There's been a lot written in the technology press recently about e-book readers - tablet like devices with e-ink screens used primarily for reading e-books but also, in some cases, as a basic media player.

Whilst the concept of e-books has been around for a number of years with the likes of Project Gutenberg and reading on PDAs, actual dedicated readers are only around 5 years old though; with more being released with the last year than in the 4 years previous.

The growth of the reader has probably been spurned on by the launch of the Amazon Kindle reader sold by the internet behemoth initially in the US. Now, the latest version is available in the UK and Waterstones have been pushing a Sony model in its stores.

As a gadget, I'm quite impressed. The thin, book size devices - perhaps with a nice leather fold-over cover - with a battery life measured in page turns rather than minutes or hours (when reading at least) certainly results in an appealing gadget but the question is will I buy one?

For some reason or another, I've been pondering this over the last couple of days. Initially I was firmly in the 'NO' camp. I couldn't bear the idea of getting rid of my ordinary books. Bookshelves look nice. They make a home look lived-in. Somehow, an e-book reader would not have the same ambience. My opinion hasn't changed greatly during my musings, but I have moved ever so slightly away from the steadfast 'NO' to "No, but I won't rule it out".

You see, there is a part of me (and it is a small part) that likes the clutter-free home. Where a living room is rather minimalist; dominated by furniture but that's all - books, DVDs, blu-ray discs, CDs are all out of site.

The technology-lover in me reminds me that at one time I thought I'd never embrace music downloads ... now I have a monthly subscription of 75 songs.

I then think of the times I carry books around in my bag and the tatty edges they earn like trophies awarded for the many miles they may have travelled. None of that for a nice e-book reader.

Before I cry 'Vive le (gadget) révolution' and rush to Waterstones waving my wallet shouting 'take my cash, take my cash', there are problems that draw me back into the 400 year old world of print:

• The cost. With e-book readers costing upwards of £150, I would be quite wary. Reading in the living room, or at work in the staff room would be great but what about reading in public: on the bus, tube, train or plane, on the beach, in a cafe? Can I engrose myself fully in the book knowing that I hold in my hand what could be quite a desirable object? Advertising to thieves? Also thinking of the beach, what would sand do to the device, or salt water for that matter? Reading in the bath? No thanks. If I drop a paperback in water, I've lost maybe £10. To loose £150 is another matter.

• The cost of a book. As I understand it, e-books aren't significantly cheaper than real books. The argument is that editing costs etc. are the same. I argue that distribution costs must be vastly reduced and the lack of a physical product naturally reduces the value. If I can't get books for cheaper digitally then I'm unlikely to embrace the idea.

• Formats. Amazon uses it's own e-book format for which a Kindle is required. Other readers use more open formats. I don't want to get involved in a format war, so I will wait until a standard for all stores appears that works on all e-book readers. Much like most digital music is now available in MP3 and will play on anything.

• DRM. I know piracy is likely to be an issue, just like with music. However, just like with music, if the product is cheap enough and easy to use I believe many people will opt for the legal option. I won't enter this market if it is riddled with DRM. I don't want to have limits on how many devices I can use, or have the possibility of a book being deleted from my device because of a publication problem.

If all of these problems are addressed, and I'm sure many if not all will be over time, then I'll reconsider my position on e-books. Until then, paper is my friend.

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Tags: gadgets, technology, books