Harrisville, RI (October 11, 2005) - PrintForecast announces the immediate availability of "E" is for E-Paper: An Electronic Paper Primer for the Graphic Communications Industry, a basic, easy-to-read, 40+ page report of the rapidly developing market for flexible electronic displays, commonly referred to as "e-paper." E-paper has finally transitioned from the lab into the hands of consumers. As detailed in this overview report, Sony began shipping its long-awaited Portable Reader System, an e-paper-based e-book reader that has generated substantial buzz on the Internet and among book industry watchers and analysts. In Europe, the iRex iLiad e-paper-based newspaper reader has been shipping since the summer and has garnered positive reviews and user feedback-despite its steep price tag. The past three years has seen a steady stream of e-paper announcements, technology demonstrations, white papers-even product launches. Technology writers and other experts believe that these technologies will disrupt and transform industries economywide-but no industry more than the graphic communications industry. Yet few people beyond diehard technophiles are even aware of the technology. Now, the industry has the concise overview of e-paper technologies and applications in one convenient report. "E" is for E-Paper answers such basic questions as, "What is e-paper?" Who are the major players? What e-paper-based products are currently available? What applications are on (or even over) the horizon? And, perhaps most importantly, what are the implications for various segments of the graphic communications industry? "E" is for E-Paper defines e-paper as "a thin, flexible display with a thickness, appearance, and readability factor equal to that of traditional pulp-based paper." There are several display technologies that are referred to as "e-paper," each well-suited for specific tasks. The variety of potential applications is infinite and can modify the way many current products work today. These range from replacing paper in certain applications, creating new types of computer screens, PDAs and many other devices. E-paper is a complementary and enabling technology, offering wireless connectivity, effectively bridging the gap between the Internet and print. There is an inherent "coolness" to the idea of e-paper, which usually translates into a great amount of hype and press coverage. Market forecasters have often been equally bullish on the practical potential of the technology. For example, one Japanese marketing and consulting firm predicts that the global e-paper market will hit $177 million by 2008. In "E" Is for E-Paper, PrintForecast draws on its extensive, decades-long experience in the graphic arts markets, as well as the contrarian perspective that is its hallmark, to provide a quick overview of the current state of the e-paper market, through a jargon-free technology background, a rundown of the major manufacturers and development partners, an outline of the potential uses and applications of e-paper, as well as a subjective assessment of the potential impact of e-paper on the graphic communications industry. The report also provides a look at the extent to which e-paper is an opportunity as well as a challenge for traditional graphic arts service providers, content creators, publishers, suppliers, and others. About the Report The cost of the report is $79 and can be purchased and downloaded online at http://drjoe.stores.yahoo.net/eisforeelpat.html