Quote:
Originally Posted by dedicated
Thanks for bringing up the eye strain issue. I think that's the big thing that people are missing about the iPad when they say it's going to be an eReader (or Kindle) killer. I think the iPad will be great for casual readers, photo rich magazines, and folks who love their iPhone/iPods. But for hardcore reading, it'll be tough on the eyes. That said, I still think most people will sacrifice that to get all the extra features offered from the iPad. Time for e-ink technology to get cheaper  |
Yeah, this isn't a device that's meant to replace e-ink for the avid reader who's reading for hours on end day in and day out.
But that's a pretty small niche. As you note, most people read more casually and an LED screen is fine for reading 30 minutes here, an hour there, everyonce in a while.
Most people aren't avid readers and spend more time watching TV and movies, goofing on the internet, listening to music etc. With reading the occasional book, magazine, newspaper etc. on the side.
This device is catered to them. Apple is after the mainstream. Not the niche of avid readers that e-ink devices cater too. That's a sizable niche, and one that should keep dedicated e-ink readers around. Apple has just not shown any inclination in recent years to create products aimed at niches.
Now it may end up being a niche product. But they're banking on it selling to a bigger market than e-ink readers. Which is why they went that route vs. making a dedicated e-reader.