Quote:
Originally Posted by sabredog
I cannot fathom this fascination for PDF documents being read on 5-6" ereaders. These devices are designed primarily to display ePUB (Kindle - ASW) ebooks.
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The PDF capability sold me on the KOBO. I have a number of technical manuals for things I own (new car, camera, r/c transmitters, etc.) that I moved onto the KOBO, as well as some things such as the membership list, By-Laws and Minutes of meetings for a large organization I belong to...
There are many such uses for a reader, something that I can carry around in the car, to meetings, etc. PDF is a universal standard, and everything from manuals to business documents and converted spreadsheets can be stored/displayed, provided that the display device handles it well. I have yet to BUY an ebook, I have read a few of the freebies and several from a local library, but I would keep my reader for the PDF capability alone, even with its current limitations. I wonder it the KOBO folks anticipated such a customer?
My point is, the capability of something is there, so it will likely be used by at least some customers - and that may even differentiate their offering from those of their competitors! It is not up to the manufacturer to tell its customers what they need - the customers will ask/tell them.
As one who developed computer systems for a lot of years, I learned a long time ago that you will find your clients doing some very (strange?), interesting and innovative things with your software, so it is in your interest to follow up, listen, learn and do the best possible job in whatever you pass along to them.
I bought my KOBO within a week of its arrival in the stores. I tend to shop for "value in service". I got what I paid for with my KOBO. I am happy with it, but do expect some ongoing upgrades to correct issues (the first one was OK, but a couple of minor improvements hinted at via the long-awaited next one would be most welcome).
I have eagerly checked this forum almost every day for at least 3 months now, awaiting news of the next upgrade. It has been dangled out there by KOBO management and developers, etc., but now it is becoming clear that there is no intention to bring one out. I contrast this with the way in which Calibre has been handled (which is offered free, not to sell books from the company store!).
So, although I like by KOBO all right, I am glad that I did not pay more for it and I am unlikely to buy a future offering from them. Had KOBO stated up front, say after 1.4 came out, that this was the final upgrade, I think that would have been better customer relations.