Quote:
Originally Posted by andyf
If we're talking about what manufacturers can produce today, I want the clearest screen in the smallest package, with either an exceptionally well defined menu system with a wide range of font sizes, or an open system that is user programmable, the capability to read all the major formats, an SDHC card slot and a massive battery life.
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My smartphone is the multi-function device that goes everywhere with me. My ebook reader isn't.
If anyone wants to add functionality that I don't want/need to me ebook reader, which does not detract from my use of the device, or increase the price, they're welcome to do so, but i don't want a compromised device. I already own over a dozen devices that I could read ebooks on, but don't fit my criteria for a 'proper' ebook reader.
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I come at this from a different direction, but arrive at a similar destination. I have basically 3 movable devices: I began with a smartphone/PDA that is ubiquitous and versatile, then acquired a 17" laptop that is almost infinitely malleable in the tasks it can do, but which isn't very portable, and eventualy, somewhat grudgingly, bought a light, easily portable, but specialized jetBook, that allows me to read documents in a wider variety of settings than the other two.
Note that none of the three of them overlap much. I can't put the laptop (or the jetBook) in my pocket, the jetBook won't keep my appointments, take a picture, or make a call, and I'd hesitate to use the jetBook or the smartphone for anything new, novel, or complicated. All of them can read documents, but in different contexts.
I view the specialized ereaders as having such unique hardware design requirements (large, text-adapted, daylight-readable screen, long battery life, etc.) as to be almost impossible to converge. That's why I eventually bought one. There are certainly improvements to be made in the jetBook's firmware (to be specific), but I doubt that you can really change the hardware much, and still have it make sense as a document reader. The same goes for most of the other second generation of ereaders (jetBook, Sony 505, Hanlin, etc.). I don't think the third generation has added much in the way of useful hardware changes, with the exception of the Kindle's Whispernet.
Eventually, of course, we'll all have tiny holograms of Princess Leia standing in the palms of our hands nagging us about appointments, and we'll read novels that appear on any nearby flat surface. Don't hold your breath.
Regards,
Jack Tingle