08-25-2010, 01:20 PM | #1 |
Zealot
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Will One Device Rule Them All... Or Not
Do you think converged devices like the iPad will turn dedicated eReaders into extinction?
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08-25-2010, 01:35 PM | #2 |
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No. I think multi-function devices will eclipse dedicated eink devices not only in sales but in books being read....eventually.
But eink devices have their own reason for existing, will remain 1/3rd to 1/2 the cost, and will appeal to this who are readers but nit gadget hounds. I think the tablet tide is lifting all the ereading boats. Lee |
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08-25-2010, 02:06 PM | #3 |
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No.
(Added text because the reply can't be under 5 characters.) |
08-25-2010, 02:10 PM | #4 |
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Haven't we had this discussion already?
Ask yourself this: did the smartphone kill cameras? Did it kill iPods? Did it kill gaming consoles? No? Why not if one device can do everything? People have different needs. Personally, I can meet all my gaming needs with an iPod Touch. Others prefer to have more hard-core equipment. My uncle, who reads maybe one book a month, is quite happy with Kobo on the iPad. I prefer more hard-core equipment. To each their own. There is room in the market for more than one product. It really baffles me how this conversation keeps coming up. |
08-25-2010, 02:18 PM | #5 |
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Nope, not going to happen any time soon, if ever. If anything dedicated devices will continue to evolve and infringe on the general-purpose device market. If the Kindle 4 comes with an improved Mirasol display, or something similar, with long battery life, and an eye-easy e-ink display, what do I need with an iPad?
Not that I still wouldn't like an iPad, but having to chose one or the other, I went with the Kindle 3. |
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08-25-2010, 02:22 PM | #6 |
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I agree with Lee, conditionally. I think there are enough people that enjoy what the benefits of eInk, that it is possible that eInk will remain the choice of many dedicated readers (The people not the devices . As a result, a market will be maintained for dedicated readers (The devices not the people unless eInk evolves to the point where it can provide both color and rapid refresh (at least 20-30 times a second) and therefore be the screen technology used on some converged devices.
-- Bill |
08-25-2010, 03:09 PM | #7 |
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No, because none of the multifunction devices are focusing on "being the best possible ebook reader" in addition to their multifunction purposes. Some have focused on "being a good-enough ebook reader," but smartphones & the iPad don't have good storage & sorting options for ebook libraries. (May be lacking other traits as well; I'm unclear on exactly how they work. I know I've never heard anyone talk about the 325 ebooks they keep on their phone, and the iPad is awful for ebooks from multiple sources--there is no mixed-format ebook library.)
Computers eventually totally eclipsed typewriters. (There are still typewriters. There are still *manual* typewriters. But nobody thinks they're a viable part of modern secretarial work in the US.) And digital cameras have pretty much wiped out the film-based versions. (In 1st world countries. I've got no idea what they're doing in parts of India & China.) However, movies have not eliminated stage plays; recorded music has not destroyed live performances; television didn't end radio; cellphones haven't wiped out landlines; wireless hasn't eliminated cables; SUVs have not eliminated the market for small compact cars. The idea of "here's a device that does everything that one does, and more" is a valid concern for replacement--but most devices that are so hyped, are lying. They don't do "everything" the single-purpose device does; they do basic functions well enough that most people would rather have multipurpose than the extra specific features. There will always be people who prefer the limited-function but optimized device. |
08-25-2010, 04:31 PM | #8 |
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Well said Elfwreck, and I totally agree.
There will always be a market for a device which does one thing very very well. Especially if it is priced lower than the latest "gadget" which does everything. |
08-25-2010, 05:19 PM | #9 |
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I think yes. Once there are Windows 7 slates with Pixel QI screens, and batteries with enough capacity to last at least 10 hours, the dedicated devices are doomed. Just my 2 cents...
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08-25-2010, 05:37 PM | #10 |
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pah! I don't want "good enough" in regards to my book reading. I want as good as I can afford, which right now is a dedicated e-ink reader...
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08-25-2010, 05:44 PM | #11 |
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08-25-2010, 05:55 PM | #12 | |
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Quote:
I want a reliable reader that just works, never (or almost never) crashing, with a properly long battery life (i.e. a week or better). Reliable devices are often reliable because they do one thing well. Windows' strength is that it can support many applications - but this is also its weakness in terms of reliability. |
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08-25-2010, 06:21 PM | #13 |
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Yeah, this topic has been pretty much beaten to death.
Which of the following did your Swiss Army Knife replace in your kitchen: corkscrew, steak knife, butter knife, bread knife, paring knife, peeler, can opener, bottle opener, scissors? |
08-25-2010, 06:27 PM | #14 |
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That thing for getting stones out of horses hooves? I don't have a separate one of them.
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08-25-2010, 06:42 PM | #15 |
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