to the computer to transfer the files. The wireless e-readers offer a much simpler system of turning the reader on, searching for the title, author, or subject of your digital reading material; and clicking the link to download and read. Whether your e-reader is through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, or elsewhere, there are thousands of e-books and digital periodicals to choose from.
What the E-reader is Replacing
The idea of the e-reader was not to replace print media so much as to enhance the reading experience by making it a more customizable and portable experience for each reader. The e-reader allows for numerous amounts of e-books and digital periodicals to be placed on one device which is much easier to carry when you are en route. The one item that the e-reader could potentially be replacing is large print books as the e-reader allows the user to customize font size, type, and even color for easier readability.
Why E-readers Are Preferable to Original Books and Periodicals
The greatest attraction for the e-reader is the amount of digital reading material it holds and the different functions that enhance the reading experience over a broad spectrum of user types. For the traveler, there is no longer the need to pack several large books for your trip. You can now store hundreds of e-book titles into a slim mobile device. If you change your mind and want something different to read other than your current list, you can instantly purchase a new title to add to your collection. As mentioned above, the nearsighted can adjust the font settings. For the student, you can download your textbooks into your e-reader and use digital bookmarks to save places, “highlight a selection of text, or even type notes as you read” (Strickland, Johnson, 2013).
Benefits for Print Media Corporations and the Public
This is a win-win situation for the majority of print media corporations and the public. For print media corporations, user downloads reduce their overhead by eliminating the costs of printing and shipping. There is also the potential of increasing their profitability by transitioning to the growing market of e-reader users. The public also benefits from the convenience, customization, and portability of the e-reader.
Opposition to E-readers
There seem to be only a select few that have any opposition to the technological trend of e-reading devices. Some refuse to give up their print media, stalwart enthusiasts of the feel and smell of a “real” book or periodical. Others think the e-reader is too impersonal as you can no longer strike up a conversation with someone when you see what book they’re reading (Silvers, 2012). A select few are dissatisfied that the e-reader does not allow them to showcase all of their e-books within their home interior design as they could with printed books (Abell, 2013). While you will hear an occasional mumble and grumble along the way, it definitely seems the e-reader is here to stay.

References
Abell, J. C. (2013). 5 reasons why e-books aren't there yet. Retrieved from http://articles.cnn.com/2011-06-06/tech/ebook.reasons.wired_1_e-book-reader-digital- books-kindle?_s=PM:TECH
Schuessler, J. (2010, April 8). The Godfather of the e-reader. The New York Times. Retrieved
From http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/books/review/Schuessler- t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Silvers, E. (2012). E-reader revolt: I'm leaving youth culture behind. Retrieved from http://www.salon.com/2010/09/02/why_i_wont_buy_ereaders/
Strickland, J. and Johnson, B. (2013). How the amazon kindle works. Retrieved from http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/travel/amazon-kindle.htm