Ever since iPad was released, there are murmurs about the eventual death of specialized ebook readers. Already, we saw some of the much hyped ebook readers going down the drain. With the release of iPad, people are slowly realizing the usefulness of multifunction devices over specialized devices just for reading ebooks. The e-Ink technology of ebook readers are great for the eyes. Even with this advantage, ebook readers are failing because- The cost is too much for a single function device
- They are seeing the advantage of a multifunction tablets like iPad and these ebook readers pales in comparison to what one can do with such devices. Even though the makers of ebook readers are trying to add additional functionality to the readers, like the browser in Nook, they are pathetic at the best. With a device like iPad, one could go well beyond simple book reading to entertainment, web browsing, work related tasks, etc.. There is no way ebook readers can beat these multifunction tablet devices
- Though it is not important, reading ebooks with such ebook readers on the bed is a pain. Managing a booklight along with such readers while lying down in the comfort of one’s bed is a big pain
Ever since iPad came out, we saw Amazon and Barnes and Noble cutting the prices of their ebook readers. According to PC World, Sony has joined the price cutting game.
Sony dropped the price of its cheapest model, the Reader Pocket Edition, from $170 to $150, the second price cut after an earlier $30 drop in April. The Touch Edition Reader is now $170, cut from $200, and the high-end 3G Daily Edition Sony Reader is down from $350 to $300.
I think this is just a beginning of the price wars. It is going to get ugly with some big disappointments. In my opinion, it is time for Amazon and B&N’s to give away these ebook readers for free and focus on selling ebooks. Already they have a great strategy for the iPads, iPhones and Android devices of the world. They just have to focus on selling ebooks rather than spend their resources on device making.
What do you think? Do you think the days of single function devices like ebook readers and GPS are numbered? Are you personally comfortable with ebook readers or iPad kind of devices for book reading. I would like to hear from the readers of Cloud Ave.
Of late, I have been contemplating an e- book reader. iPad seems to be a trifle too expensive for just an e-reader and I am also not sure if it would be convenient because of the rather large size of the screen. Given the reduction in prices, particularly for Sony reader and Nook, both of which use non- proprietary protocols (unlike the Kindle)they would seem like a better investment.