Quote:
Originally Posted by pilotbob
Wouldn't all those things apply to every device? Why can I buy a Nintendo DS for $129? Even if I get you an extra $60 for the 6inch screen thats $189.
BOb
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Dear Pilot Bob:
The Nintendo DS is a backlit LCD screen. It is far cheaper to manufacture BUT uses up power at huge rates. The eBook is E-Ink and E-Paper and is more expensive to manufacture but does not need a backlite and does not use ANY power except to turn the page and play music. You get 8,000 pages on a single charge which really makes electronic reading practical.
It is like putting books on a Blackberry. You can do it but is it really practical because you get maybe 10-20 hours on a charge depending on talk time and such. Also, the Nintendo, I believe, is made in Mexico. I was the first person, origionally, to EVER get game cartridge and game CD manufacturing out of Japan and into the USA. The PVI screen (E-Ink and E-Paper) can only be made in Taiwan and there is an enormous savings in shipping costs if done in Mexico.
There are other factors also but this should help to answer!
Also... regarding the cost of the "guts" in an eBook Reader... keep in mind that those are factory costs and they are climbing. People buy the components for eBook Readers in maybe quantities of 5,000... cell phone companies may buy SOME similar components 2 Million at a time! Please do not mistake that I am giving you honest costs from an insider that has no reason to lie.
Robert B