Video: Espresso Book Machine

The Espresso Book Machine by On Demand Books

The Espresso Book Machine is an on demand printer capable of printing off text at 105 pages a minute, creating entire paperback books in as little as four minutes. The machine offers print titles from an online database of about eight million books, or it can be used for self-publishing. It has been installed in about 70 locations worldwide, most of which are libraries and bookstores. 

Photo: Sign of the Times

A Borders going-out-of-business photo from Reddit

 

Last week, The New York Times reported that Borders' bankruptcy plan has faced criticism: “publishers characterized the plan as unrealistic and said they were more convinced than ever that Borders would be forced to sell itself or liquidate.”

Depressing, but much like Circuit City and Blockbusters, no surprise whatsoever.  Not only did the three chains fail to keep abreast of technological change, all three offered a shopping experience somehow less enjoyable than their immediate competitor.  Barnes & Noble stores have always made for a nicer afternoon of browsing than the local Borders.  I'm not sure if was the staff or just the ambiance, but I've never been able to really relax at a Borders.