Quote:
Originally Posted by Sweetpea
As a device, I agree. But, sadly, in such a device, the UI can become very important.
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I've said as much on the other Cool-er thread. It looks like Interead are relying on Netronix to provide the firmware. As an OEM manufacturer, Netronix are very unlikely to be able to deliver a UI that is up to the 'iPod for ebooks' comparison. If that's your goal, you need to develop something special in house which doesn't seem to be Interead's business model.
Two points of comfort for the Cool-er:
1. A UI doesn't have to be perfect to be perfectly useable.
2. Firmware updates can make a world of difference.
If they really want to be successful, they might have to rely on the latter, but the good price point and straightforward proposition of the Cooler makes it a contender in my eyes. Readers should be getting cheaper, not more expensive - a lot of the other devices seem determined to add on as many bells and whistles as possible and to up the price in the process.
Let's not loose sight of the fact that we're trying to justify a device costing hundreds of dollars as a replacement for books that cost a few dollars.