What Ebook Device Makers Should Aspire To

This article with pictures on C|Net celebrates technology that just 
won't die. It keeps on doing what it was supposed to do, even after 
you drop it down stairs, or 500 feet down cliffs, or bang it against 
the outside of buildings.

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gadgets/0,39029552,49294281-1,00.htm

These devices deliver value by delivering it for a long, long
time - no matter what.

Key points I see...

- Doesn't have to be cheap, but must be obviously affordable.
(Each of these devices targets a clear market space.
There is no doubt what each one is for.)

- Robust! Drops on floors are ignored.
(Many of these devices seem to suffer little ill effect due 
to minor damage. Buttons may crack - but they still do 
button-work just fine.)

- Battery life is STILL good, not just good at the start.
(Batteries are either standard and replaceable, or easily
replaceable, or don't wear out. Pick one.)

- Expected lifetime is at least 5 years with heavy daily use.
(That includes not only daily use, but maybe even daily drops. It 
also means no obsolesence. Plan ahead!)

- The device can be tinkered or fixed to extend its life.
(Batteries and buttons get replaced. It happens.)

- These features can come at the cost of functionality.
(For six of the eight devices, their current counterpart would be 
expected to have a color screen. It's not clear that such a
screen would add significant core value to each device.)





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