MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Is being able to read on a desktop machine important to you?

bob_ninja · 11-26-2007, 12:04 PM

Harry,

The trouble is that there are too many different aspects mixed into this topic. First there are younger people (for the most part) that don't realize the damage they are doing to their eyes by using LCDs 24/7. Sure, some exceptional individuals may be able to handle LCDs their entire life, but they are exceptions.

Then there are many technical/text books that include sophisticated diagrams, illustrations, etc. that the current eInk readers cannot display very well. For those we still have to use larger LCD screens, like it or not.

Then there is reading position. Again younger people may have the stamina to sit at a desk 24/7 while older readers would prefer a more comfortable position.

Depending on the mix of criteria you select, there are different answers. For instance, "casual mostly test (literature) reading for low eye strain and flexible reading positions" would clearly favor eReaders. However, "technical/complex books, don't care about eye strain or reading position" favors full desktop computers with large monitors. Then there are a bunch of combinations in between.

So readers having different preferences/needs are interpreting you question though their own combination of ciretira and produce different answers. Hence the confusion.

11-26-2007, 12:04 PM	#35
bob_ninja Addict Posts: 208 Karma: 582 Join Date: Aug 2006 Device: Zire71	Harry, The trouble is that there are too many different aspects mixed into this topic. First there are younger people (for the most part) that don't realize the damage they are doing to their eyes by using LCDs 24/7. Sure, some exceptional individuals may be able to handle LCDs their entire life, but they are exceptions. Then there are many technical/text books that include sophisticated diagrams, illustrations, etc. that the current eInk readers cannot display very well. For those we still have to use larger LCD screens, like it or not. Then there is reading position. Again younger people may have the stamina to sit at a desk 24/7 while older readers would prefer a more comfortable position. Depending on the mix of criteria you select, there are different answers. For instance, "casual mostly test (literature) reading for low eye strain and flexible reading positions" would clearly favor eReaders. However, "technical/complex books, don't care about eye strain or reading position" favors full desktop computers with large monitors. Then there are a bunch of combinations in between. So readers having different preferences/needs are interpreting you question though their own combination of ciretira and produce different answers. Hence the confusion.