I can't really speak to doing technical research digitally. I've read many coding/graphics/web books, all digitally, and found it pretty much the same as reading a book.
Literally all legal research is done online now, though.
What, specifically, is so difficult about replicating technical references digitally? Is it just the screen/notes aspect? (I bet that is fixed within 2 generations) Layout? Graphics? Is it limited by the reproductions rather than the physical displays?
My biggest problem is that I like taking notes, especially for programming-related stuff, using a pencil.
I'm reading books in my dead time, like the daily commute, and I don't have the luxury to use a notebook. I like marking important paragraphs, or add notes on stuff that was previously defined in former chapters, or add question marks reminding me to do further research online.
And yes, the device has to have a big screen with good resolution, and that screen has to be readable in sunlight. And my problem with E-Ink is that it doesn't come in color (making them useless for reading some topics, like design/photography stuff for example).
Of course, I will be very happy when such technical limitations are removed. And I'll also be very happy that such reading devices are more green, and my reading habits aren't the reason for cutting down forests :)
Very understandable. Full motion, color e-ink should be out by next year (according to rumors about Amazon's ipad competitor). Flexible screens are very close to being useful. I bet we'll see what you want within 5 years. It will be fun :)
Literally all legal research is done online now, though.
What, specifically, is so difficult about replicating technical references digitally? Is it just the screen/notes aspect? (I bet that is fixed within 2 generations) Layout? Graphics? Is it limited by the reproductions rather than the physical displays?