MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Poll: Touchscreen or Buttons (E-ink)

Shushan · 06-02-2011, 05:16 PM

Actually isn't this push toward touch-screens moving readers back towards being more of a tablet, net-book, or DS? Sure seems like it to me.

Since my earliest eBook reader was/is a Franklin LCD KJV Bible with a very well used word game cartridge installed in the back, I can't honestly say I wouldn't use additional functions, but I am concerned that the dedicated features that make e-readers worthwhile may suffer for fashion. Right now e-readers are a bit under powered but fairly sturdy, have most of their memory devoted to carrying a library, and they remain focused on making reading easier on the go, and especially easier on the eyes with e-ink.

If this trend toward ipad-ness continues, I think we may lose some of those important considerations as the devices are made more internet capable, able to use cool apps/games etc.

So - No, while I wouldn't object to some touch screen functions, especially if a few simple games (crosswords, anagrams, hangman, solitaire, chess, pente) were included in that functionality, I don't want to play Angry Birds on it or be forced to use the touch screen constantly - while reading. I prefer to read with buttons, as touchscreens are distracting with my big ole fingers in the way, and you have to use both hands to hold the device or else only use certain positions (like resting it the bed or sofa) to get that one-hand option back. I like hugging a kid or petting a cat while reading. Its one of the things that e-readers have allowed that physical books did not.

I would love it if that Kindle keyboard allowed you to do word processing on your device, or at least keep a journal in an exportable format, but I read that they only allow you to make notes on books you are reading?? If they won't do the digital diary thing, I personally would prefer it wasn't in the way. Actually, if it was covered or an onscreen option, invisible except when you needed it, that would be better for everybody, yes?

Stylus functionality certainly would reduce unsightly fingerprints, mistakes in highlighting etc, but I don't really want to have to keep track of a stylus unless it has its own little slot like the Nintendo DS

06-02-2011, 05:16 PM	#104
Shushan Bibliophile Posts: 75 Karma: 695816 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Nook Simple Touch, Pandigital Novel, PC	Actually isn't this push toward touch-screens moving readers back towards being more of a tablet, net-book, or DS? Sure seems like it to me. Since my earliest eBook reader was/is a Franklin LCD KJV Bible with a *very* well used word game cartridge installed in the back, I can't honestly say I wouldn't use additional functions, but I am concerned that the dedicated features that make e-readers worthwhile may suffer for fashion. Right now e-readers are a bit under powered but fairly sturdy, have most of their memory devoted to carrying a library, and they remain focused on making reading easier on the go, and especially easier on the eyes with e-ink. If this trend toward ipad-ness continues, I think we may lose some of those important considerations as the devices are made more internet capable, able to use cool apps/games etc. So - No, while I wouldn't object to some touch screen functions, especially if a few simple games (crosswords, anagrams, hangman, solitaire, chess, pente) were included in that functionality, I don't want to play Angry Birds on it or be forced to use the touch screen constantly - while reading. I prefer to read with buttons, as touchscreens are distracting with my big ole fingers in the way, and you have to use both hands to hold the device or else only use certain positions (like resting it the bed or sofa) to get that one-hand option back. I like hugging a kid or petting a cat while reading. Its one of the things that e-readers have allowed that physical books did not. I would love it if that Kindle keyboard allowed you to do word processing on your device, or at least keep a journal in an exportable format, but I read that they only allow you to make notes on books you are reading?? If they won't do the digital diary thing, I personally would prefer it wasn't in the way. Actually, if it was covered or an onscreen option, invisible except when you needed it, that would be better for everybody, yes? Stylus functionality certainly would reduce unsightly fingerprints, mistakes in highlighting etc, but I don't really want to have to keep track of a stylus unless it has its own little slot like the Nintendo DS Last edited by Shushan; 06-02-2011 at 05:23 PM.