I'm a big reader and love the idea of not toting around books. That said, the Kindle seems like way too much of a niche device. As mobile phones continue to increase their screen size and netbooks/umpc's become more common, the Kindle becomes less and less attractive. Do I really want another device to carry around just so I don't have to lug my books? Especially, when I can read those same books on a nice 3.5" high res screen (phone) or a 7" screen (netbook/umpc).
I think the Kindle with either go the way of PDA's or change dramatically to differentiate itself from other mobile hardware. No way will the Kindle survive at it's current price point and functionality over the next 4-5 years.
You don't seem to get it. Reading on a backlit screen is murder on the eyes. Ever try reading a novel on your LCD computer screen? It's eyeball rape.
This is where the e-reader comes in. You see, it has this thing called e-ink. It is almost indistinguishable from real print ink. In fact, if you've never seen an e-reader in action before I guarantee you'll attempt to try and rub the screen to see if it isn't actually printed paper. It is really that realistic looking.
As such, it makes reading as easy on your eyes as reading an actual book. The upside? You can carry around hundreds of books in that small of a package. It is also much easier to hold in many situations - in bed, on the can, in the tub (risky, but hey, live on the edge), in the car, on the bus, etc.
Besides that, LCD backlights suck up electricity like a hooker sucks.. well you know. E-Ink only requires energy to flip the page, so you're using very little electricity and thus the batteries can be quite small and last you for several thousand page flips. Can you say that about an LCD screen? Didn't think so!
Sony's just released a 15.5-inch addition to its VAIO S Series that not only adds a crucial bit of extra display acreage, but also bumps things up to a full 1080p.
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I'm a big reader and love the idea of not toting around books. That said, the Kindle seems like way too much of a niche device. As mobile phones continue to increase their screen size and netbooks/umpc's become more common, the Kindle becomes less and less attractive. Do I really want another device to carry around just so I don't have to lug my books? Especially, when I can read those same books on a nice 3.5" high res screen (phone) or a 7" screen (netbook/umpc).
I think the Kindle with either go the way of PDA's or change dramatically to differentiate itself from other mobile hardware. No way will the Kindle survive at it's current price point and functionality over the next 4-5 years.
You don't seem to get it. Reading on a backlit screen is murder on the eyes. Ever try reading a novel on your LCD computer screen? It's eyeball rape.
This is where the e-reader comes in. You see, it has this thing called e-ink. It is almost indistinguishable from real print ink. In fact, if you've never seen an e-reader in action before I guarantee you'll attempt to try and rub the screen to see if it isn't actually printed paper. It is really that realistic looking.
As such, it makes reading as easy on your eyes as reading an actual book. The upside? You can carry around hundreds of books in that small of a package. It is also much easier to hold in many situations - in bed, on the can, in the tub (risky, but hey, live on the edge), in the car, on the bus, etc.
Besides that, LCD backlights suck up electricity like a hooker sucks.. well you know. E-Ink only requires energy to flip the page, so you're using very little electricity and thus the batteries can be quite small and last you for several thousand page flips. Can you say that about an LCD screen? Didn't think so!
Having used all three, the Kindle is FAR superior to the other two devices for reading.