Poll: Touchscreen or Buttons (E-ink)

[DiapDealer]

Chose "Keep your paws off my display" on the assumption that by specifying "e-ink" in your description you intended the poll to be about dedicated ebook readers and not general purpose tablet computers.

That was my assumption as well.

[Cyberman tM]

Originally Posted by OtterBooks

I did not include a "I prefer it fully had both" option because few existing touchscreen devices allow for complete disregard of touch interaction.

That would have been my choice though.

I voted the second option, seems to be next-best.

I wouldn't mind a touch-screen if buttons are present as well. Let each user decide for themselves what they're going to use. Why artificially limit the users experience, I'll never understand that.

[jersysman]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I think it has a lot to do with what type of user you are. If you like to keep your entire library on your reader and constantly fiddle with the folders/collections/tags (whatever your device uses) to perfect your organizational master-plan--and are constantly doing dictionary lookups, or lots of highlighting/note taking, or occasionally using the browser to check your email... then sure, you're probably going to see an advantage for touch menu-navigation.

But if you are a "buy book, read book, buy another book, read another book" kind of user--who never has more than a handful of books on their device at any time--then that touch-screen navigation starts to look less like an advantage and more like over-kill... one more thing that could go wrong.

Throw in the fact that many have been raised to believe that touching a screen of any kind with anything other than a soft, non-abrasive cleaning cloth is an offense against God and Nature... and you have battle-lines. These taboos are harder to get over than you might think.

So I think the issue boils down to the difference between those who just want to read--plain and simple; and those who want to read and play a little. I'm sure the former group is small enough that they can be safely ignored in the evolution (or extinction) of the dedicated ereader... and that's kind of sad.

All I do with my reader is read and I prefer the touchscreen because like I said, it is more of a natural motion for turning a book page. So I guess I fall outside of the premise that you have made. But then again, I've always been something of an outlaw. It is a good thing that the new Nook will have both because otherwise I would not be getting it.

[OtterBooks]

Originally Posted by dwig

Chose "Keep your paws off my display" on the assumption that by specifying "e-ink" in your description you intended the poll to be about dedicated ebook readers and not general purpose tablet computers.

For tablets I would want touch, preferably with additional hardware buttons for "mouse button 1" and "mouse button 2" to be treated as page turn buttons by ebook software.

You're correct in that assumption; I did want to keep it in the context of dedicated e-ink readers. I realize that the content displayed on a tablet involves a different kind of interaction, being more closely related to devices typically controlled with a keyboard and mouse. I suspect few people would prefer using a directional pad to navigate Android/iOS.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by jersysman

All I do with my reader is read and I prefer the touchscreen because like I said, it is more of a natural motion for turning a book page. So I guess I fall outside of the premise that you have made.

It's all good... there are bound to be some who fall through the cracks.

I prefer nothing to move when I'm reading--usually reading one handed. It gives me many different positions my body can be in and still read. Positions that were impossible with physical books. I like to put my right hand under my head while lying in bed (or my left, it all depends). I also like to read books in bed. Now I can do both.

With physical page turn buttons on both sides of my reader, there's almost no limit to how I can to lie in bed and still be able to read. And in my favorite reading chair, I can turn pages and drink beer all at the same time!

Like I said, I'm all for touch screens... as long as they don't force me to change my already comfortable habits. At all.

[OtterBooks]

Originally Posted by Cyberman tM

That would have been my choice though.

I voted the second option, seems to be next-best.

I wouldn't mind a touch-screen if buttons are present as well. Let each user decide for themselves what they're going to use. Why artificially limit the users experience, I'll never understand that.

I presume "both" would be many people's choice. But the number would have included people who dislike touchscreen, but don't care if it merely exists so long as they don't ever have to use it, making the results difficult to interpret (and would almost certainly be the highest %).

[bobw]

I think the kindle got it right with "next page" buttons on both edges, so regardless of which hand I'm holding it with, i can get to the next page. The sony readers you can swipe etc to change the page (ehh), or use physical buttons on the bottom left. Its OK, but I still miss the edge buttons of my Kindle 2.

[Pomtroll]

Love my touch screen & use my reader one handed. All it takes is a little flick of my thumb in a lower corner (or you can do it further up, wherever is comfortable) & on either side.

[Latinandgreek]

I love my touch screen, but I also like the option of hard buttons. I also think that the combination of hard and touch screen buttons on the Sony readers make for a less complicated UI. I quite like it. Not that I have a problem with a touch-only interface or a hard button only interface, I have and enjoy devices with both of those interfaces as well.

[crich70]

I think it could pose problems. Fingerprints on the screen for one, plus if it were too sensitive other problems might present themselves. Might make highlighting easier (I use Kindle3) but other than that I can't see the need myself.

[Latinandgreek]

I like the option to make notes on the screen with a stylus, and it does (presumably) make highlighting and dictionary lookup a bit easier. Other than that, I do find that it is a bit easier for me to find a more comfortable reading position for my hands, as I can I can flick the page from different positions.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Bikeridr

How about touchbuttons

Touchscreen on a tablet - Yes!
On my e-reader - go play in the traffic!

I voted your paws off. I can't see any practical use for touchscreen and fingermarks all over my reading screen.

You really don't see fingerprints all that much on a Pearl screen. It shouldn't be an issue.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by dwig

Chose "Keep your paws off my display" on the assumption that by specifying "e-ink" in your description you intended the poll to be about dedicated ebook readers and not general purpose tablet computers.

For tablets I would want touch, preferably with additional hardware buttons for "mouse button 1" and "mouse button 2" to be treated as page turn buttons by ebook software.

So you want touch where you see fingerprints and not where you don't.

[JSWolf]

How many people here who voted hands-off have actually seen an x50 Sony in use and seen how fingerprints effect the screen?

I'm guessing that a lot of you are basing your opinion on what you've seen on devices like the iPad where you do really see fingerprints.

Fingerprints don't really effect the Pearl screen. Sure you can eventually see fingerprints. But you see them more when the screen is off and at that time, you can clean the screen with a simple wipe.

[Donnageddon]

Do you "hands off" people dip you hands in a jar of peanut butter before you read?

It is not an issue. Touch screen FTW!