Article: 7 reasons why e-book readers make lousy gifts

[bminata]

Ditto that. I tried reading an ebook using my notebook and after a few hours of reading my eyes couldn't take it anymore.

BTW, I could browse the internet, listen to music, or other activities on the notebook for much longer than when I read an ebook.

Originally Posted by SensualPoet

Thanks for the lecture. My eyes don't feel it's a myth (and I do know where the ctrl-+ keys are located). In my experience, backlit text sources -- such as computer screens -- are tiring; the e-ink device I am using is not. It's empirical, I suppose, but it's also my reality, and will guide future choices of devices.

I really like the single-purpose e-ink reader. I can also see the benefits of a Google Android device down the road -- I use the OS on an HTC Dream which is very impressive -- touch screens, live Internet, interacting with others whilst reading, using live Google Maps and GPS to find my way to the nearest bookstore (!). But, you know, what I like about b&w e-ink is how crisp it is and, well, how book-like the reading experience is. That's all I am really applauding.

[orwell2k]

Originally Posted by Patricia

Controversial article by Mike Elgan in Computer World:
http://www.computerworld.com/s/artic...?taxonomyId=75

Whatever...

Anyone who thinks the Nook is the be-all and end-all of eBook readers is obviously a few sandwiches short of a picnic and just craving attention...

I mean, no offence to Nook-ies (fans of the Nook - or is it Nook-ers?) but there are so many other great choices out there - and that's what's great about the eReader market at the moment.

Like wine, it's a very personal taste - the Nook will suit some, for others it's a Kindle or a Hanlin or a PocketBook (my, aren't they really pouring it on with the sexy new models right now!?). Case in point - I'm a Mac addict for desktop/notebook needs, but have no yearning to get an iPhone - I just have no need or lust for one. Different strokes for different folks...

He does have a point on pricing - we need much better discounts and special offers on some of these devices, but I guess it's still such a niche market.

[arekieh]

this whole thing about the apple tablet, and reading on pc's and smartphones is just retarded. I for one dont consider anything backlit to be an ebook reader. The whole point i bought one is for the e-ink otherwise its not really "bookish" and the eye strain on backlit screens is wayyy to much, and i used to game for 2-3 hrs a day on a 24" monitor. i dont know why probably because your looking at much smaller things, but when reading my eyes go bloodshot after a cpl hours on a backlit, even at the lowest brightness on my laptop


Edit* i Read 500 pdf pages on my laptop in one weekend, my eyes were bloodshot for 3 or 4 days after lol

[Patricia]

Originally Posted by arekieh

That guys on crack, this whole thing about the apple tablet, and reading on pc's and smartphones is just retarded.

Please avoid name-calling. It is not polite and contravenes our guidelines.
(To see the guidelines, click on "Guidelines" on the blue bar at the bottom of every forum page.)
Remember that other people may have different experiences from you. (Different eyesight, different technology etc)

[LDBoblo]

Originally Posted by Patricia

Please avoid name-calling. It is not polite and contravenes our guidelines.
(To see the guidelines, click on "Guidelines" on the blue bar at the bottom of every forum page.)
Remember that other people may have different experiences from you. (Different eyesight, different technology etc)

Indeed, many people can easily read books on backlit displays without adverse effects. Similar to how some people are capable of using mice and keyboards without developing RSIs. I'm all for supporting people if they feel the need to buy hundreds or thousands of dollars of "ergonomic" equipment to discourage bad technique (and many hours of retraining to learn Dvorak or similar), but for them to call use of conventional keyboards and mice "retarded" is a bit unnecessary, and sounds much more like purchase justification rather than rational thought.

[dmaul1114]

Yep, it's just different strokes for different folks. Some don't get much eyestrain from LCD etc., and such screen fits their needs better as they may not be an avid reader reading for hours at a time 7 days a week. Again, I love my Kindle, but since I seldom ever read it for more than 2 hours at any one time--and spend more time on the net, movies, games, sports, tv etc. I'd be better off with an eventual tablet device once battery technology improves and there's good tablets out there around the size of the Kindle DX or a bit smalller.

[cklammer]

My take - ordered by the reasons given in the article.

#1: Rubbish. You can't chase the rainbow forever. Besides, tablet pc's and compact internet devices have been around like four years, now. You can buy an Asus tablet netbook now in the e-book reader price ranges. The only fundamental change is that Amazon will officially swallow Mobipocket (and maybe Stanza, too) whole IMHO and ePub will be taking over as the new universal format.

#2: Yes. Truth. It has something to do with the production numbers for the e-paper/e-ink displays - they are still magnitudes away from production numbers for notebook displays and are thus more expensive now.

#3: If the targeted person is already reading e-books on the phone or on the notebook then an ebook reader is not a good present. If the targeted person is reading only on a desktop pc or desktop replacement laptop then a ebook reader is a viable gift provided it integrates seamlessly into the targeted person's software and ebook format ecosystem.

#4: See #3 first of all. The Kindle is the IPod of ebook readers due to his proprietary format and even Amazon is following the latest market trends to more openness with their on-going firmware upgrades. There are many more open options in the market now.

#5: YALF (Yet Another Logical Fallacy). Besides, if you think like a lemming then you'll be a lemming in time.

#6: Poppy-Cock. Schnick-Schnack. People are still buying IPods and IPhones, aren't they?

#7: So? Just because one company doesn't get of the porcelain throne with their deliveries ... the article author most likely waited three months on Kindle and is still frustrated. Crap.

cklammer

[cklammer]

Originally Posted by Alfy

And I love the bit about integrating reading with everything else. I can see the one size fit all future now: a device the size of an Apple notebook, with dual screen LCD/e-ink, and when held with both hand close to the hears, will be a very acceptable phone...

And used with a (stereo) bluetooth headset?

[cklammer]

Originally Posted by dmaul1114

Agreed. LCDs don't bother me at all. I'm at a computer probably 10-12 hours weekdays (between work and goofing online) and a little less than that on the weekends.

How old are you - are you on the good or on the bad side of 40? Did ever had any eye problems?

It really depends on each person's eye sight ... and that usually doesn't improve with age. Quite the opposite, actually. More with some people than others.

[arekieh]

Originally Posted by Patricia

Please avoid name-calling. It is not polite and contravenes our guidelines.
(To see the guidelines, click on "Guidelines" on the blue bar at the bottom of every forum page.)
Remember that other people may have different experiences from you. (Different eyesight, different technology etc)

sorry

Originally Posted by cklammer

How old are you - are you on the good or on the bad side of 40? Did ever had any eye problems?

It really depends on each person's eye sight ... and that usually doesn't improve with age. Quite the opposite, actually. More with some people than others.

ya i dont realize how people dont get eye strain from looking at backlit lcd's, i think they just get used to it or ignore it, anyone ive seen that has been in front of a computer for any extended period of time comes out with red eyes.

[cklammer]

Originally Posted by arekieh

sorry

ya i dont realize how people dont get eye strain from looking at backlit lcd's, i think they just get used to it or ignore it, anyone ive seen that has been in front of a computer for any extended period of time comes out with red eyes.

It is also how you work ... you should break every hour for 10 minutes off the display (at least those were binding safety regulations in Germany when a long time ago - don't know if this still on the books there). But who does that nowadays ...

cklammer

[arekieh]

that is a good idea although i doubt many people practice that

[dmaul1114]

Originally Posted by cklammer

How old are you - are you on the good or on the bad side of 40? Did ever had any eye problems?

It really depends on each person's eye sight ... and that usually doesn't improve with age. Quite the opposite, actually. More with some people than others.

31. Have pretty crummy vision (near sighted) but haven't needed reading glasses yet. Just wear contacts most days.

Vision has been pretty stable the past 15 years or so though--hasn't been getting worse.


Though as the other person said, maybe I'm just used to it from growing up in the PC area and always spending a lot of time at PCs for work and net goofing--as well as a lot of time at the TV since my main hobbies are sports, movies, TV and video games.

[cklammer]

Originally Posted by dmaul1114

31. Have pretty crummy vision (near sighted) but haven't needed reading glasses yet. Just wear contacts most days.

Vision has been pretty stable the past 15 years or so though--hasn't been getting worse.


Though as the other person said, maybe I'm just used to it from growing up in the PC area and always spending a lot of time at PCs for work and net goofing--as well as a lot of time at the TV since my main hobbies are sports, movies, TV and video games.

I am 43. Ten years it could posting the quote. Trust me: things will change ... preserve your sight.

cklammer

EDIT: Oops - I think we are getting pretty far off-topic here ...

[dmaul1114]

I do what I can. Without LCD its really key to just use them properly. Namely make sure you reading on them in good lighting conditions, and that you're close enough to the screen.

I will get some eye strain if I'm in too dim of light and/or sitting too far from the screen. But in proper conditions, my eyes don't seem to get anymore tired than they do watching TV, reading a paper book, or reading my Kindle in bed etc.