And coming in at #5

Original Post from May 22nd 2007
Check out this article from Computer World on the "Top 21 Technology Flops of all time".

eBooks come in #5 in this alphabetical list. There seems to be plenty of learnings to be had from that flop, starting with device capabilities, target contents types and users, and supply of content, and possibly business models.

On the positive side, many of the other flops did eventually make it, after some transformation.

For example: We're all familiar with the Apple Newton flop, but I'm currently using a PDA with handwriting recognition.

What will it be with eBooks? Will they remain a flop forever, or will they gradually improve and make it, or will there be a breakthrough?

Do you have an opinion on why they flopped?