Quote:
Originally Posted by zacheryjensen
Dedicated device is not the only way to read eBooks, it's not the only way that this site recognizes reading them, and it's definitely not the only way the discussions are divided here. It makes no sense to wonder why a person would come to an eBook site on the basis that they dislike or disagree with one of the various ways to consume eBooks. Clearly they are interested in eBooks/electronic reading which is the broader topic of the this site and others like it.
Besides, electronic text existed far longer than any dedicated eBook reading device ever discussed here. I believe the point about portable TV's is a highly valid one. I remember always being fascinated by them. If I had the spare cash at the time I probably would've bought one. Now, technology has moved on and the modern replacement for portable TV's for me is a PMP. If I lived in europe, my phone would likely receive DV-B. The portable TV was never very successful. The dedicated portable eBook reader may have the same kind of temporary niche existence. You won't know until another decade or two has passed.
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I did have a portable TV. It wasn't so much a problem with the TV but the lack of signal you could receive. We were lucky enough to get one with a built in VCR which was a godsend on long trips to help keep my young children occupied. Now we have a portable DVD player which does the same for my youngest child. All 3 were a blessing for me at the time we purchased them. The fact the technology improved does not negate the effectiveness of what we had at that time.
You are absolutely correct about the advancements in technology changing the way we do things. I suspect that the dedicated ebook readers will change even more than they already have. I, for one, am always amazed by the ingenuity and foresight of R&D in the field of electronics technology. I remember working on computers whose physical space required a small room to do what our laptops can do today and that was only 25 years ago. Believe me, you haven't lived until you've dropped an entire box of punch cards containing a completely debugged program one hour before a deadline.
What DrMoze (and I, to be absolutely honest) objects to is the negativity with which some posters state their opinions (in just about every thread) about e-reading devices. Restating negative opinions over and over again is counterproductive to the conversation. Digital reading devices do not suck. The technology does not suck, particularly when compared to what we have used in the past. Neither does everyone view their uses in the same light. I for one, am happy with a device whose sole purpose is to display text. Having the ability to connect to the Internet would be superfluous for me and would probably included an expense that I am not willing to pay. Having said that, is there room for improvement in digital reading technology, absolutely. Should we focus on all types of technology and explore all avenues, no matter how far fetched, absolutely. Looking forwards toward something better is the cornerstone of the digital technology field. I'm excited to see what is developed and ultimately marketed in the years to come and will more than likely be the first in line to purchase it.