Quote:
Originally Posted by Cthulhu
Regarding multi-functionality, am reminded of the phrase
Jack of all Trades, Master of none.
Before I got my new Treo, tried reading on old 650. Granted, for short bits and certain "intimate" actvities it was OK, but really, when I read I want to enjoy it.
|
I started reading ebooks on a Handspring Visor Deluxe, with a 160x160 low-res grayscale screen. I began with technical refernces, but discovered I could read and enjoy fiction as well. Next device was a Visor Pro, which had a faster processor and more RAM, but the same screen. After that came a Tungsten E, with a 320x320 hi-res color screen, and then my current Tapwave Zodiac 2, with a 320x480 hi-res color screen.
I enjoy reading on all of them. If I hadn't, I wouldn't still be doing it.
I'd
like a larger screen, with higher resolution, and I'd accept a larger size, but I wouldn't accept less functionality.
If someone put out a device that does what mine does, in a Sony Reader or similar form factor, but with color and touch screen capability, I'd get one. You don't carry one in your pocket, but I don't carry my PDA in my pocket now.
There's simply a limit to how many devices I'll carry. I don't want a converged device because I don't care for the compromises the form factor imposes. The screen on a smartphone is too small for some of the things I'd do with it, but a device with a large enough screen is too large to be a useful phone. I have a tiny low end Nokia phone. It places and receives calls, and can share an address book with my PC and PDA. That's fine by me: that's all I
want it to do. I have a PDA that is combo PIM, MP3 player, video player, photo viewer, games device, pocket reference on everything, and ebook reader. It does all of them well enough to suit my needs.
I'll carry a cell phone and a PDA. I won't carry a phone, PDA,
and ebook reader.
Quote:
Dedicated devices shave their place and their benefits.
The Readius indeed looks promising. I'll not part with my Treo anytime soon though, despite the many headaches it brings.
As for e-v-p books? I'll be quite happy when my bookshelves are traded in for artwork or chotchki display cases. Books are information, not trophies.
|
Depends on the books. Some of my signed first editions are indeed trophies.
______
Dennis