Friday, August 10, 2007

Books On Demand? The Espresso Book Machine



One may ask if this is an example of computers replacing books, or of books dominating technology as the format of choice for literature....

The Columbia (SC) Free Times reports that a company called On Demand Books has developed something called the "Espresso Book Machine," a device that is capable of printing "15-20 paperbacks in an hour – in any language and with a four-color cover." The machine is expected to sell for $100,000 each. According to the article, NY Public Library has already installed one in their Science, Industry and Business Library.