Are you keen on specific-purpose devices?

[Antoinekamel]

Or would you prefer a smartphone that turns into a Kindle that expands to a computer and do your homework?

[Salgueiros]

Nah, i just want a (e)book.

[Historiann]

I prefer specific-purpose devices--though maybe that's because I like to buy gadgets.

[stickybuns]

Are we talking about a magical device that will not only fit in my pocket but can physically stretch to allow magazine/newspaper reading without shrinking the text? A device that can be read in the brightest of light and in the middle of the night with no eye strain, and yet is capable of displaying true-to-life colors?

[Jessica Lares]

I like specific purpose devices. That's why I bought an iPod again after not having one for so long. Everything from geo-restrictions, to labels removing singles and b-sides after the album hits is some of many reasons why I gave up on streaming.

And while I like reading on my iPad, I prefer e-ink.

[QuantumIguana]

Single-purpose devices often do a better job than general-purpose devices. The camera on my phone takes acceptable pictures, but I would get better results from a dedicated phone. Still, it's good enough that I don't feel a need to carry a dedicated camera on a daily basis.

I may get an android phone when the minutes expire on my prepaid phone (that will probably take me a year). When I get that, I'll get a Kindle app for the phone. I'd still prefer the e-reader, but it would be nice to have my books in my pocket when I'm out and about.

[pidgeon92]

Depends on the purpose. For the most part, I love all the functionality of my iPhone. If I could have only one device, that would be it.

However, for reading, I really do prefer eink devices.

[Sydney's Mom]

I have a blackberry, but it has no camera, can't text (company policy). So it is a single purpose device for phone and work email. I have found my PW is better for reading, as my Fire was keeping me up at night. My Tab is for movies and Directv, and my Fire is for Amazon Prime. Obviously, I like single purpose devices (or at least I haven't found any that can adequately do it all).

[calvin-c]

Generally speaking I prefer single-purpose devices because you don't lose (or have to replace) everything when a single device fails. The exception is 'pocket' devices-then I prefer a multi-purpose device because I only have a few pockets & most of those are full with other things. (OTOH my brother likes cargo pants. If I liked those I might carry multiple single-purpose devices even while walking.)

I'll also second QuantumIguana. Multiple single-purpose devices allows you to choose the best device for each purpose.

[ucfgrad93]

The only specific purpose device I own is my Kindle. It is way better for reading than my smartphone in my opinion.

[CWatkinsNash]

I prefer specific purpose devices. I like that my phone can serve as a substitute for other things in a pinch, but it could never replace those other things (my camera, my ereader, my iPod, etc).

[supermighty]

I've gone back and forth on this for awhile. I would prefer to read on an eink reader, but I end up reading on my phone most of the time. As it's always with me. My next phone is going to be as large as possible while still fitting in my pocket. So it's easier to read on.

[tubemonkey]

For reading, it's a Kindle 4; and for audiobooks, it's a Clip Zip when not at home and an iPod touch 4 when at home.

For other media (music, radio, streaming audio, videos, magazines, news, web), I use a combination of devices based on where I'm at (Nexus 4, Nexus 7.2, Fire HD 7.1, Clip Zip, iPod touch 4).

[JoeD]

I favour general purpose devices IFF they're able to do the job to a level I'm happy with. For many things they are, but in some cases I end up with special purpose devices such as eInk reader, DSLR etc

I used to use a dedicate mp3 player, but the quality of most phones has caught up enough that I no longer use that outside of the odd recording via its optical inputs. For playback a general device covers enough.

Everyone has different levels of what they deem acceptable for any given task though so whether a general purpose or specific device is needed is really a pretty personal thing. Consider how many people who used to own digital cameras now just use their phone. The built in cameras have caught up far enough to be good enough for a large group of people, even though DSLR offers many more options and advantages, a lot don't need them.

Reading doesn't need to be either/or though. You can own a dedicated eInk device for most of your reading especially in bright sunlight, yet still use your phone for those moments when you're out and waiting around for something/one.

[fjtorres]

Optimized special purpose.
Even my multifunction devices are configured/spec'ed with an eye on their one main use.
My car is a sedan, not an SUV or pickup. My gaming is via console, my photos and video via camera, my reading via eink or tablet depending on material: narrative text on eink, magazines and cookbooks on LCD.
I see no reason to compromise any one function to accomodate secondary uses that are not part of my usage patterns, especially since I take care of my gear and they last a long time.