Will the iPad transform the book business?

Looks like Amazon was right to be worried. Some takes on how Apple’s new iPad may transform the book industry can be found at Boldtype and Forbes. Many of the biggest publishers have signed on to provide content, but noticeably absent is Random House, so Apple’s library is far from exhaustive. Although I love my iPhone, I’m hanging fire for the moment on any kind of e-reader, still happy to clutter my tables and shelves in the old-fashioned way. Also the iPad doesn’t appear to have tackled two key issues: battery life, and an attractive screen that is easy on the eyes. Also, how easy is it to flip back and forth through the pages and mark the text? As a reviewer, I like my ‘victims’ to be malleable…