(Shamelessly stolen from Ebookconnections.com)
Electronic books, or e-books, are books in computer file format such as plain 'ol ASCII text, HTML "web" documents, or other various types of formats that are used with readers. The majority (and if properly created) can be read on all types of computers, including handheld devices designed specifically for reading e-books. E-books can be as familiar as their print counterparts or as unique as the electronic medium itself, containing audio, video or live hyperlinks.
E-books can be downloaded from various Usenet newsgroups, the WWW, FTP sites, and many other ways.
The electronic formatting of text not only reduces warehousing and shipping costs, it also removes any limits on the number of pages or graphics and requirements for broad audience appeal.
E-Books give writers and publishers freedom to explore small niche markets and to step outside the mold to bring readers original creative books, unlimited by genre lines, market size or print capabilities.
BENEFITS
You can store multiple books for the weight and space of one print book. Storing e-books on computer drives or diskettes and CD-ROMs takes up much less shelf space than print books.
Dedicated handheld reading devices weigh in starting
at 17 ounces and can store up to twenty books-more if the memory is
upgraded.
You can update and download documents immediately.
E-Books can sometimes contain the latest, most current information
on a subject, whereas their printed counterparts would require a
complete republishing (and all the costs therein).
E-Books can be enhanced with live hyperlinks, sound,
animation and simulation capabilities.
A simple font size change will turn your e-book into
a large print edition.
With some kinds of e-book reading software, you can
bookmark, annotate and search through your e-book.
Desktop computer users can read an e-book anytime
they're at the computer.
Business and recreational travelers can load e-books
on their portable computers without adding weight or taking up
space in their luggage.
Storage capabilities and the ability to update and
download documents immediately make e-book reading devices
appealing to businesses, government personnel, colleges,
universities and schools. Many professionals such as doctors,
lawyers and pharmacists are already using e-books and e-book
reading devices.
Schools, colleges and universities hope to use
e-books to get students the most current textbooks-without
weighting down backpacks. Schools and libraries are piloting
programs using e-book reading devices and portable and desktop
computers. Students can access e-textbooks and digital
libraries.