The first e-paper e-reader came onto the market in 2004 and with their "green" benefit of reducing paper consumption the device has proved popular with consumers. The market for e-readers is accelerating, according to MediaIdeas. By 2006 there were 3 types of devices available; by 2007 there were 5; and there are now more than 40 types of e-reader available. This will double over the next 12 months according to MediaIdeas.

"E-paper e-readers will be one of the major disruptive technologies of the early 21st century," said analyst Nick Hampshire, "it will change the nature of publishing and related print industries forever, ushering in a host of innovative ways to present, market, and distribute content."

Related links and articles:

www.mediaideas.net

E-book chip market to reach $1.1 billion in 2013, says In-Stat

E Ink to use Freescale SoC

Comment: Waiting for Plastic Logic's e-reader

Opinion: Kindle ramp surprises amateur pundit

Scanned laser pico projectors: seeing the big picture