Quote:
Originally Posted by J. Strnad
The problem is that a paper book is a single format customized for a single content. I have books as small as 3" x 3" and as large as 12" x 16". The printed book can have any size and shape, but it's limited to a single content. Essentially, you're buying a new "display device" each time you buy content in paper form.
So, what size of ereader screen would accommodate my 12" x 16" book which, by the way, is full color and has pages that fold out to 15" x 21" (and weighs 13.5 pounds) as well as my 3" x 3" book?
It's just silly to think that any one ereader would fit all content any more than any one size of print book would do. When I keep reading "the Kindle does not do textbooks or 'whatever' well" I just slap my forehead and go, "Well, duh! Here's another newsflash: Your Vespa scooter won't tow a boat!"
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As I said, it comes down to content. Right now ereaders can replace text-only books. 6'' screen is not that smaller than ~A5 format in which most such books are printed. It's small enough to neatly fit in your purse, bag, back pack... and big enough to be read easily.
As for books being single content, that depends on your definition of content. If you consider pictures and text same thing then yes, if not then no. I think that in near future most of "attacks" will focus on such differences and bad presentation of non-text format. Until readers with bigger screens become available on mass market, then people will complain that they are too big.
As for "Kindle does not do textbooks" I guess that is partly due to people being to hyped up by Amazon marketing on how you'll be able to read books anywhere, how you'll have them stored in reader and not need to drag paper books with you etc. I guess people then expect to be able to read any book and either don't look into details (screen size....) or don't understand how this is important. OTOH every company will promote the good side of their product, not bad one.