|
This kind of goes to the crux of the matter in the thread I began about Sony's history. The majority of posters on this forum seem to be highly knowledgeable, motivated, intelligent and fully conversant with formatting material using existing ereader software.
The average Jane Doe or Joe Blow is going to be interested primarily in a device which will deliver the title or authors they most want at the lowest price and with the least hassle. And Jane or Joe probably don't know DRM from HBO or care to learn. We can't expect the great unwashed out there to approach the level of sophistication about such issues as this board discusses.
That said, the ereader 'war', if there is such a thing is not like VHS vs Beta or Blu-Ray vs HD. One format need not wipe out the other to gain mass acceptance. Digital books are always going to be very much a niche product, no matter how popular the Kindle becomes.
I was an early adopter of Tivo and other DVR devices. I just couldn't understand why the general public was slow to catch on to the concept of a DVR. I went from hardly ever watching TV to watching a ton of TV because there was 'always something good on' with a DVR, plus it is kinda like email in the old days....you have to delete data (programs) to make room for more programs...which means you have to watch the stuff.
VCRs and DVDs were quickly adopted by the masses because they had an appeal which was something that the average guy or gal could appreciate. This will never happen with an ereader, given the current state of technology.
The main reason DVRs have entered most households is that satellite and cable providers have pushed for their acceptance.
I wonder what it will take to get the general public attuned to the wonders of an ereader. I gave a Kindle to my sister and she carries it everywhere and shows it off to everyone. But she would never have bought it herself.
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned in this board about the Kindle is the sharing of books on the same account. I have bought 2 extra Kindles to give to family members and whenever one of us buys a book, the others get a copy at no additional charge.
I don't think that can be done with any other ereader.
Anyway, as has been said in the Sony History thread, the Sony and Bookeen and Iliad and others will still be functional many years from now regardless of whether or not the Kindle gains mass acceptance.
|