"Dedicated E-Readers: They're History"
Ok, I just had to comment on this guys article:
http://www.itworld.com/tech-amp-society/111655/dedicated-e-readers-theyre-history
As many of you know I have been scoping out various ebook readers including checking out the ipad as a birthday present to myself. After checking out the Nook (the one I'll be buying), Kindle, and ipad I can honestly say this guy is just wrong in his conclusions.
The ipad will no-more replace a portable dedicated ebook reader (Nook) any more than it will replace a dedicated hand held gaming system (Nintendo DSi) or a dedicated MP3 player. Any more than my cell phone camera will replace a real digital SLR.
In a small way he is correct. Current electronics trends indicate that every portable device (cell phone, gaming system (DSi and PSP), ebook reader (Nook), etc.) will have some form of internet access and mp3 player built in. The Nook already has both of these. So it's not really a 'dedicated' ebook reader in the technical sense of the term. However it is the Nook’s primary function.
What this gent fails to keep in mind is a term called 'Use Model'. I.E. does the device fit the bill from a standard usage and end user comfort angle.
For example:
-Technically I can read ebook files and watch movies on my modified Nintendo DS Lite that is 1/3rd the size of the Nook and 1/6 the size of an ipad. However the tiny screen does not lend itself well to either of these to spite the device being capable of performing these tasks.
-Similarly, the Nook has an MP3 player, but it's not something you would strap to your arm while you were jogging. It has a web browser, convenient for checking email on the go. But for anything more complicated webwise, by the time you’re done scrolling around the color LCD, you could go to your dedicated home/office PC and browse the web properly.
..Such things are 'Bonus perks' of the devices. The hardware is there to do them, so through in the software to do so standard as an optional use.
This brings us to the ipad: Can it play MP3's? Yes, but again, it's not something you would strap to your arm while you were jogging. Can it display ebooks? Yes, but you’re going to be seeing white spots in your vision for days if you read for over an hour.
So, what good is the ipad? What is its "Use model"?
-Browsing the internet portably full screen without a laptop’s boot up time. -
-Light or occasional readying (less than 30mins at a pop) of ebooks, reference books, or emagazines.
-Multimedia (itunes or movies) while you travel and don't want to buy pay per view at the hotel.
-Self conscious metrosexuals sitting around coffee shops pathetically attempting to look hip and trendy.
So I feel the Nook and Kindle are in no danger from the ipad any more than the DSi or PSP.
JMHO.
~Duncan
http://www.itworld.com/tech-amp-society/111655/dedicated-e-readers-theyre-history
As many of you know I have been scoping out various ebook readers including checking out the ipad as a birthday present to myself. After checking out the Nook (the one I'll be buying), Kindle, and ipad I can honestly say this guy is just wrong in his conclusions.
The ipad will no-more replace a portable dedicated ebook reader (Nook) any more than it will replace a dedicated hand held gaming system (Nintendo DSi) or a dedicated MP3 player. Any more than my cell phone camera will replace a real digital SLR.
In a small way he is correct. Current electronics trends indicate that every portable device (cell phone, gaming system (DSi and PSP), ebook reader (Nook), etc.) will have some form of internet access and mp3 player built in. The Nook already has both of these. So it's not really a 'dedicated' ebook reader in the technical sense of the term. However it is the Nook’s primary function.
What this gent fails to keep in mind is a term called 'Use Model'. I.E. does the device fit the bill from a standard usage and end user comfort angle.
For example:
-Technically I can read ebook files and watch movies on my modified Nintendo DS Lite that is 1/3rd the size of the Nook and 1/6 the size of an ipad. However the tiny screen does not lend itself well to either of these to spite the device being capable of performing these tasks.
-Similarly, the Nook has an MP3 player, but it's not something you would strap to your arm while you were jogging. It has a web browser, convenient for checking email on the go. But for anything more complicated webwise, by the time you’re done scrolling around the color LCD, you could go to your dedicated home/office PC and browse the web properly.
..Such things are 'Bonus perks' of the devices. The hardware is there to do them, so through in the software to do so standard as an optional use.
This brings us to the ipad: Can it play MP3's? Yes, but again, it's not something you would strap to your arm while you were jogging. Can it display ebooks? Yes, but you’re going to be seeing white spots in your vision for days if you read for over an hour.
So, what good is the ipad? What is its "Use model"?
-Browsing the internet portably full screen without a laptop’s boot up time. -
-Light or occasional readying (less than 30mins at a pop) of ebooks, reference books, or emagazines.
-Multimedia (itunes or movies) while you travel and don't want to buy pay per view at the hotel.
-Self conscious metrosexuals sitting around coffee shops pathetically attempting to look hip and trendy.
So I feel the Nook and Kindle are in no danger from the ipad any more than the DSi or PSP.
JMHO.
~Duncan