Re: The Apple iPad and the future of e-ink ebook readers

On Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:03:43 -0000, you wrote:


><br>
>Those are pretty diametrically opposed viewpoints.  Many members of TeBC have long followed the twists and turns of the ebook industry (I myself started with the Rocket eBook over 10 years ago).  Much as I enjoy reading on my Kindle 2, It's easy for me to see why people think a relatively inexpensive color multipurpose device would outshine and outsell a gray-scale single-purpose one.  Anyone have any insight into why a presumably astute Forrester analyst might reach the counterintuitive conclusion that the iPad might actually help sales of e-ink readers?

As announced the iPad requires a net connection to function.  It is an
AT&T only device and the plan that was announced with the iPad is $30
a month if you already have a phone and data plan. (This may change
before Apple releases the iPad)  If you can use wifi only, you will be
very limited on places to use your device.  And more wifi hotspots are
charging for the service.

The analysts have been discussing "subscription fatigue" for some time
now.  Everybody wants a monthly fee and they add up.  

The current E-Ink devices will work anywhere, with or without a net
connection.  They don't charge a monthly fee to download content over
the cell phone network.  You can connect them via USB and download
your own content or buy from any number of vendors not just Amazon or
BN or the maker of your device.

E-ink has advantages.  The battery lasts longer.  You can take your
device anyplace and use it.  You can spend the $30 a month on books.
You can read outside because it not a backlit device.  They are
smaller and more portable.

The iPad would be nice for casual browsing or reading at home but I
don't think it's worth the money.  And I couldn't use it at work since
the wifi is locked down and cell service is blocked.  And cell service
is spotty on the train.  And  $30 a month with a contract isn't going
to happen any time soon, and I might have to use a AT&T cell phone as
well.  AT&T sucks in Chicago and is non-existent down state.

The iPad is a large crippled iTouch.  

Barbara
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "....what a ride!"


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