e-NOVEL APPROACH PROMISES NEW CHAPTER FOR BOOK LOVERS - Electronic books might look and feel just like traditional books within the next several years, due to companies such as E Ink that are advancing the technology. E Ink, a small company founded by MIT researchers, is working on flexible electronic paper that looks and feels like standard paper, and electronic ink that can change into different characters. E-book users would be able to change the book's content by plugging the device into a phone line or wireless receiver. Currently, E Ink is using its technology to make indoor signs, since large letters are much easier to produce than the small letters required for a book. J.C. Penney, Eckerd drugstores, and Yahoo! are all using E Ink signs. As E Ink refines its technology, it believes e-books will be possible by 2003 or 2004. E Ink's displays are more readable than any electronic display, and require little power to change content. In addition, the displays stay on even when the power is off, so an E Ink book would not need to be powered after the user has loaded content. Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center is also working on e-book technology, but E Ink appears to be in the lead. (USA Today, 9 May 00 - Edupage 10 May 00)