Quote:
Originally Posted by BillSmithBooks
I was wondering if there is a market for a very affordable ($20-49) barebones ebook reader (and if such a device is feasible at that price point).
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I bought a Ford Focus in 2005. At the time, it was the least expensive new car available. I love it. It was very inexpensive, does everything I want a car to do, gets good mileage, and does everything I want a car to do. When I went out to buy a car for my kid, this car was not available. 'For just a little bit more' (per month), consumers get automatic transmissions, air conditioning, a nice stereo, and heated seats and mirrors all wrapped up in a very pretty package. It was $5k more, but very few people would pick my focus over his to save $92 a month. That's ignoring inflation.
It's the same deal with e-readers. Most people are going to spend a little more for a device with air conditioning and an automatic transmission.
If a person wants an inexpensive e-reader that also plays games, videos, and a whole bunch of other cool things, a firehd refurb can be had for $100. Who is going to pay $20-40 for a text reader when a fire hd can be had for a couple bucks more? Kohls tried to sell $50-$100 tablets. No one bought them.