Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfwreck
I think the main issue with getting adolescents to read ebooks is hardware--finding something durable enough for the average teen's carelessness. (Not that they're always careless, but it only takes one "oops" moment to kill an e-ink screen.)
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Since the intended audience for ereaders is the adult market, I don't see ruggedness being designed into the devices. Whereas, for portable gaming systems, the manufacturers definitely took the time and effort to design devices that could take a drop. Examples include the Nintendo Game Boy and Nintendo DS. My child has dropped these more than a dozen times each, due either to his frustration with a game or his overexcitement. I won't call him careless, since he might be reading this post. LOL. When it came time to add a Sony PSP to his collection, we found a hard plastic clamshell case, and that has, for the most part, protected the system very well. I am researching the options for current generation readers.
Now, returning to the topic at hand, this is my recommendation to parents. Ignore the cost of the ereader. Even if you have to buy 3 during the years between 10 and 18, it's worth it to get the child to read. It will save you thousands in the future. I shudder at the thought of my child growing up to be a slacker at 25, too lazy to read or write.