Microsoft will not develop an e-reader

this is a first, microsoft usually take other people's products, make their own version of it and pretend they came up with the idea first.

windows is a ripoff of workbench
multiple tabs in mozilla was ripped off

i cant be bothered to think of any more but im sure you guys can

I didn't realize the ereader was the next big thing!

Remember when MS said they didn't see a business case for the internet?

If MS says no, that tends to mean this is something to watch.

You are disappointing trillions, uh I mean millions of MS fans who want you to copy the ebook readers make up a new ebook format with heavy DRM then incorporate it into your fat bloated OS. Then use your monopoly to try and squeeze out the competition that will not sell out to you.

Just what is an e-reader. Is it a bit like Adobe reader - it encourages people to format things in way that is just not suitable for a computer screen of any form?
Or is it something that was a computer but has been crippled?
Or is it something that prevents you sharing with your friends - even your own stuff?

Balmertard just doesn't get e-book readers. When is the last time anyone tried to drag a PC to bed or to the couch to comfortably read a book? Notebooks/Netbooks/Laptops don't cut it either because you need a portrait format display - not the widescreen watch a movie in vogue silliness.

If Apple comes out the much rumored iPad/iTable/iSlate, and it works in portrait or landscape (like the iPhone/iPod touch), then e-book reading will be one of the "killer apps" on it.

"multiple tabs in mozilla was ripped off"

I'm Sorry But OPERA was the one who introduced tab browsing, firefox copied them. Matter of fact many of the innovations or features in Mozilia were first introduced from the Opera camp.

@ Regulas: they did this years ago, haven't you ever seen Microsoft Reader?

http://www.microsoft.com/Reader/

I was shocked the URL still worked.

@ Mona Ditz: yep, I can see Apple's iPad being an ebook reader.

I love the idea of an e-reader, but don't have the money at the moment to buy one. Hopefully Microsoft will totally miss the boat on this one and have absolutely no say in any standards that come about.

Yes, Microsoft, please continue to believe that e-readers are pointless. May God Himself keep people from saying anything that convinces Microsoft people that working on their own e-reader is a good idea.

E-readers are awesome, the technology is simply immature at the moment. I have no clue who or what will prosper, but the technology is finally at a place where this can begin to succeed.

I look forward to the day that I can buy a magazine from anywhere and keep my entire collection with me wherever I go.

And the choice is up to you cause they come in two classes

Rhinestone shades or cheap paperback flashes

Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah

Spied a little thing and I followed her all night
In a funky fine levis and her sweaters' kind of tight

But what really knocked me out was her
OLED Zepplin.

O yeah, o yeah, o yeah

Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
It took me years to write, will you take a look?

It's a thousand pages, give or take a few,
I'll be writing more in a week or two.
I can make it longer if you like the style,
I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

If you really like it you can have the rights,
It could make a million for you overnight.
If you must return it, you can send it here
But I need a break and I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

Paperback writer (paperback writer)

Unfortunately, Canucks won't be able to see how the Kindle works, it downloads books via a free wireless connection and Rogers, Shaw, et al... would never allow that
Seems like a Hanlin eReader supports the most formats, but the Sony has a touchscreen