Kindle Conundrum: The E-Reader Frenzy : Kindle 2
|
Availability: February 24 2009 Amazon began shipping its long-awaited Kindle 2 electronic reader last week, and with it came the usual outcry from the publishing industry and readers in general: “What will happen to books? Don’t people like to turn pages? This gizmo costs way too much money!” This newer Kindle is slimmer, holds more storage capacity and battery life, and can read you to sleep, all for $359 plus the cost of, well, reading material. A cheaper student-oriented version could be in the works. It is “Read Across America” week, an event inspired by Dr. Seuss. In schools across the country, students are being subjected to class visits from various notable community members who will read them stories and tout the virtues of books. With this in mind, we thought it was the right time to take a look at the burgeoning crop of electronic reading devices currently making their way to market to compete with Amazon’s Kindle. Do these forthcoming offerings spell doom for the book industry? For Amazon’s Kindle? You tell us. |
|
Calling an iPhone a "Free" eBook reader is a little wrong isn't it? The application may be free, but the device/bandwidth is anything but free. Also, if we're including applications that work with existing devices, the most common and widespread device that people read on the road with is still laptops. And the same out-of-copyright books that are available with any of the applications or eBooks devices as "free" books are the same that are available to any person with an internet connection.
Indeed, any of the dozens of Tablet PCs on the market are a more full-featured, expensive alternative, albeit with a much shorter battery life.
I agree with Sergej about the iPhone. Paying $400 for the phone + $80+ a month for phone service doesn't make anything on the iPhone free. Remember you get free 3G (for downloading books) on the Kindle for the one-time $399. The G1 has a similar app that connects to Google's book service for out-of-copyright books.
Also, I read in a review of the Sony e-book reader about how the film they apply to allow touch-sensitivety dulls the eInk screen, making it less crisp and defined (and probably adding to the glare people were complaining about). Touchscreens have their place, but a touch-pad and cursor would probably be better for most of these devices. What would you be touching on 90% of the screen anyway?
Calling an iPhone a "Free" eBook reader is a little wrong isn't it? The application may be free, but the device/bandwidth is anything but free. Also, if we're including applications that work with existing devices, the most common and widespread device that people read on the road with is still laptops. And the same out-of-copyright books that are available with any of the applications or eBooks devices as "free" books are the same that are available to any person with an internet connection.Indeed, any of the dozens of Tablet PCs on the market are a more full-featured, expensive alternative, albeit with a much shorter battery life.
Sergej,
You make a good point. Nobody should assume, "Oh, I own an iPhone anyway, so I might as well turn it in to a e-reader." Of course, not everybody owns an iPhone--many more people own laptops. However, for people who DO already own iPhones, there is no extra cost associated with installing the Stanza application. Stanza can also work on a laptop, which could turn any laptop into a dedicated e-reader as well. However, I think we can all agree that size and weight partially contribute to the definition of "e-reader." The iPhone being one of the smallest devices to be used for reading, while the majority of e-readers are book-sized (laptops are decidedly larger).
Thanks,
Rachel Rosmarin, Editor of Tom's Guide
Cheapest way to get Stanza is to buy an ipod touch for $230. Wait a month for the Nintendo DSi and you can get an ebook reader, all the same features, and more for $170.
I usually read ebook on a very old iPaq using uBook (www.gowerpoint.com). I have been doing it for about 8 years and I am amazed that dedicated reader still costs this much... I mean, 8 year ago, when pocket pc devices were still a novelty I bought my flaming new iPaq for less money!!!
The software is very complete and lightwheight (and cheap) and you can find a decent pocket pc device for very little money (less than 150€). It does also work on Windows Mobile. I am surprised that this option is not mentioned (as I personally find it the best).
I usually read ebook on a very old iPaq using uBook (www.gowerpoint.com). I have been doing it for about 8 years and I am amazed that dedicated reader still costs this much... I mean, 8 year ago, when pocket pc devices were still a novelty I bought my flaming new iPaq for less money!!!The software is very complete and lightwheight (and cheap) and you can find a decent pocket pc device for very little money (less than 150€). It does also work on Windows Mobile. I am surprised that this option is not mentioned (as I personally find it the best).
My guess is that the biggest weakness your device shows in the face of modern e-readers is its lack of wireless connectivity for on-the-go book purchasing. You'd be surprised at how many people find this feature to be the killer app of the current e-reader trend.
you missed this one
http://reader.txtr.com/