[chainring]

Originally Posted by Pie

Yes, my predictions are based upon my experience and from following the development of eReaders over the course of years. I didn't do exhaustive research, but I took what I knew and made a prediction.

Sooo, again, you're making a prediction of the demise of these products, but sitting on the sidelines?

Originally Posted by Pie

I don't see why it is unreasonable to predict that a new product will come out that will make the Kindle and Nook obsolete. If it doesn't happen in 2010, it will happen in 2011. That is basic technological advancement these days.

Even a complete technophobe could tell you the current technology will either be replaced, or evolve. How is your "prediction" enlightening in the slightest?

Originally Posted by Pie

It may not be a tablet. That was a guess based upon what I knew might actually be released in 2010. Battery and readability are hurdles, but until a product is released, I'm not going to say that the issues won't be addressed. I also suspect there will be at least one product launch this year that none of us are expecting that will be impressive.

Now you're backpedalling from your blog. First, it was the tablet that will kill the Kindle and nook. Now, it may not be a tablet at all. Come on Nostradomus, I want to know what this thing none of us is expecting that will launch this year.

Originally Posted by Pie

Take a step back. What would you like to see improved in the eReader you have now? Now consider that someone out there has probably already thought of those, and other features, that could significantly raise the bar.

Hmm, not a whole lot. I can read, and do so for days, on my Sony PRS-600. I don't want email. The Internet can take a hike while I'm reading. I don't want it to give me voice prompted, GPS assisted, directions to the loo. I just want to read books, and do so for hours on end without having to look at the battery meter incessantly.

Originally Posted by Pie

I want the prediction to come true. Not to hurt people that have Nooks or Kindles, but to broaden the market buy-in for the products and to provide me with an eReader that I can go to my friends with and say, "You have to get this."

I hate to say it, but your prediction of a tablet killing the current gen eReaders is as likely to become real as me inheriting $1M. From your "You have to get this." line, it seems you're more in love with the technology than with the pure act of reading. Or, perhaps, you're too chicken to just jump in and say "Screw it, I'm gonna do this!".

Originally Posted by Pie

I love to read. I just want a better eReader before I spend the money and I think that a better solution will show up.

If you really do love to read, as you say you do, the current gen readers would suit your purposes just fine. They perform their intended purpose, and that is to put a book in front of you in electronic form. Nothing more, nothing less; just reading.

Originally Posted by Pie

I realize that something will always be missing. My smart phone doesn't do everything I want, but it cleared a threshold and now I have one. Everyone has a different line that lowers over time. Everyone has a different combination of features, cost, and miscellaneous factors that will impact the point that they will adopt a new technology.

Again, more in love with the technology. Get off the fence and commit!

Originally Posted by Pie

The prediction, if you go back to it, doesn't say that the existing products stink. The "I hope you saved your receipt," line was for humor and not meant as an insult to those that already bought one, which includes my mother.

Let's take a look at that prediction.

The Kindle and Nook Will Die: I hope you saved your receipt. Tablets are coming. Why get a Kindle or any other option when a tablet will knock them dead? I think that will be next year’s big gift and people will regret jumping into the digital reader water quite so fast.

Your poorly delivered joke aside, every other line slams both the devices and the owners. How, and in what other universe, could your words not be construed to mean the existing products stink?

Originally Posted by Pie

I just think that something better will come out this year. Simple.

Hooray for that! Something better always comes out, just how long do you wait around until it's "perfect"?

Originally Posted by Pie

If my prediction is correct and something better does come out, how is that bad? Won't it make your life better?

There's nothing bad about something new and better coming out, that's technological evolution and cannot be stopped, nor would I want to. Now, as for making my life better, well, if you need technology to make your life better I'd have to question the quality of your existing life. I could live on the side of a mountain, cutoff from all technology and be just fine. Does some of the current tech make my life easier? Sure. Do I NEED it in order to live? Not at all.

Originally Posted by Pie

Note on features: It isn't about specific features as it is a combination that will make the difference. If they got the copyright stuff figured-out and I could load my existing library I would pay quite a bit for that.

What's your existing library composed of?

Originally Posted by Pie

This is probably my last post on this thread as I'm not sure what else new I could add. Not trying to hurt any "cause".

You didn't expect to post a blog, then come to a site and defend your views without having some lively debate did you? Come on, this is a site for readers and as such will be the type to come back at you with arguments. There is no "cause" here, except for the love of reading and to do so on devices that facilitate reading with portability and ease.


/general rant
And for the love of God, why is the Apple tablet always being brought up as the new eReader? Apple has not confirmed, nor denied, the existence of the product, yet people are wildly speculating about its capabilities. I like Apple products quite a bit, but I have absolutely no delusions it will primarily be a reader, not unless they got an early exclusive on color eInk screens.