Quote:
Originally Posted by faithbw
Smartphones and tablets perform the same function as e-ink readers but do more. Plus, there's not much you can you to improve a machine whose basic function is only to display text. So I think it's only a matter of time before e-ink dies out and join other gadgets in tech heaven.
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I have a tablet and an ultra modern up-to-date powerful quad core smartphone. I have the Kindle and Kobo apps on both too, and read books on neither.
The e-ink of my Kobo Glo is just so much more pleasurable to read on than the LCD and Amoled screens of tablets and phones. I haven't found a tablet yet that allows me to read comfortably on the beach or in the park at lunchtime in broad daylight.
Like another poster here, I have a Kobo Glo and it's technology is good enough. I don't feel compelled to update to the Aura, although I, might update to an e-reader that has a few subtle improvements that make sense to me. One of those, is a replaceable battery. Perhaps, a solar receptive case that will charge my device for me while it sits on the desk. How, about that combined with the design of the current Kobo Aura and a slightly whiter screen with a bit more contrast. I think e-ink and associated devices have a way to go yet.
I'm not sure I'm bothered about colour, I read my magazines on my tablet because that's what it's suited to. I don't want an always connected device for reading books on, because I'd keep flipping to e-mails and web-pages and forums like this. The nice thing about a dedicated reading device like the current e-ink products are that they give me that little bit of technological isolation required to let me relax and enjoy.
Funny thing is, I know quite a few people now that at one point or another felt compelled to tell me how great there new tablet is/was and that their old e-reader is now ancient history. A few months later, a number of them have re-purchased an e-reader when the prospect of a week or two's break in the sunshine with a tablet didn't seem all that appealing and, strangely, neither did a bag full of p-books.
YMMV as they say.
Greg