Top: Time e-reader, photo credit: Sports Illustrated. Middle: Skiff e-reader. Bottom: iPad, image courtesy of Apple

With the rise of the public’s expectation of free internet content, the world of newspapers, magazines and books has struggled to make pace – and break even – with technology. However, innovation is happening and ushering in some of the most dynamic tech products since the unveiling of the iPod: new and improved e-readers, interactive devices appealing to a new generation of readers. Three in particular have caught our eye.

Time Inc.’s magazine tablet, unlike Amazon’s Kindle, is demonstrated as bright and filled with cool virtual technology. Unlike the static content of paper mags, the gadget allows publishers to pack in behind-the-scenes images and video, while also giving the reader the freedom to rearrange and dig deeper into content to their liking. Advertisements, no longer locked in a freeze-frame, can also come to life: a Weber ad, for example, features not only the page print, but video clips to accompany it. The Wonderfactory, has helped create a unbelievable video demo of the Time offering, which can be seen here.

Another soon to be released e-reader, the Skiff, is about the size of a magazine and will properly host magazines and newspapers, though only in black and white at this point. It is however remarkably thin, completely shatter resistant, and flexible. Its resolution surpasses other e-readers, and pages turn instantly at the swipe of a finger. Content can be loaded quickly via the Sprint 3G network, WiFi or mini-port, and there are 4 gigs of memory built into the device. Its battery power will last for about a week’s worth of reading. The Skiff also offers a cool search feature, allowing readers to scan for specific terms throughout the gadget’s contents or in one specific article.

Finally, the Apple iPad was announced just yesterday and will begin shipping in March. With a 9.7 (diagonal) inch screen, specially-made Apple processor and the remarkable touch screen interface found on the iPhone, this e-reader will be hard to beat. Apple announced a third store as well (iTunes and the App store being 1 & 2) – the iBookstore. For more photos and specs, go here. Starting price $499.

MiFi

Verizon’s MiFi – a pocket-sized gadget with the power to create a personal wi-fi cloud everywhere from taxi cabs to wooded lanes – has floored tech reviewers with its speed, ease of use, practicality and connectivity. The battery powered device homes signals from cell towers to bring users a smooth and strong 3G network. The Mi-Fi’s “bubble” is completely secure, thanks to a discreet pass code on the gadget’s underside, but it can be shared among five computers/devices, enabling spontaneous collaborations as well as unique opportunities to befriend strangers. The device, which has a battery life of four hours, is priced at $100 (1-year contract / $50 for 2-year contract), but in order to tap into the wireless cloud, users pay an additional $40 to $60 per month. You can also buy the device outright for $270, but only pay $15 for 24-hour access when you need it. MiFi

Unlike television shows viewed on the flat screen, TV Guide doesn’t cater to online broadcasts, resulting in a programming black hole. Clicker.com, a new, free web site which charts where your favorite shows can be found online, solves that problem. Clicker scans more than 1,200 sources and maintains an index of about 7,000 shows. Once you find the show you want, you can view it directly through Clicker or through the show’s original network page, which the site will take you to automatically.

During the holiday season, as you find yourself with more time for the tube, check out this efficient index and its high-quality recordings; in addition to its extensive program lists, Clicker also allows users to set up playlists and to subscribe to receive episodes as they come available. Clicker

For those who prefer not to mess with tiny earpieces, but want hand’s free phone conversations in the car, Schosche presents a great option: a solar powered, bluetooth speaker phone that suctions to your windshield or can be clipped on to the car’s visor. Receiving positive reviews from CNET and others, the wireless solCHAT speaker produces solid volume levels, clear conversation and features voice-announce caller ID so you never have to take your eyes off the road.

While the phone’s battery power offers 12 hours of talk time, the solar panel augments its lifespan each time you park your car in the sun. However, should you hit a cloudy week, a USB charger and car adapter are included. $62

Between Ticketmaster’s monopoly and a plethora of web-resellers working the system, it’s nearly impossible for the average Joe to buy a fairly priced ticket these days. Enter SeatGeek. The guys behind the site have harnessed Google-like data crunching to give us fans a fighting chance.

Using its massive database of historical ticket pricing, SeatGeek works to forecast the best time to buy tickets for music and athletic events. If the tickets to a user’s chosen event are going up, SeatGeek will urge him to buy right away; if the geeks forecast the price of tickets will fall, they’ll send users a free email when they’ve determined it’s the best time to buy. On the site’s homepage, the geeks feature the hottest game and concert tickets, “great time to buy” tickets, and a convenient search bar. CNET and TechCrunch both like the site – so much so that SeatGeek was recognized as a TechCrunch50 Finalist.