Quote:
Originally Posted by fugazied
I think he is partially right, the tablets will devastate e-ink in the next 3-4 years. The general public will prefer to have a device they can read on as well as watch movies, listen to video clips, browse the web with a real web browser, check email, use applications etc etc.
The aesthetics of most e-book readers look like they are from the 80s, a shint cheap tablet with basic iPhone style functionality will hurt ebook devices. They will probably arrive in 2010 but will be expensive as hell. By 2012 they will be cheap(ish) and e-readers will become a small niche product.
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We all have computers and netbooks already to do all that "non-reading" stuff. Why do we need another device?
Yes, I am sure tablets will outsell e-ink devices, but not among book readers. It is simply that gadget lovers far outnumber readers. Those who read a lot will not be satisfied with a tablet until it is as light as todays e-ink devices, it has a suitable screen technology, and battery life can be measured in days, not hours. You can't just take the keyboard off a netbook. Perhaps we will get there in 3 years, but suitable screen technology will still be very expensive. And if that ever happens, then tablets will wipe out netbooks sooner than they will eliminate readers.