[Nexutix]

We have, without a doubt, entered the era in which paper books are "almost" obsolete. We are collecting huge libraries of texts in the clouds; the street-based economy has shifted to online automated business.

The purpose of paper books was to satisfy its readers' quests, be it gain of knowledge, fantasy, analysis of situation, a good pastime, whatever. The content of the book was bound with physical body of the book. Single book, single content pool.

In today's era, electronic devices are (almost) replacing the paper books. But it's not just the paper books they are replacing, they are replacing multiple other devices which had single purpose. As the number of purposes for using the device increase, the dependence on the device proportionately increases. I am not against centralization of functions into single device, but as the dependence on devices goes on increasing, they become a single medium that you may be performing tasks around.

At some point in lifetime of the device, the point of time usually being the time when one is "most dependent on" and "in harmony with" one's device, the device falls from one's hands, hits the ground hard, shattering the screen into pieces, with potentially irreparable damage and it may just stop working totally. At that point, your world built around the device stops. The more dependent you are on the device, more withdrawn you feel. You have to look into other simpler options for the easy routine tasks you performed on the device until you get a new one.

Buying a new device is not an option for everyone, especially when the device costs a chunk of one's wage. Greater that 3/4th of the consumers wouldn't invest in the device again just to regain the functionality, especially in time of economic crisis one might be facing.

This depicts an evil strategy of device manufacturer to achieve higher monetary gain, by making user dependent on a short-lived device. Isn't it same as drug-dealer's strategy?

The question that arises is: How can you settle with the "function"?

1. One time investment: A multipurpose device with considerably good longevity and sustainability.
2. Decentralization of functions: Multiple single purpose devices, which would ensure non-dependence for an individual.

As my personal opinion, Desktops, laptops and eInk readers have better longevity and reliability in comparison with smartphones and tablets.