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biggest issue I see if the failure of any ebook device brand to present a very clear direction for the growth of the platform as more than a "game console for readers". Really it's all they are and until late last year they were danged expensive devices without a solid direction to enhance reading beyond an interesting display tech that introduced a problem (reading in low or no light) while doing a great job solving the issue of no need for lighted displays for normal reading conditions.
And by lack of direction I am talking about building a platform that brings them into practical use for people as both entertainment (not all need be more than just for reading) as well as for people who want to move to lighten the weight of their physical book load and at the same time be able to organize any research for which their books are being used.
Really to my thinking it's the failure to provide the real ability to do use your reader as something more.
Also the issue of durability. But that will is just an engineering problem which has already been addressed with the variety of flexible displays. Yeah, for most of the EPD screens the actual display layer is already a flexible layer but it's the move to truly flexible and durable displays which, along with color (again just time) are holding back the device and with that ebooks in general.
When parents begin using these devices at work they will then see the value to their kids and their learning, but only when someone can show how the device can be used as a learning tool that provides more than already exists with a pad, pencil and a few physical books. Reducing the weight is fine but alone it is not that big an incentive.
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