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The one thing that keeps going through my mind when I read the updated posts of this thread is the comment that people don't read anymore. People have been saying that for decades. With each new technological advancement in the home entertainment field (ie, televisions, video games, VCR's, etc.), someone makes that statement that people aren't reading any longer. I will admit that I haven't done any real research, but I know that when I go into my local Borders and Barnes and Noble, they are always very busy. I agree that young people (teens, '20's) probably aren't reading all that much. I know that when I was that age I was more interested in socializing and getting my classwork completed and didn't really have time for leisure reading and the same holds true for my college-aged children. However, I think that it is as people grow older and have more time for it (or perhaps are unable to participate in the physical activities that took up their time in their youth), reading becomes more popular.
My father is 78. He was definitely the stereotypical jock. He played professional football and became a high school football coach and physical education teacher. His leisure time was spent working out at the gym, riding his bike, golfing, etc. During my formative years, I honestly don't remember ever seeing him pick up a book to read. Yet, today, he is a very avid reader, devouring spy novels and mysteries almost as fast as I do! My point is, people read and will continue to do so as long as there are authors out there creating the next great novel and they have the time to do so. It would be short-sighted of any company who makes personal electronic devices to ignore that market and I don't see Steve Jobs being short-sighted. If he develops something that has the sleekness of the Sony with the purchasing ease of a Kindle and were fairly reasonably priced, it could seriously impact that market. If it also provided the ability to surf the Internet, it would fly off the shelves.
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