CNET predicts dedicated ereaders are doomed technology

[Maggie Leung]

Originally Posted by OtterBooks

Any technology that does not give a visual experience similar to paper is irrelevant to the discussion of consumer desire for devices that provide that experience.

...

A device can not be made relevant to either conversation by virtue of its ability to play Angry Birds.

Video games bore me, but I did check out Angry Birds, to see what people were talking about. I don't see the appeal.

I don't need e-devices to mimic paper, either. I read books for content, not the joy of paper.

Tablets are relevant to the e-reader discussion because their functions overlap. For some readers, the e-reading function is sufficient or better on non-dedicated devices. That's why e-ink fans are worried.

[queentess]

Originally Posted by leebase

The iPhone may not have been the perfect ereader -- but I already had one, tried reading on it, and like it very much. At such a point a potential kindle customer was taken off the market.

My husband also reads on his iTouch, but I can't stand it. I can browse my online cookbook recipes on the thing, and that's about it for reading. eInk and lcd really are two completely different markets for ereaders (with some overlap, of course). My dad is a Convenience Guy -- he reads his iTouch on the go and when traveling and reads his Sony when he's at home.

Originally Posted by Maggie Leung

Tablets are relevant to the e-reader discussion because their functions overlap. For some readers, the e-reading function is sufficient or better on non-dedicated devices. That's why e-ink fans are worried.

? Worried because functions overlap? My camera and my iTouch and my laptop all take photos, but I still have a digital camera. I don't understand why you think I should be worried.

[leebase]

Originally Posted by queentess

My husband also reads on his iTouch, but I can't stand it. I can browse my online cookbook recipes on the thing, and that's about it for reading. eInk and lcd really are two completely different markets for ereaders (with some overlap, of course). My dad is a Convenience Guy -- he reads his iTouch on the go and when traveling and reads his Sony when he's at home.

Think about it some. Not everyone who tries reading on an iPod touch, iPhone or any similar device likes the experience -- but PLENTY do. Those that do become far less likely to pay money for another reader when they already have one that fits in their pockets.

Ergo, these devices DO compete with eInk devices. While I think many folks would buy an lcd device over an eInk device even when comparing directly to make a purchase (ala Nook Color) -- the reality is people buy these devices for OTHER reasons. Then they discover they can ALSO use them as readers and THAT'S how they harm the eInk market most.

Lee

[Maggie Leung]

Originally Posted by queentess

? Worried because functions overlap? My camera and my iTouch and my laptop all take photos, but I still have a digital camera. I don't understand why you think I should be worried.

I don't think you're worried. I don't know you. I don't know what you worry about.

If I liked e-ink, I wouldn't worry, either. I figure it will stick around as long as e-ink fans are willing to spend enough to keep e-ink manufacturers afloat.

There are plenty of e-ink fans who have expressed concerns about e-ink's longevity, though.

[queentess]

Originally Posted by leebase

Think about it some. Not everyone who tries reading on an iPod touch, iPhone or any similar device likes the experience -- but PLENTY do. Those that do become far less likely to pay money for another reader when they already have one that fits in their pockets.

Ergo, these devices DO compete with eInk devices. While I think many folks would buy an lcd device over an eInk device even when comparing directly to make a purchase (ala Nook Color) -- the reality is people buy these devices for OTHER reasons. Then they discover they can ALSO use them as readers and THAT'S how they harm the eInk market most.

Lee

I'll bring up the digital camera analogy again. I have plenty of devices that take photos, and they DO compete with digital cameras. I'm sure plenty of people are happy with a device that fits in their pocket and takes photos. But enough people want stand-alone cameras that it remains a healthy market.

[queentess]

Originally Posted by Maggie Leung

I don't think you're worried. I don't know you. I don't know what you worry about.

If I liked e-ink, I wouldn't worry, either. I figure it will stick around as long as e-ink fans are willing to spend enough to keep e-ink manufacturers afloat.

There are plenty of e-ink fans who have expressed concerns about e-ink's longevity, though.

I figure it'll disappear eventually, like all tech does when the Next Big Advancement takes place. But I don't think it's going to disappear because people are buying tablets or what-have-you.

[Maggie Leung]

Originally Posted by queentess

I figure it'll disappear eventually, like all tech does when the Next Big Advancement takes place. But I don't think it's going to disappear because people are buying tablets or what-have-you.

Yup, tech always moves on. I'm a fan of tablets, but I figure if that form factor croaks, something better will come along. I figure I'll have access to books one way or another, so I'm not going to sweat how they're delivered.

[elcreative]

Using the word plenty in relation to any topic and a forum is somewhat contradictory... the people who are on this forum are a minority of eReader users by the very nature of human interaction... most of the users are too busy reading to waste time on here discussing the wheres, whichs and whys of the technology present and future... I've yet to meet another eReader user in person, who's even heard of the MobileRead forum... and I work for an eReader retailer...

Originally Posted by Maggie Leung

There are plenty of e-ink fans who have expressed concerns about e-ink's longevity, though.

[Maggie Leung]

Originally Posted by elcreative

Using the word plenty in relation to any topic and a forum is somewhat contradictory... the people who are on this forum are a minority of eReader users by the very nature of human interaction... most of the users are too busy reading to waste time on here discussing the wheres, whichs and whys of the technology present and future... I've yet to meet another eReader user in person, who's even heard of the MobileRead forum... and I work for an eReader retailer...

Check out some other e-ink forums. Plenty of worried e-ink fans. Shrug. I'm not passing off stats. If you don't agree, no worries.

[sabredog]

Originally Posted by Maggie Leung

If you find need to keep your phone and Internet connection on, won't your phone interrupt even if you're reading on a separate dedicated device? If you can bear to read with your phone and e-mail functions off, there's airplane mode on phones and tablets. Turning it on and off is a cinch, if you find concentrating a problem.

Multi-use devices offer more options, but their ability to interrupt is controlled by the owner. For instance, I have e-mail on manual, so I check it only when I want to. Phone is no problem, because I'm not a chatter and I give out my number to few people.

Effectively turning a multifunction device into a single function device?

[Maggie Leung]

Originally Posted by sabredog

Effectively turning a multifunction device into a single function device?

Sure. Choice is the best feature of a multi-use device, I figure. Lol.

[Taesoo Kwon]

I agree that dedicated e-readers are doomed technology. But that doesn't necessarily mean that reflective display and low-battery-use display are not promising. "Multi-functional" would be better than dedicated if it doesn't compromise others. But currently there is no single such display technology.

[cathyshiying]

How many of you have dedicated e-readers?? my sony does more then just display text.. And "dedicated" e-readers will never dissapear, the prices might go low, the technology will progress.. but untill we have tablets with e-ink, mirasole, or such, no tablet is going to be superior to an e-reader btw, i wouldnt be surprised that by the time the second gen colour ereaders come out, they wont be short of tablets

[CHunter_Author]

Hmm...appearently my "doomed" comment struck a nerve with a few people. Ok, you all got me. It was an inappropriate use of words. As an idividual, I would prefer a tablet, but it is indeed "flawed" to assume that the device brush off to nothing. Some people simply like to read and read only. That point is clear. Another use, one that I can think of off the top of my head, would be to issue e-readers to grade school children, or have children buy their own for required reading. Especially when the devices become cheaper, which they will. It'll be like having a calculator for advanced math. There will probably be other uses as well. what do you guys see?

[Maggie Leung]

Originally Posted by CHunter_Author

Hmm...appearently my "doomed" comment struck a nerve with a few people. Ok, you all got me. It was an inappropriate use of words. As an idividual, I would prefer a tablet, but it is indeed "flawed" to assume that the device brush off to nothing. Some people simply like to read and read only. That point is clear. Another use, one that I can think of off the top of my head, would be to issue e-readers to grade school children, or have children buy their own for required reading. Especially when the devices become cheaper, which they will. It'll be like having a calculator for advanced math. There will probably be other uses as well. what do you guys see?

I think students would be better off with hybrid tablet/netbooks, so they can snap out the tablet part and read, and snap back in and type notes and write. I don't see standalone tablets or dedicated e-readers as good solutions for students.