Quote:
Originally Posted by Catlady
Don't all these sites also offer epubs and pdfs that are readable on NON-Kindle devices? Plus the NON-Kindle user can go to BN, Borders, Kobo, and the good old public library AS WELL?
I'm glad that Kindle users are happy with their Kindles, I really am, but I don't understand why they object so strenuously to the idea that they're "locked in." You're a lot more locked in than I am with my device that reads epubs. I can get books anywhere EXCEPT Amazon (without tinkering). You can't get books from the other mainstream booksellers (without tinkering).
Again, if you're happy with Amazon, fine. But the other "choices" you have to get books outside of Amazon are hardly compelling.
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Regarding the locked in part - what if next month Amazon introduces a newer kindle that offers features you/someone cannot resist. Are you/they any less locked in? The previous choice of reader/format and books will be lost with the move to the new platform.
I guess I don't know but does the additional choice of shops with epub actually provide additional selections between themselves or provide real price competition? Or is this one of those idealist arguments where the choices really don't exist?
As I said in another post, my partner does not believe in spending money on books (other that at library book sales where they are pennies on the dollar) and so for her the library is her route to books/reading. Epub might make some sense but not in the choice of shops.