E-rights dark ages

Apple is rumored to be planning a new 10-inch tablet computer for doing for the written word what the iPod has done for music. Apple's unstated strategy is to create products that are so cool that users are willing to put up with huge intentional shortcomings, such as restrictions on allowable music and video formats. Czechs face the added nuisance of not being able to use most services of the iTunes and other e-stores, unless perhaps they have a foreign-billed credit card. This hasn't kept the iPhone from being a big hit with Czechs, but the tablet will be a harder sell. Few Czechs will pay the high price unless they have easy access to books, periodicals and films in formats that work. Unfortunately, the CR is still in the electronic-rights dark ages. When early adopters rev up their tablets to download a book, they'll likely be told, "Sorry, access in your area is restricted due to international rights agreements." [Czech Republic management]