[gharbad]

It's all about the form-factor. That Apple recognizes this and is attempting to capitalize on it is fully expected.

[vannevar]

It's actually all about the DRM. Dynamic textbooks in that form factor could be done using open standards, but it's Apple's locked in proprietary format that Apple is selling to textbook publishers.

[jonhendry]

I'm sure the publishers are demanding DRM. I doubt Apple cares much, and going DRM-free would simplify things for Apple.

[vannevar]

Apple cares because the publishers care. Apple realizes that the customers (the students) are locked in to the schools, which are in turn locked in to the publishers, which are now locked in to Apple.

[serge2k]

No, going DRM would be against everything that apple is. If it is going to be an apple product then they will shove DRM on it. They want to lock customers in wherever and whenever possible.

[Someone]

No, it's all about the money. Publishers will use it, if they think it provides the best profit/risk ratio,.

[th0ma5]

I understand that it is nice but I also think it throws out the baby with the bath water.