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Welcome to the December edition of the Geeks2U newsletter!
In this month's newsletter we will be covering the world of eBooks. This media is quickly gaining in popularity, and with the holidays fast approaching it isn't just the traditional book sellers that are seeing big gains in sales.
If you'd like more information about anything in this edition of our newsletter, or would like to recommend a topic for an article, just drop us an email at
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EBooks, the Future of Literature
Recent advancements in technology are giving the world of eBooks a new lease on life. This format for reading was popular in the 90's, when digital content first began to become available, but since most people didn't enjoy reading in front of the PC the format saw a decline for a while. Today though, that trend has stopped, and new technology is helping this format to see huge gains in popularity.
Devices like Amazon’s Kindle, the iLiad business readers, and BEBOOK are making it easier than ever to get your books in digital format. More than that, with the recent advances in cell-phone technology it is now possible to download and read your next book on a BlackBerry, an iPhone, or even just a PDA.
This has given eBooks a new lease on life and is driving them forward like never before. It is now easier to read content in PDF, Mobipocket, or other formats and take that content with you wherever you go.
It has long been said that digital books are the future of literature. Now it seems that will soon be the truth. With many placing a large focus on sustainability and the environment, it is expected that this new reading medium will take us forward, and your children may soon be reading textbooks on digital readers in the classroom.
If you’ve been looking for a simple way to purchase your next book, it may be worth heading over to one of the major eBook retailers, such as Fictionwise, and getting a book that you can take with you. If you have a PDA or Blackberry you can take your reading material with you and be entertained while you wait in line for the holiday shopping rush.
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A Little eBook History
Since we’re coving eBooks this month, I thought it might be interesting to share a little history. It may surprise you to know that this digital format got its start in 1971.
At the University of Illinois, in the US, project Gutenberg was started by Michael Heart. The project was intended to digitize some of the classic works of literature. This project is still around today, and now contains thousands of eBooks that are freely available in many different formats.
In 1981 the first commercial venture was launched in digital format, when Random house choose to publish a dictionary in digital format. It wasn’t until 1998 though, that eBooks really got started.
The world’s first eBook fair was held in 1998 (in Gaithersburg, Maryland). The result of the fair was that one format was decided on, and all future eBooks would be based on this format. At that point, eBooks were becoming mildly popular. In 2001 all of that would change.
When Stephen King published his novel Riding the Bullet, exclusively as an eBook, suddenly the world of eBooks began to take off. With King’s huge fan base, many people flocked to buy a copy of the $2.50 novel. From that point on eBook stores and publishers have been turning up all over the World Wide Web.
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| Gadget of the Month
Samsung YP-K3JAG 4GB, Slim MP3 Player
This months device is a must have for music lovers. It is the Samsung Slim MP3 Player.
The YP-K3JAG is more than just another MP3 player. It has a 1.8" LCD screen, 4GB of storage, and can function as an alarm clock, photo viewer and more. If you've been looking for that next great gadget, you won't want to miss this one!
For more information see IOGear's website, or enquire directly to
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Gadget Price: $129
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| Geeks2U Employee of the Month
Fiona Nichols
Tell us about yourself ?
I’m 27 years old and was born in Australia but lived in the UK for 10 years. I can be pretty loud and I love to laugh and joke with people.
Hobbies/Interests?
Socializing, movies, writing, sports, V8 supercars (GO HOLDEN!), getting fit (trying to stay fit!) and horseriding.
Piece of Technology you can’t live without?
My Mobile phone – it’s like my right hand.
What you do at Geeks and for how long?
Customer service specialist for nearly 3 months
What do you like the most about Geeks?
The people who I work with are great and I am learning a lot about technology!
Recommended favourite YouTube video?
Test Drive the HSV
Recommended/favourite website?
www.mediablvd.com - the best fan forum ever
5 Seconds with Fiona Nichols
Google or Yahoo?
Google
Playstation or Wii?
Wii – keeps you fit!
Laptop or Desktop?
Laptop – it’s great if you’re on a train and the person next to or in front of you has a good movie going on!
Myspace or Facebook?
Facebook – Having lived in the UK it keeps me in touch with friends.
Apple or PC?
PC – Apples look hot but they don’t deliver.
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