Quote:
Originally Posted by ebusinesstutor
I think that e-ink readers are to tablets what PDAs were to smartphones - transitional devices that eventually became eclipsed.
PDAs were hot sellers for many years, but eventually smart phones took over their functions and people didn't want to carry two devices when one could do.
Similarly a tablet or smart phone can easily be an ebook reader. The advantages of the e-ink reader (easier to read on screen and longer battery life) are not enough for many people like me to carry a second device for just ebook reading - especially when the tablet and smart phone can also be used for many other purposes. And, as the screens and battery life improve, the e-ink reader's advantage is further eroded.
The last time PDA's outsold smartphones in North America was 2006. 5 years later you couldn't buy a new PDA.
I think the same thing may happen to e-ink readers. E-ink may still have a future on other devices, but for e-book reading, I think they are done.
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I spend more time reading than talking on the phone.
I actually don't want to talk on the phone while on the bus, in a store, waiting for an appointment etc. I do want to read while on the bus or waiting for an appointment. My late Kobo mini or my previous Sony 350 were as compact as many smart phones while being much more comfortable to read on, and they never beeped or rang at me. Ereaders are pretty polite and non intrusive
. Plus they are one step reading. Turn on and off you go. Smart phone, turn on/find app, squint at smaller screen with (for me) eyestrain.
If I am going out and project time waiting/riding it is worth the few ounces and small amount of pocket/backpack space to bring reader.
At home it is no contest. Same advantages, but more so. Whether reading in bed, or on my glassed in balcony I have no need to have a phone or tablet in my hands. I don't even want a phone in my bedroom most of the time. Let them call me in the morning when I am awake, or leave a message. Especially those pesky telemarketers. The world hasn't ended yet because I did not answer the phone.
Helen