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bob_ninja · 09-29-2006, 04:40 PM

I too don't understand the problem regarding back lighting. After staring at a computer screen for 8 hours every day the last thing I want is yet another active display. If the existing lamps have been doing a fine job for pBooks then they'll provide fine light for eBooks as well. What is the big deal????

HTML and unlimited RSS support will be added at some point; they'd be crazy not to do it. The reader may not be suitable for general web surfing. However there is a lot of static web content that the reader can display just fine. I am sure it is just a matter of figuring out how to handle dynamic content (animated GIFs, Flash, applets, etc.)

Actually the major problem I have is the power supply. I am surprised that no one seems to be bothered by batteries which are sealed inside and cannot be replaced (easily)!?!?!? LiIon battery lifespan is based on a combination of time and usage. Even if a battery is charged/maintained properly and never used it would still fail after 10ish years (well it is hard to say exactly). That means that Sony Reader has an upper lifespan limit of about 10 years. Perhaps it may continue to function with a cable, but clearly the main utility is in the cable-less mode powered by battery.

Perhaps by the someone will come up with instructions on how to open the reader and replace the battery (similar to the current Palms), but it will be tricky and expensive. Spending $350 for a device that will be used for 20-30 years is much easier to justify than for one which will last no more than 10 years.

Therefore, I will purchase V2 or V3 when it comes with the usual AA batteries compartment that enables easy replacement of batteries as they become too old. I would also prefer a much greater builtin memory capacity as I'd like to load a larger book collection.

Oh, and here is another reason why Sony Reader will be successful.

Sony Reader with an expansion card can manage say 1-2K books. Calculate the amount of money spent on book shelves plus the amount of time and effort to assemble/install book shelves plus the amount of space wasted for storage of those 1-2K books. I am guessing the total will be at least $350, maybe more.

Now consider the easy and convenience of locating and displaying a book from this collection using the reader as opposed to finding it on a book shelf. Also consider the convenience of carrying the collection with you to cottage, summer vacation, even a commute to work, as opposed to locating, pulling out of shelves and carrying around pBooks.

This can be construed as a biased perspective. Nevertheless, it is a perfectly valid and frequently occuring scenario. There will be times when I'll pick up 1-2 small paperbacks and take them to the beach instead of the reader. Sure. Still more often I'd prefer to have the collection readily available most of the time.

I'll be patient for Sony to fix the bugs and will purchase one thereafter.

09-29-2006, 04:40 PM	#26
bob_ninja Addict Posts: 208 Karma: 582 Join Date: Aug 2006 Device: Zire71	I too don't understand the problem regarding back lighting. After staring at a computer screen for 8 hours every day the last thing I want is yet another active display. If the existing lamps have been doing a fine job for pBooks then they'll provide fine light for eBooks as well. What is the big deal???? HTML and unlimited RSS support will be added at some point; they'd be crazy not to do it. The reader may not be suitable for general web surfing. However there is a lot of static web content that the reader can display just fine. I am sure it is just a matter of figuring out how to handle dynamic content (animated GIFs, Flash, applets, etc.) Actually the major problem I have is the power supply. I am surprised that no one seems to be bothered by batteries which are sealed inside and cannot be replaced (easily)!?!?!? LiIon battery lifespan is based on a combination of time and usage. Even if a battery is charged/maintained properly and never used it would still fail after 10ish years (well it is hard to say exactly). That means that Sony Reader has an upper lifespan limit of about 10 years. Perhaps it may continue to function with a cable, but clearly the main utility is in the cable-less mode powered by battery. Perhaps by the someone will come up with instructions on how to open the reader and replace the battery (similar to the current Palms), but it will be tricky and expensive. Spending $350 for a device that will be used for 20-30 years is much easier to justify than for one which will last no more than 10 years. Therefore, I will purchase V2 or V3 when it comes with the usual AA batteries compartment that enables easy replacement of batteries as they become too old. I would also prefer a much greater builtin memory capacity as I'd like to load a larger book collection. Oh, and here is another reason why Sony Reader will be successful. Sony Reader with an expansion card can manage say 1-2K books. Calculate the amount of money spent on book shelves plus the amount of time and effort to assemble/install book shelves plus the amount of space wasted for storage of those 1-2K books. I am guessing the total will be at least $350, maybe more. Now consider the easy and convenience of locating and displaying a book from this collection using the reader as opposed to finding it on a book shelf. Also consider the convenience of carrying the collection with you to cottage, summer vacation, even a commute to work, as opposed to locating, pulling out of shelves and carrying around pBooks. This can be construed as a biased perspective. Nevertheless, it is a perfectly valid and frequently occuring scenario. There will be times when I'll pick up 1-2 small paperbacks and take them to the beach instead of the reader. Sure. Still more often I'd prefer to have the collection readily available most of the time. I'll be patient for Sony to fix the bugs and will purchase one thereafter.