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Old 06-15-2010, 06:04 PM   #20
Spiffy
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Posts: 160
Karma: 416
Join Date: Apr 2010
Device: Astak EZ Reader Pro AND Sony PRS-505
Robert, the IPad IS the second coming... as long as its stacked against other $600 devices.

Stacked against devices hovering in the $100-$150 space? Not so much.

The real threat are these supposed Android Tablets. Really the only way to counter devices which look like they won't cost much more than a decent eReader is to emphasize the reading experience, because... what else do you have? Best ergonomics and controls for reading, a (hopefully) optimized user interface (that needs a lot of work), far superior battery life, less eyestrain, etc. Because otherwise? Everyone will simply use a tablet. After all, they can web browse, and no matter what anyone says, a handheld web browsing unit IS damn convenient.

The "A" quality screens vs. the lesser quality is an interesting question. I personally wouldn't want lesser quality, but if it allowed you guys to produce, lets say... an $80 unit? It might be worth looking into for a bargain basement unit sold through standard retail channels. The opportunities of such a low cost is that more people will buy them on impulse. The problem with it is that with those kind of impulse buyers, the interface/software/book management tools have to be rock solid and pitifully easy to use. Think "person who buys consumer electronics at Target and Walmart". That kind of market might finally be ready for eBook readers, but they sure aren't ready for file and directory management in order to use the reader. Heck, after 25 years of trying to explain to MY Dad what a "directory" is, I've given up trying. A lot of our aging population is like that.

But that seems like it would be a side effort. The root of your original question seems to be about keeping up with a more sophisticated type of buyer. That's actually a much tougher endeavor given that there seems to be little space to compete with Internet Browsing capable devices other than going the same way. I don't see an easy solution.
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