Comments on: What’s better for reading e-books—’two screens or one?’

By: Marcus Sundman

Marcus Sundman — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:42:30 +0000

I’ve read lots of comics yet I don’t remember coming across anything that requires double page spreads (except a few semi-posters, but those can easily be tilted 90 degrees). I understand that some may require this, but then again, some require the page to be foldable (e.g. in Mad Magazine), or have folded features (like children’s pop-up books), or what have you. Those just won’t work in the e-world, but then again, there are so very many things that work well in the e-world that don’t work in the p-world. I’m 100% for discarding stuff that works only in the p-world.

By: Gerry Manacsa

Gerry Manacsa — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:17:39 +0000

Some existing content requires a double page spread in order to be viewed as intended. For example, comics and visually-oriented nonfiction are often based on fixed facing pages that are designed to be seen together — and which sometimes make no sense any other way.

It’s debatable whether two screens is required to view a two page spread. Obviously, it could also be displayed on a screen that is oriented horizontally. However, given current technology, a two screen approach does allow for more display real estate for a given footprint (when it’s folded for travel, that is).

By: Marcus Sundman

Marcus Sundman — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:03:45 +0000

Having two screens in one reader is pretty much pointless. However, having 2-4 readers might be very useful. What you need is some way for the readers to communicate. E.g., if you have a reference in one of them then you should be able to open the referenced document/page on another reader. (This can of course be done in many ways, one of which is to use bluetooth, although I’d prefer something that doesn’t support such “long” distances, lest we open up holes for spammers (and eavesdroppers).)

By: Joseph Gray

Joseph Gray — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:04:09 +0000

From a purely reading standpoint, I don’t know that any one form factor is better than the other. User preference and ergonomics are a different issue, however.

If you think about it, we are actually returning to our reading roots. E-book devices are like stone tablets and web browsers are like parchment scrolls.

By: Rob Preece

Rob Preece — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:45:08 +0000

For me, at least, a double-screen would be a drawback.
First, I am mobile. I read on the train, in restaurants, waiting for appointments, etc. Size is a factor.
Second, though, one screen means I don’t have to move my head and don’t have to move my eyes much. Which means I read significantly faster with an eBook than with a two-page paper book.
I actually see the dual page thing as another attempt to replicate meaningless form of the paper book. Sort of like having a spot for a buggy whip in a car.

Perhaps if I were reading art history, I’d have a different opinion.

Rob Preece
Publisher, http://www.BooksForABuck.com