Abstract

This is both a historical overview of reader devices of electronic documents and a description of the current technology characterized by the so called “electronic paper”. Gyricon technologies are analysed as well as the electrophoretic screens and devices that use the electrowetting principle. A wide variety of file formats compatible with the different kinds of reader devices are shown, as well as the problems derived from reader incompatibility. The more outstanding models available in the market and their services are also described. A reflection is proposed about the different usages and their effectiveness, document dissemination, and the expectations that the e-readers have created regarding future development. Nowadays these devices make the reading of electronic documents easier and more comfortable.