It’s hard to believe, but the printed word on a piece of paper was the high tech experience for the longest time.  When a new book was published, it was a big deal, comparing to the release of a Hollywood visual effects extravaganza today.

Now, with tablet computers, e-readers, ‘Droid phones and so forth, bibliophiles must wonder how the traditionally paper-bound book will evolve in the age of electronic ink. E-Content’s Jenka Eusebio offers up some thoughts here.

Are e-readers – dare I say it – mutant books? If we install chips in our brains, does that mean we’ll be able to receive content telepathically, a la Charles Xavier? (Okay, it’s late and I had been looking at an X-Men comic my kid had from the library just before I logged in. Sue me.)

I like the idea of e-readers. E-books are less expensive to produce than their paper counterparts. They make self publishing easier than ever. They’re lighter, too. My wife was an English major in college and kept all her books. We’ve moved three times in 18 years. Weight DOES matter.

At the same time, I honestly don’t think the printed word on paper will completely disappear. Paper books don’t lock up, or require an awkward screen stroke to keep the text moving for faster readers. Paper books don’t require batteries, either. Of course, maybe someday someone will manufacture a solar powered e-reader, then all bets will be off.