Quote:
Originally Posted by dmaul1114
True. The real issue is dedicated readers ONLY appeal to avid readers. No one else is going to spend money on a device that is only for reading.
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I think you are mistaken that only avid readers would be interested in a dedicated reader, as prices of ebooks and hardware fall, awareness increases and usability/covenience increases then they will become more interesting for more people.
In many ways, its that last point which is the most crucial one and while I love my 505, I think its a been a mistake on sony's part to have not got a wireless connection in all their new models along with a proper store for users outside north america rather than touchscreens that detract from one of the big pluses of e-ink, the clarity of the screen.
A more technically-aware user would appreciate such features, but they could and do easily live without them, however for more casual (often older) users the whole mess of regional restrictions, drm and various bits of software just to get some books on their reader would scare them off. Amazon clearly gets this point and are reaping the benefits in the states as you can see from the age demographics where 70% of kindle owners are 40+, which just aren't figures you would ever expect to see in the early adopter phase of a new technology.
As usual, you have decided to yet again repeat your point about what you think the market actually wants and its true multi-function devices will appeal to plenty of people, but the paper book market is huge and those hardware makers who find ways to tap into that market with products that let people read books as easily as they do now, buy books more easily and regain shelf-space are going to make a lot of money in the process.