I have been reading this thread with interest before I jumped in. Here are some of my thoughts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeaBookGuy
It's the business model, stupid! Where I disagree is the trashing of the poor Pocket. Folks listen to music on their players (or phones-as-players); they don't care about speakers, etc.
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The Pocket Edition is a great product. No frills, very portable, 5" screen. The problem is that people are looking to break the $99 barrier with a no frills reader. Kindle, Nook, Kobo offer their models with Wi-fi in the $129-139 range. Yet, the Pocket is $179. Right now it is $139 at Borders. Sony should make that the new permanent price.
Quote:
Originally Posted by boxcorner
I don't like monopolies and cartels, though, hence feel rather uncomfortable about Google's and Amazon's dominant positions .... Nevertheless, I think that competition is healthy, as it encourages innovation. Surely consumers have greater freedom when there's unfettered choice.
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I agree. The problem is I feel like competition is not driving Sony to better their products exponentially. I think that touchscreen and collections management are the main areas where they have exceeded their competition. However, as the original link article states, they've had touchscreen for awhile now... They always seem to be several steps behind their competitors. Where's the lend-me? Where's the ebook gifting? Where are those smartphone apps? Where's the ebookstore website that doesn't require desktop software? They finally have Wi-fi and a browser in the 950, but it seems like an afterthought just to appease because it is missing key functionality like landscape viewing and the ability to download files.
Quote:
Originally Posted by elemenoP
I do contend that Sony needs wireless in all their models, if only to counter all these articles that say, "don't buy a Sony because it doesn't have wireless." Sony has a big problem with this.
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eP, I couldn't have said it better myself! People want value for their dollars. If they think they "might" use it (even if they won't in reality), then that's enough to create doubts in their mind to steer them away.
Quote:
Originally Posted by natasha_fawn
I guess I'm unusual for a(n almost) Sony owner. I got the 950 rather than the 650 specifically because I wanted wifi.
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Natasha, I am using the Wi-fi on my 950 more than I expected. I never felt that I really needed it before. However, now that I am used to having the web browser / Wikipedia access, I would be sad not to have it!