Quote:
Originally Posted by TheLongshot
While I see the usefulness of a search, as long as I can take the book onto my computer and do a search, I'm fine with that. I mostly use my device to read books. It certainly isn't worth a $100 premium to me.
Jason
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For me it's worth more than a $100 premium. I'd pay several for text search. I realise some people say that they just want to read, and don't want to be taken "out of" what they're reading, but it's also for that reason that I would like an ebook reader device that does text search (or, - perhaps, "and" - dictionary lookup, as with the Cybook). I don't want to partially "eat" a book, and come back for bits-and-pieces later that I didn't know how to digest at the time. I like to chase the allusions immediately so that I can move on with the flow. Hey, sometimes I just need to know who the hell 'Galadios' is, or where "Dungeon's Peak' is, or what the hell the prophecy said again about the hero getting the Dark God's crystal ring.
It is important to me to understand everything, and understand it within the context of when and what I'm reading.
This is not to say that is the way everyone "eats". I can understand, firstly, that many folk are far smarter than me and likely don't need that lookup, whether because they know the word or reference, or because they can finagle the meaning from the context. I also
completely understand why, for many, this kind of search and lookup is the very interference I am saying it's avoiding for me (sort-of like pausing a brilliant movie to go get a drink - it can be a "rude interruption" to immersion).
However, purely for me, this is what I wanted an ebook device for, and, naively, thought it was the first feature any such device would have. From comments against, or that place in low on priority, I am now able to see different points of view, and understand them even if it is not my preference, and even if it still does surprise me in its absence from devices ('tis often hard to see beyond the boundaries of one's own world-view
).
So, if the Kindle searches as I believe I have seen it do, and with the Cybook's alternative of using "dictionaries" (acknowledging their cost), then, yes, I'd pay a premium for that feature. I'd buy a Kindle for its feature-set right now. Of course, the Kindle is not an option for me (Australia), so it looks like the Cybook might be what I'm after. Saying that, I look forward to "updates" and "new products" from all suppliers. Just so long as good, simple, dedicated ebook devices (much like those that occupy the Device Matrix in the Wiki right right now) don't head towards disappearance, like good, simple mobile/cell phones often seem to be doing - victims of "convergence"-saturation, which often brings a flood of do-everything devices that do everything averagely (or worse, poorly) and nothing (or very little) well.
Cheers,
Marc