MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Using the Edge as a study tool

kzm007 · 08-12-2010, 07:06 PM

I suppose it could be seen as a list of feature requests, but I was really thinking it was more like "look at the Edge, how can it be better adapted to an academic situation?"

The device is marketed to students, why not make it even better-suited for students, of all ages?

Similar devices are coming onto the market eventually, although it will take time. The Toshiba Libretto appears to be a lot like the Edge, but among its differences, it's running Windows 7 and has no e-ink display. The Kno device is textbook sized for the collegiate field, but has two large LCDs, and from what I've read, a battery per screen.

While all these separate items play into their own strengths and weaknesses, one of the best things about the Edge is it's open-OS and general price point compared to the other two devices. The Toshiba is around $1K I believe, and the Kno has only been stated as being less than a thousand; I estimate probably $800ish given what it currently seems able to do.

Therefore, the price for the size and features of this device should appeal to students as well as developers and it's my opinion that this machine has a lot of potential, given a chance. The implementation of my ideas may broaden that student base, as well as make a great device even better for its user.

Honestly, I would lower the price on the Entourage. I understand that it's new technology, and the cost of manufacture may be high, but paying $40 extra for a different colored plastic shell is ridiculous, I think. Mid-$500s may deter the younger crowd (non-collegiate), as well as the older crowd; they may be technophiles, but some are still cautious enough to want to conserve their money and invest it wisely, given the US economy.

University students, one of the main target demographics in addition to business-folks, pay a lot of money into their schooling, regardless of whether or not they have to purchase expensive printed materials from campus shops or the like.

Add onto that the cost of gasoline on average, the cost of living as a young adult going to school while most likely working, or even someone like myself who is limited in funds due to disabilities and has a hard time making a steady income and also has medical bills to pay, and that $550ish digital book is a mite high. I love the portability of the Edge, and I think it plays into a strong niche versus a netbook. As technology advances, and if the price could be altered to be on par with netbooks, the Edge would have it - you could read, study, physically write and retain notes, and basically have the world at your fingertips, all at the fraction of a size of a netbook (even marginal difference helps) for around the same great price.

I hope this post isn't taken as a direct slight against the Edge as a whole; I plan to buy one myself, but it won't be at the current retail cost.

08-12-2010, 07:06 PM	#2
kzm007 Edge User	The Edge in an academic setting: my opinions on its marketing. I suppose it could be seen as a list of feature requests, but I was really thinking it was more like "look at the Edge, how can it be better adapted to an academic situation?" The device is marketed to students, why not make it even better-suited for students, of all ages? Similar devices are coming onto the market eventually, although it will take time. The Toshiba Libretto appears to be a lot like the Edge, but among its differences, it's running Windows 7 and has no e-ink display. The Kno device is textbook sized for the collegiate field, but has two large LCDs, and from what I've read, a battery per screen. While all these separate items play into their own strengths and weaknesses, one of the best things about the Edge is it's open-OS and general price point compared to the other two devices. The Toshiba is around $1K I believe, and the Kno has only been stated as being less than a thousand; I estimate probably $800ish given what it currently seems able to do. Therefore, the price for the size and features of this device should appeal to students as well as developers and it's my opinion that this machine has a lot of potential, given a chance. The implementation of my ideas may broaden that student base, as well as make a great device even better for its user. Honestly, I would lower the price on the Entourage. I understand that it's new technology, and the cost of manufacture may be high, but paying $40 extra for a different colored plastic shell is ridiculous, I think. Mid-$500s may deter the younger crowd (non-collegiate), as well as the older crowd; they may be technophiles, but some are still cautious enough to want to conserve their money and invest it wisely, given the US economy. University students, one of the main target demographics in addition to business-folks, pay a lot of money into their schooling, regardless of whether or not they have to purchase expensive printed materials from campus shops or the like. Add onto that the cost of gasoline on average, the cost of living as a young adult going to school while most likely working, or even someone like myself who is limited in funds due to disabilities and has a hard time making a steady income and also has medical bills to pay, and that $550ish digital book is a mite high. I love the portability of the Edge, and I think it plays into a strong niche versus a netbook. As technology advances, and if the price could be altered to be on par with netbooks, the Edge would have it - you could read, study, physically write and retain notes, and basically have the world at your fingertips, all at the fraction of a size of a netbook (even marginal difference helps) for around the same great price. I hope this post isn't taken as a direct slight against the Edge as a whole; I plan to buy one myself, but it won't be at the current retail cost.