Electronic readers offer one level of convenience, but bookworms who want to print their own titles at home can now do so using the Espresso Book Machine - available for just US$190,000 (Dh697,908).
Granted, this machine was conceived by Xerox for bookshops, libraries and universities that can access millions of copyrighted, public domain and out-of-print titles through software to print and bind a book in minutes.
But the equipment is now available through Xerox and its resellers in the Middle East, with two models being used "pre-launch" in the UAE.
"Traditionally, the economics of book production required that large quantities of a title be printed, warehoused and then distributed into the retail channel or sold in larger quantities to users like educational institutions or libraries," says JP Teti, the manager of production technology at Xerox for the Middle East and Africa.
"The challenges associated with this model are primarily obsolescence of printed material over time, large initial investments and carrying costs of inventory over time."
As a result, Mr Teti notes, only titles that were projected for blockbuster status actually made it to bookstores in many cases. "This left a lot of potentially valuable content unavailable for mass distribution."
Today, the Espresso is being used by OnDemandBooks.com to target aspiring writers who want to self-publish.
The oversized photocopier can also be found in bookstores in US states such as Vermont, Utah and Washington. The Harvard Book Store, in Massachusetts, is selling more than 120 titles, including the academic work Gilles Deleuze and the Fabulation of Philosophy, printed on its machine. Lighter titles such as Sugar Rush: A Cupcake Club Romance are also available.
In this region, the Espresso has been displayed at Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the new, high-tech library in Alexandria, Egypt. A library guide there recently said that visitors would one day be able to print off their own books.
A library representative could not be reached for comment.
nparmar@thenational.ae
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Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
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- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
- Do a few star jumps
- Avoid alcohol
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Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
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Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
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Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
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Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Basquiat in Abu Dhabi
One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier.
It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.
“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
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