On the longevity of devices.

Nexutix · 04-05-2012, 09:27 PM

We have, without a doubt, entered the era in which paper books are "almost" obsolete. We are collecting huge libraries of texts in the clouds; the street-based economy has shifted to online automated business.

The purpose of paper books was to satisfy its readers' quests, be it gain of knowledge, fantasy, analysis of situation, a good pastime, whatever. The content of the book was bound with physical body of the book. Single book, single content pool.

In today's era, electronic devices are (almost) replacing the paper books. But it's not just the paper books they are replacing, they are replacing multiple other devices which had single purpose. As the number of purposes for using the device increase, the dependence on the device proportionately increases. I am not against centralization of functions into single device, but as the dependence on devices goes on increasing, they become a single medium that you may be performing tasks around.

At some point in lifetime of the device, the point of time usually being the time when one is "most dependent on" and "in harmony with" one's device, the device falls from one's hands, hits the ground hard, shattering the screen into pieces, with potentially irreparable damage and it may just stop working totally. At that point, your world built around the device stops. The more dependent you are on the device, more withdrawn you feel. You have to look into other simpler options for the easy routine tasks you performed on the device until you get a new one.

Buying a new device is not an option for everyone, especially when the device costs a chunk of one's wage. Greater that 3/4th of the consumers wouldn't invest in the device again just to regain the functionality, especially in time of economic crisis one might be facing.

This depicts an evil strategy of device manufacturer to achieve higher monetary gain, by making user dependent on a short-lived device. Isn't it same as drug-dealer's strategy?

The question that arises is: How can you settle with the "function"?

1. One time investment: A multipurpose device with considerably good longevity and sustainability.
2. Decentralization of functions: Multiple single purpose devices, which would ensure non-dependence for an individual.

As my personal opinion, Desktops, laptops and eInk readers have better longevity and reliability in comparison with smartphones and tablets.

DiapDealer · 04-05-2012, 09:51 PM

I still specialize. I sit in a chair in front of a PC and type, and program, and browse the internet, and send email. I read ebooks on a dedicated ereader. I have a stereo system I play CDs on, and a DVD player I watch movies with. I have no computing/movie/music needs when I'm away from my home, so I have no mobile computing equipment—smart, dumb or otherwise (except when my ereader leaves the house, which is almost never).

I'm very much a number 2 with regard to your question. But not because of any best "deal" or the longevity of different devices. It's just what works for me and I feel no pressure to change.

afv011 · 04-05-2012, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexutix

The question that arises is: For a consumer, what is the best deal?
1. A multipurpose device with good longevity and sustainability.
2. Multiple single purpose devices, which would not cut-off all functions if they fail.

When it comes to reading, I much prefer a dedicated device that does one thing and one thing only, and an eInk eReader fulfils that perfectly - long battery life, lightweight, small enough to fit i a pocket and carry everywhere with me. Also, given the prices on eInk devices nowadays, longevity is not much of an issue, they've become inexpensive enough that you needn't worry about them.

heeby · 04-05-2012, 10:05 PM

I don't think there will ever be ONE device to rule them all as my needs won't allow it. I do however think many needs could be condensed into fewer devices. I want my phone to be light and small...that is counter to what is trending. I don't want to carry a heavy and large phone in my pocket. So one device won't take over as a phone at least. But one device could take over as an ereader/tablet for light browsing/map/email etc. If they can get color eink or some equivalent tech to work so we don't have to compromise on the viewing/reading experience and battery life I would be interested. But I will always want at least a phone, laptop, and a reader as none of those can do the other's jobs without sacrificing.

JoeD · 04-06-2012, 07:15 AM

Most of my reading is done on an eink device, hanlin first, now kindle. But I also read on my ipad and laptop occasionally.

Should anything happen to the kindle, I'd probably revert back to the Hanlin which is stuck away in the cupboard at the moment, although with prices below £100 now for ereaders, I'd likely buy a newer model before too long.

I did ponder this question a few weeks after buying the hanlin though (back in 2008), since it cost something like £250. I enjoyed reading on it so much more than my PDA or laptop, but would I be willing to spend such an amount again if I broke it. I think it would have been a hard to justify such an expense a second time. Now though it's no longer an issue, the kindle is £80 (Or ~£50 if you happen to be travelling to the US any time soon) which I'd be willing to pay again for a replacement assuming my hanlin also broke or we were onto newer models.

Rob Lister · 04-06-2012, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexutix

Buying a new device is not an option for everyone, especially when the device costs a chunk of one's wage. Greater that 3/4th of the consumers wouldn't invest in the device again just to regain the functionality, especially in time of economic crisis one might be facing.

This depicts an evil strategy of device manufacturer to achieve higher monetary gain, by making user dependent on a short-lived device. Isn't it same as drug-dealer's strategy?

I bolded a bit above. I struggled with whether to bold the word 'evil'. Certainly our phone providers have all but perfected this strategy, offering you a snazzy hardware upgrade for the low-low price of $0 and a two year extension of your service contract. As long as you don't do the math on the monthly payments for the service, you can upgrade happily.

...Well, you still need service so you gotta go with someone.

Quote:

The question that arises is: How can you settle with the "function"?

1. One time investment: A multipurpose device with considerably good longevity and sustainability.
2. Decentralization of functions: Multiple single purpose devices, which would ensure non-dependence for an individual.

I lean more to option 1 but delve and dip into 2 as needed; not necessarily to ensure non-dependence. For example, an e-reader should do only that and nothing more...and a toaster should have one lever and one knob.

RainingLemur · 04-06-2012, 11:32 AM

For reading, I go the route of choice 2. I like to have just one specialized device that doesn't really offer a bunch of other functions to distract me from my goal of consuming books.

For other things? I kind of combine the two choices... I have a PS3 that I use for gaming and movies, a sanza fuze that I use for music, and my lappy that is used for work and emails and browsing. I also have a smartphone for the pint-sized version of all of those if/when need be.

ucfgrad93 · 04-06-2012, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afv011

When it comes to reading, I much prefer a dedicated device that does one thing and one thing only, and an eInk eReader fulfils that perfectly - long battery life, lightweight, small enough to fit i a pocket and carry everywhere with me. Also, given the prices on eInk devices nowadays, longevity is not much of an issue, they've become inexpensive enough that you needn't worry about them.

Agreed. While my Kindle Keyboard has the ability to surf the web, play music, etc. the only thing I use it for is reading.

Penforhire · 04-06-2012, 12:44 PM

Price is dropping fast. Who would have guessed three years ago that you could buy an ad-supported e-reader for < $90 today? Three years from now I'm guessing we'll be below $50 for a basic e-reader. I think your primary concern fades quickly. Break your device and it won't be as painful to replace it.

I have much more concern over DRM. Amazon is an 800 lb gorilla today. They could still be extinct in ten years, along with their DRM servers and therefore most books you bought from them. Can you break DRM? Probably, but that's an ongoing battle and not ideal for the average consumer.

Andrew H. · 04-06-2012, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexutix

Buying a new device is not an option for everyone, especially when the device costs a chunk of one's wage. Greater that 3/4th of the consumers wouldn't invest in the device again just to regain the functionality, especially in time of economic crisis one might be facing.

I think that consumers have some responsibility here. If you really can't afford to put all of your eggs in one Easter basket, you should avoid from doing that.

Quote:

This depicts an evil strategy of device manufacturer to achieve higher monetary gain, by making user dependent on a short-lived device. Isn't it same as drug-dealer's strategy?

I don't think that "evil" is the correct characterization at all. Do you think it would be less evil if Apple sold the iPad without e-mail functionality because it would make me less dependent on it? I don't think so.

And I'm not quite sure that these devices are particularly short lived, as far as that goes. I have an old Handspring Visor from 1999 (I think) which still works. It's completely obsolete, but still as functional as it ever was. I think in the vast majority of cases, people replace technology like this when it become obsolete, not when it wears out.

Quote:

The question that arises is: How can you settle with the "function"?

1. One time investment: A multipurpose device with considerably good longevity and sustainability.
2. Decentralization of functions: Multiple single purpose devices, which would ensure non-dependence for an individual.

As my personal opinion, Desktops, laptops and eInk readers have better longevity and reliability in comparison with smartphones and tablets.

This isn't really an either or question, and I think that you have significantly overstated the dependency argument, since most people have fallback devices. To take the most extreme example - if my iPhone fell into Lake Michigan and vanished without a trace, and I couldn't afford to buy a new one - I could buy a no-contact smartphone for under $100 at best buy and still have access to e-mail, texts, and internet.

If my iPad were destroyed, I would still be able to use my normal computer.

If my Kindle were destroyed, I could read on my computer or phone. (Not that replacing a Kindle is very expensive).

cfrizz · 04-06-2012, 08:02 PM

Im not too worried about it. I have an ereader, with all my books backed up on my pc & a separate portable drive. I seriously doubt that all of them will fail at the same time. At some point I am going to get a tablet as well. I will always choose machines that allow me the greatest number of options since I refuse to get trapped into just one ecosystem like Apple, Amazon or BN!

afv011 · 04-06-2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penforhire

I'm guessing we'll be below $50 for a basic e-reader.

Given that you can buy them for $79 and less refurb now, I think $50 eReaders are much closer than 3 years; maybe this next Xmas season.

heeby · 04-07-2012, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfrizz

Im not too worried about it. I have an ereader, with all my books backed up on my pc & a separate portable drive. I seriously doubt that all of them will fail at the same time. At some point I am going to get a tablet as well. I will always choose machines that allow me the greatest number of options since I refuse to get trapped into just one ecosystem like Apple, Amazon or BN!

Only ONE portable drive back up? Are you insane? My Calibre library is saved on two hard drives and two USB drives...and I STILL wonder if that is enough. But I have been accused of having a "problem"

cfrizz · 04-07-2012, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heeby

Only ONE portable drive back up? Are you insane? My Calibre library is saved on two hard drives and two USB drives...and I STILL wonder if that is enough. But I have been accused of having a "problem"

I agree, you DO have a problem!

theducks · 04-07-2012, 10:29 AM

I prefer that my devices do an outstanding job of their primary task.
That does not preclude that they can perform other functions.

My Mobile makes/receives voice calls (and I can't even see who is calling if outside during the day, so forget reading)

My e-reader displays books for WEEKS, even in bright sun but won't do movies (or color

. but who cares, I don't usually read comics.)

My computer does best for reading and posting to MR

Movies are best when displayed on a flat screen better than 20 inches.
To that end, Letterbox/widescreen, the way the director intended it to be seen.

And a Sound system that can kick butt, without being Loud whether it be for Movies or Music.

Ages:
Main speakers: 50 years old, 40 years old (2 systems)
Amplifiers: 10, 20, 30 years old ( 2 systems, 1 was Quad)
Truck: 18 years old
Car: 11 years old
Computers: average 8 years old (many parts reused

)
DSL: Replaced 10 year old ISP (and their slow Modem)
TV: Last update to accept DTV broadcasts. Previous 10 years old
e-reader: Passed on the original 3 year old one, using the Spare PEz
Mobile: recently replaced 4 year old with a broken antenna/weak battery

Most get replaced because they finally stop working and the repair would be half the price of a new system with a fresh life expectancy.

Longevity is important to me.

04-05-2012, 09:27 PM	#1
Nexutix Reading and reading Posts: 582 Karma: 8250144 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Infibeam Pi, iPod Touch 4G, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 2, Oneplus One	On the longevity of devices. We have, without a doubt, entered the era in which paper books are "almost" obsolete. We are collecting huge libraries of texts in the clouds; the street-based economy has shifted to online automated business. The purpose of paper books was to satisfy its readers' quests, be it gain of knowledge, fantasy, analysis of situation, a good pastime, whatever. The content of the book was bound with physical body of the book. Single book, single content pool. In today's era, electronic devices are (almost) replacing the paper books. But it's not just the paper books they are replacing, they are replacing multiple other devices which had single purpose. As the number of purposes for using the device increase, the dependence on the device proportionately increases. I am not against centralization of functions into single device, but as the dependence on devices goes on increasing, they become a single medium that you may be performing tasks around. At some point in lifetime of the device, the point of time usually being the time when one is "most dependent on" and "in harmony with" one's device, the device falls from one's hands, hits the ground hard, shattering the screen into pieces, with potentially irreparable damage and it may just stop working totally. At that point, your world built around the device stops. The more dependent you are on the device, more withdrawn you feel. You have to look into other simpler options for the easy routine tasks you performed on the device until you get a new one. Buying a new device is not an option for everyone, especially when the device costs a chunk of one's wage. Greater that 3/4th of the consumers wouldn't invest in the device again just to regain the functionality, especially in time of economic crisis one might be facing. This depicts an evil strategy of device manufacturer to achieve higher monetary gain, by making user dependent on a short-lived device. Isn't it same as drug-dealer's strategy? The question that arises is: How can you settle with the "function"? 1. One time investment: A multipurpose device with considerably good longevity and sustainability. 2. Decentralization of functions: Multiple single purpose devices, which would ensure non-dependence for an individual. As my personal opinion, Desktops, laptops and eInk readers have better longevity and reliability in comparison with smartphones and tablets. Last edited by Nexutix; 04-05-2012 at 11:56 PM. Reason: Grammatical errors

04-05-2012, 09:51 PM	#2
DiapDealer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 28,338 Karma: 203719142 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Nexus 7, Kindle Fire HD	I still specialize. I sit in a chair in front of a PC and type, and program, and browse the internet, and send email. I read ebooks on a dedicated ereader. I have a stereo system I play CDs on, and a DVD player I watch movies with. I have no computing/movie/music needs when I'm away from my home, so I have no mobile computing equipment—smart, dumb or otherwise (except when my ereader leaves the house, which is almost never). I'm very much a number 2 with regard to your question. But not because of any best "deal" or the longevity of different devices. It's just what works for me and I feel no pressure to change. Last edited by DiapDealer; 04-05-2012 at 09:55 PM.

04-05-2012, 10:05 PM	#4
heeby Connoisseur Posts: 77 Karma: 87976 Join Date: Mar 2012 Device: Kindle 4NT	I don't think there will ever be ONE device to rule them all as my needs won't allow it. I do however think many needs could be condensed into fewer devices. I want my phone to be light and small...that is counter to what is trending. I don't want to carry a heavy and large phone in my pocket. So one device won't take over as a phone at least. But one device could take over as an ereader/tablet for light browsing/map/email etc. If they can get color eink or some equivalent tech to work so we don't have to compromise on the viewing/reading experience and battery life I would be interested. But I will always want at least a phone, laptop, and a reader as none of those can do the other's jobs without sacrificing. Last edited by heeby; 04-07-2012 at 12:15 AM.

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04-06-2012, 07:15 AM	#5
JoeD Guru Posts: 895 Karma: 4383958 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: na	Most of my reading is done on an eink device, hanlin first, now kindle. But I also read on my ipad and laptop occasionally. Should anything happen to the kindle, I'd probably revert back to the Hanlin which is stuck away in the cupboard at the moment, although with prices below £100 now for ereaders, I'd likely buy a newer model before too long. I did ponder this question a few weeks after buying the hanlin though (back in 2008), since it cost something like £250. I enjoyed reading on it so much more than my PDA or laptop, but would I be willing to spend such an amount again if I broke it. I think it would have been a hard to justify such an expense a second time. Now though it's no longer an issue, the kindle is £80 (Or ~£50 if you happen to be travelling to the US any time soon) which I'd be willing to pay again for a replacement assuming my hanlin also broke or we were onto newer models.

04-06-2012, 11:32 AM	#7
RainingLemur Spork Connoisseur Posts: 2,355 Karma: 16780603 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: Nook Color	For reading, I go the route of choice 2. I like to have just one specialized device that doesn't really offer a bunch of other functions to distract me from my goal of consuming books. For other things? I kind of combine the two choices... I have a PS3 that I use for gaming and movies, a sanza fuze that I use for music, and my lappy that is used for work and emails and browsing. I also have a smartphone for the pint-sized version of all of those if/when need be.

04-06-2012, 12:44 PM	#9
Penforhire Wizard Posts: 2,230 Karma: 7145404 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Device: Kindle Voyage & iPhone 7+	Price is dropping fast. Who would have guessed three years ago that you could buy an ad-supported e-reader for < $90 today? Three years from now I'm guessing we'll be below $50 for a basic e-reader. I think your primary concern fades quickly. Break your device and it won't be as painful to replace it. I have much more concern over DRM. Amazon is an 800 lb gorilla today. They could still be extinct in ten years, along with their DRM servers and therefore most books you bought from them. Can you break DRM? Probably, but that's an ongoing battle and not ideal for the average consumer.

04-06-2012, 08:02 PM	#11
cfrizz Wizard Posts: 1,561 Karma: 36389706 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Quincy, MA Device: Samsung 54A, Kobo Libra H2O, Samsung S6 Lite	Im not too worried about it. I have an ereader, with all my books backed up on my pc & a separate portable drive. I seriously doubt that all of them will fail at the same time. At some point I am going to get a tablet as well. I will always choose machines that allow me the greatest number of options since I refuse to get trapped into just one ecosystem like Apple, Amazon or BN!

04-07-2012, 10:29 AM	#15
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 30,880 Karma: 59840450 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	I prefer that my devices do an outstanding job of their primary task. That does not preclude that they can perform other functions. My Mobile makes/receives voice calls (and I can't even see who is calling if outside during the day, so forget reading) My e-reader displays books for WEEKS, even in bright sun but won't do movies (or color . but who cares, I don't usually read comics.) My computer does best for reading and posting to MR Movies are best when displayed on a flat screen better than 20 inches. To that end, Letterbox/widescreen, the way the director intended it to be seen. And a Sound system that can kick butt, without being Loud whether it be for Movies or Music. Ages: Main speakers: 50 years old, 40 years old (2 systems) Amplifiers: 10, 20, 30 years old ( 2 systems, 1 was Quad) Truck: 18 years old Car: 11 years old Computers: average 8 years old (many parts reused ) DSL: Replaced 10 year old ISP (and their slow Modem) TV: Last update to accept DTV broadcasts. Previous 10 years old e-reader: Passed on the original 3 year old one, using the Spare PEz Mobile: recently replaced 4 year old with a broken antenna/weak battery Most get replaced because they finally stop working and the repair would be half the price of a new system with a fresh life expectancy. Longevity is important to me.

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