Question about other kinds of books

[JesseT]

I am curious what everyone thinks about the market for so-called "coffee table" books. You know, oversized and sometimes lavishly produced and high quality bound books that serve as conversation pieces or more importantly for an artist and comics artist like myself as inspiration and reference. While the internet is far more efficient for certain quick reference trips, part of me is concerned with the fact that most tablets demand that everything come down in size whereas some of the coolest coffee table books are enormous and sometimes (in the case of various pop up books) really fun.

Part of me hopes that someday there will be an oversized tablet - or at least the size of a good laptop. I know tablet markets are focused on that sweet-spot where one-hand usage is all important but I hope there might be a market someday for something larger and more vivid.

Any thoughts?

[Sandpiper]

What would you call books that are not so large in size, but still full of graphics / photos, fancy colorful printing, odd lay-outs, etc.?  Are they still coffee-table books?  They're not good for tablets or e-readers today.  When Borders was . . . I bought that type book.  My shelves are full of them.  Borders would e-mail me a coupon that I "had" to use.  I miss Borders so much. 

[JesseT]

Good point about the smaller and more structural formats. I bring up the topic because there is a consistent complaint I hear from various people at conventions is about format. Pop up books still make me giggle. Oversized art books are an absolute treasure. And yes, I too miss my local Borders.