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

Richard Seltzer <seltzer-LVbi7B8qMF5Wk0Htik3J/[email protected]> wrote:

> While it's possible to read text on it, I see no reason why anyone would
> want to read on it any more than they'd want to read on any general purpose
> computer.  While it's possible, it's not desirable, because the backlit
> screen makes it hard on the eyes.

Richard, as far as I can tell, there's no medical or scientific evidence
to support this frequently heard urban legend.  Light is light, and your
eyes can't tell the difference between photons emitted from the screen
and photons reflected from the screen.

I'd be happy to be informed that I'm wrong, if anyone has pointers to
real studies on the subject.

> Also, the form factor matters.

Yes -- and I think the weight difference will matter to people.  Seems
too heavy to me.  Try duct-taping two cans of Pepsi to a clipboard, and
walk around with that for a bit.

> The free wireless connection of the Kindle also matters.  The Kindle folks
> designed their device so there's no need for a computer.  Hence it appeals
> to a very wide audience.

I don't see the iPad as much different in that regard.  Anybody who's willing
to pay hundreds of dollars for a high-tech way to read books isn't going to
begrudge what it takes to connect it.

> The press makes a big deal out of Apple agreements with a few major book
> publishers.

They didn't list Random House, but they did get 5 of the top 6.  I
suspect it will progress, like the iTunes coverage of music publishers did.

http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/01/top-ten-u-s-book-publishers-for-2009.html

> I believe that Amazon and Barnes & Noble see the devices as a way to sell
> books.  They'd both gladly sell books to be read on other companies'
> devices.

Well, I've always thought that Amazon had bigger ideas for the Kindle.
But they made the mistake of using E-Ink, and using it for too long, so
now they're playing catch-up for their own reader device.

Bill


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