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IDG News Service - Taiwanese e-reader makers jockeyed to show off new technologies at the Taipei International Book Exhibition over the weekend and said the emerging model for the devices is to sell them as part of a content bundle.

Taipei is a fitting place to show new e-readers because Taiwanese companies are leading the charge for the three leading e-paper technologies on the market. They hope to push down device prices while upping the ante on features this year to compete with newcomers such as Apple's iPad.

Several companies were showing off devices with regular LCD screens on board, mostly aimed at schoolchildren. LCD screens are less expensive than e-paper screens and offer color and multimedia, but use up batteries faster. The iPad also has an LCD screen and boasts 10 hours of battery life, but e-readers can run for a few weeks without a recharge.

There is also some debate over the impact of LCD screens on eye health.

People who use video screens at work have complained of eye strain, blurred vision, headaches and neck pain, but it is unclear whether these symptoms can be blamed on the screens because similar complaints come from people in other jobs that induce eye strain but where video screens are not present, according to the American Optometric Association.

The association called the symptoms a "growing health problem" but said that "based on current evidence it is unlikely that the use of VDTs (video display terminals) causes permanent changes or damage to the eyes or visual system."

Companies such as LCD screen maker AU Optronics say LCD screens are not ideal for eye health because of the backlight, and that reading on e-paper using natural room light is better for the eyes. AU owns a major stake in SiPix Imaging, an e-paper technology developer.

Hiachieve Digital Technology (HCD) showed off the iWonder 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen tablet PC aimed at schoolchildren at the book fair. The device uses a regular LCD screen so comic books, newspapers, magazines, Web content and more can be viewed in color as on any computer screen.

The device was chosen for a government trial at a few elementary schools in Taiwan that starts mid-year, said Jim Sun, CEO of HCD. Taiwan's Ministry of Education plans to distribute e-readers to students across the island over the next few years.

HCD has already signed deals with some private schools to use the device. It will cost around NT$15,000 (US$470) each bundled with "a lot of content," he said. Prices differ depending on content agreements. The device is being manufactured by Hon Hai Precision Industry, the world's largest contract electronics maker.