SoftBook readers can connect to the online SoftBook Network simply by plugging the SoftBook into a phone jack without using a personal computer. A built-in 33.6 kps modem works in tandem with the companys patented transaction and delivery system to provide fast downloading of titles over the Internet. Typical download of a 300-page book takes about 3 minutes.The SoftBook Network includes customer-specific InfoCenters where users can access corporate documents and other business information. Users also can visit the SoftBookstore where they can make purchases from a vast selection of online books and periodicals from major publishers.The layout of the SoftBook Network and SoftBookstore is designed for easy and entertaining browsing, with special interest areas and unlimited previews of materials to help readers choose. A powerful search/find engine locates titles quickly. Each SoftBook has a separate account and personal bookshelf, complete with a virtual librarian that keeps a record of all previous and current selections, and stores deleted and annotated material for future retrieval.SoftBook Press provides the SoftBook Publishing Toolkit, an easy way to convert titles to the SoftBook standard while maintaining complete copyright protection. The company has developed a patented transaction and delivery system with advanced encryption techniques that guarantee safe and rapid delivery of all titles from its secure Web site, which is not possible with todays PCs. Titles cannot be re-distributed to PCs or other devices, eliminating the risk of piracy a key concern for publishers. As new publishers are brought on board, hundreds of new titles are made available to SoftBook readers.The SoftBook will be available in Fall 1998 starting at $299 plus $9.95 per month. The monthly fee includes access to a variety of free books and periodicals, unlimited online bookshelf space, free software updates, and 24 hour-per-day access to the SoftBook N...
