It seems like a great way for libraries to use ebooks. Have a server with e-texts, even with hateful DRM, and then librarians could simply have an array of tablet-style devices (using eInk or Pixel Qi displays, maybe) to offer patrons while in the library. Could be excellent for reading periodicals, for example.

In schools, it would be a great boon as well: often at mid-term time, or when papers on a topic are due, students all want access to the same (limited-number) books for a given subject. The school librarians could have those slate-tablet devices, or else have software identification that students could use to view the books on their laptops.

Since the texts are ‘tethered’ to a space inside the library, this solution might be more acceptable to piracy-fearing publishers.