Few of us dispute the potential benefits of e-books. But why hasn't acceptance been swifter? A Slashdot reader raises a number of
interesting points which may (at least partly) serve as an explanation:
- Form factor: They just prefer the feel and 'interface' of a paper book.
Forthcoming readers such as the iRex iLiad and the Sony Reader will resemble paper books more than anything we've seen before, thanks to E Ink technology.
- Lack of a compelling device (or perhaps lack of convergence): They don't own a reader (other than a PC or notebook) and can't take them with them.
Mobile gear is becoming increasingly powerful and popular, replacing the need for a dedicated e-book reader device.
- Lack of content: Books they are interested in aren't available in electronic format
This could certainly be true for specialized literature. However, the mainstream "Dan Brown" literature is commonly available through Amazon, eReader and other bookstores that provide e-books.
- Distribution model: They don't like the DRM scheme their favorite publisher offers, or are otherwise unhappy with current offerings.
In my eyes still the major obstacle for allowing e-books to flourish. Proprietary DRM is inconvenient, restrictive and (often) invasive. It's hard to justify how an e-book with DRM should make a better reading experience than the good old paper book.