I don’t in any way understand the problem with this. It’s the same model that every industry operates and the arguments here about digital media having changed the game are specious. It’s not that I think HarperCollins’ published reasons are good, they too are nonsense and it would have been more honest to say; “We want to maximise our earnings and the earnings of our authors.”

Early adopters pay more. They always will because they are willing to. Whatever their reasons, showing off, genuine need, it doesn’t matter, they pay more. In the case of book publishing some people want a hardback for their shelves and they want it early. Having it and being able to talk about it before others may be worth some extra money so they pay it. Who loses? Under this model those unwilling to pay the premium have to wait, a bit like waiting for the sales for your favourite gadget or tech. At least now HarperCollins have made the commitment that an e-book version WILL be published. It’s just become another medium for the copyright holder. E-Books are just another format. The value is in the copyright not the format.

Business is not about being fair; it’s about finding out what the market will bear, how it wants to buy and matching those expectations. As far as I’m concerned HarperCollins have done just that and I applaud them.

I’m happy to buy a hardback if it’s good. If it’s average I’ll wait for the paperback. If I want it with me all the time I’ll buy an e-book version for my phone. If it’s something I value very highly I’ll weigh the costs and maybe buy all three formats and not worry about it.

I really, really hope that Qi Pan has an eye to commercialisation of this and will earn not just his Ph. D. but some financial rewards as well.

I'm looking forward to the demo and happy to pay money for a full version, it's one of the more practical pieces of research I've seen.

Qi Pan if you read this ... thank you and well done.

I like the new design and layout but have to say that I really, really hate the font. Times New Roman was great on a newspaper in 1931, not now. Can you take a poll and see if people really like it or if we could move to something legible?

Come on Engadget - you guys are in technology, play the game right!

Send the cease and desist order and then sue them (in the Texas court that likes these things) for every infringement you can think of. Settle out of court, cover the case on Engadget and there you are - a completely new business model for you.

Earnings and coverage all in one.

Forget the elctric side of it, did anyone notice that this is two single sided swing arms and a IHGACHTDI (I haven't got a clue how to describe it) steering system?

With two 3.5Kw brushless motors and that suspension setup I definatley want it.

Oh wait, it has batteries so it'll (probably) be limited to 30mph and 40 miles range.

Hmm ... I'll stick with hydrocarbons, a measly 110bhp and telelever.

Sigh.

@Frankie

I didn't quite understand your post. What's "False" about my statements? I've played with the TP2 a lot, trying to decide whether to buy it. One of the obvious tests I did was to compare the screen size by holding them close together.

Remember manufacturers use a measurement of the diagonal of the screen. A 4:3 screen at 3.7" on the Universal (not 3.5" as you suggest) has a lot more surface area than a 16:9 screen of 3.6". By any measurement, width, depth, surface area, the Universal has a larger screen.

I know the TP2 is much smaller than the Universal, I never suggested it wasn't, I'm just someone who's quite happy to have a large phone if I get a screen that's usable. For me the TP2's diminutive dimensions are a turn off. Hell if soemone could put a 3g system in a Psion 5 I'd be happy using that!

I don't think anyone can deny HTC's astonishing rise to prominence in the phone market but I'm continually astonished at their roadmap 'policy' - if it is a policy.

Just as I'd decided that I'd sacrifice screen real estate and buy the Touch Pro2 (smaller than my universal) they release this. Of course it's not quite perfect, I'm one of those who really wants a physical keyboard, so no I'm not buying an HD2 or a TP2. Now of course there's that feeling that maybe, just maybe, there'll be a HD2 with a keyboard. There probably won't be and I'm NOT starting a rumour, I've heard nothing, have no access to info etc etc. It's just wishful thinking.

The point is that they could have had a sale if they'd waited a month or two more. Is it just to be seen to have an iPhone beater?

It;s still an amazing phone and I may just go for it ... but I've learned and I'll wait a month or two.

I resent the implication that British Drivers drive into rivers using GPS. I'll have you all know that we can drive into rivers perfectly well without GPS.

Little Cayman - then see how long it takes to get a modem connection to authorise your new OS.

Forget the retro cool element, although yes they ARE retro cool, just think utility. Not having to wait for the driver in the minivan to get you into the queue under the tunnel is my vision of a welcome future.

Now where's the Star Trek Transporter so i don't have to sit on a plane for an hour?