[dj_modus_ponens]

Sorry it took so long (this thread is probably dead already), but here is a general list of what I'd like to see in an eReader, a manifesto of sorts. Actually, that's what I'll call my 'perfect' eReader, the Manifesto. Sounds kinda cool, right? And it fits in with the common tendency for pretentious names that don't really mean anything. Anyway...


General Requirements :: Physical

Durable

It can be tossed in a bag, or on the couch, without fear of breaking something. It should withstand the rigors of travel and constant handling. In short, you should be able to treat it like a book.

Comfortable Size and Weight

Should be small and slim; not like "World's Slimmest", but about the size of a DVD case (try holding one, it's pretty comfortable). No lighter than a paperback, preferrably less so (why not?). Easy one-handed extended use.

Large, High Resolution/Contrast Screen

Easier on the eyes, more reading enjoyment. Duh.

Manual Independence

Lefty/Righty/Ambi friendly -- screen rotation, but also button placement. People have preferences/disabilities, sometimes switch hands when reading; different reading materials better viewed from different directions.

Few Buttons, Simple Construction

Less buttons = less parts = less stuff to break, cheaper (hopefully). Same with simple construction. It's also less confusing or cluttered. Besides, how many buttons does a regular book have?

No Touch Screen, Slide Strips, MP3 Capability

Unnecessary for general book/newspaper/webpage reading. Too many extra components, wastes battery, and I would probably accidentally tap it and lose my page or something.

External Storage (SD/MMC)

So cheap these days, everybody has them. I assume it's better than just internal storage so user has more control (bigger sizes, replacements, etc).

Wireless...?

Not necessary for reading books, wastes battery. Dock/USB/Exchange memory card for refreshing content. However, I can see where this would be nice for web feeds / newspapers (walk by 'newstand', download paper; walk through mall, download catalog), but that would most likely require preprocessing (formatting, standardizing, etc) which would be better performed on PC or Docking Station (so that reader stays simple).

*NOTE: after reading the InfoPad blog, I can see how bluetooth would be useful, but it should have an off switch (probably software, for less buttons) or even turn on when selecting 'Sync' from menu and off when finished.

General Requirements :: Operational

Super battery life

Duh. Current eReader capacities (8000 pages/charge) fine for me.

Good Format Support

At least txt/rtf, pdf, jpg/png/gif/bmp (also cbz/cbr or similar would be awesome), and some XML-based file(s). That about covers 95% of ebooks/comics/feeds I've seen/read.

Only 'ePaper' Functionality

Will read books, comics/images, and newspapers/magazines (print and web kind). No MP3, no movies, no 3D rotational graphics -- not necessary for cheap, general-use eReader, and not really feasible either without driving up costs (at least, not now). Basically, whatever could have been produced on paper.

Simple Interface

Shallow menu structure (easier to navigate, fewer clicks). Should be able to be controlled with only 5 buttons (previous/up, next/down, forward/left, back/right, and Enter/Menu/Select). I say 5 instead of 3 because two extra buttons, while redundant, allow for manual independence and screen rotation.

Simple Storage Structure

Drag&Drop files; special transfer software only necessary for preprocessing (web page/feeds, resizing, formatting). Folder support (for categories/genres); maybe 3 or 4 deep. Metadata?

No Proprietary Lock-outs

If there must be DRM (*sigh*), don't prevent non-DRM from 'playing'. Don't force me to only get content from single provider (*cough* Verizon phones). Basically, don't control my property.

This is a prelude to my actual design, which I'm thinking on the best way to write up. Stop me if you're bored (only after writing this did I find and read the InfoPad blog...oh well).