Speaking at the Internet Advertising Bureau's Engage conference, Gates said that tablet technology, such as E Ink's e-paper, would put an end to printed materials.
"Within four or five years, instead of spending money on textbooks, [students will] spend a mere $400 (226) or so buying that tablet, and the material they need will all be on the internet."
Gates' comments came just a week after American firm E Ink launched a 300micron-thick flexible LCD screen that can hold a monochrome image even when there is no power supply.
See Analysis, p 27
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