Quote:
Originally Posted by sonyreaderfan
I don't know if Kobo's decision to limit features on sideloaded books, especially dictionary, is a corporate decision to induce book purchases off kobo ebookstore, but the limitations would severely hinder the educational experience of reading Harry Potter.
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These sorts of objections assume Kobo is a static product and, if nothing else is certain, Kobo has shown fierce determination to evolve its devices and platform. In barely a year it has gone from price leading at launch ($149 when the Kindle and Nook eink devices were $259), to leading the market in "simple", to embracing new capabilities in two model refreshes (WiFi, then Pearl eink with IR touch) while also releasing very capable apps for mobile devices from Apple, Android, Blackberry, all of which now sync with each other.
I don't see the problem with delivering the best reading experience with the books you sell -- that's what the ecosystem model is all about. Yet Kobo has gone further, supporting other formats and, given all this, it's realistic to expect continued enhancements of both native and sideloaded content.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfwreck
The Astak readers support that, and I believe the Pocketbooks do as well. Of the four at the top of the sales charts, Kobo's the only one that does. But if you drew the line at "three top sellers," none of them would.
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Astak has been out of the e-reader business for a year; Pocketbooks are very capable devices but its hard to see them as a long-term venture having not stepped up to the evolving base features such as wifi, e-ink, and broader retail distribution. All of the players lacking a content play appear to have a bleak future.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfwreck
If Pottermore gets its big kick-off in October and has continued new content, Sony could be planning on a Potter e-reader as its big Christmas seller.
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I absolutely agree with this and it would be a terrific shot in the arm for a new model from Sony. It just seems odd Sony would allow their distribution channel to more or less collapse in the six months or more leading up to such a debut.