Re: eBooks are poised to fail, just like DIVX
- From: Charles Hall <chall@[redacted]>
- Subject: Re: eBooks are poised to fail, just like DIVX
- Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2001 13:44:29 -0500 (EST)
On Tue, 13 Mar 2001, Michael S. Hart wrote:
> "Dedicated" devices, such as dedicated word processors, PDAs, calculators,
> and all sorts of things like that can only have a price range that is less
> than the comparable full range computer that can do the same thing. . . .
I would have to disagree. I just bought an MP3 "reciever" from Dell, and
an MP3 car radio from Aiwa. I'd say the era of dedicated devices has just
begun.
Amongst other reasons, the prices on PC's and laptops have been stuck at
their current levels for years. Tons of features, yes, but no cheapos.
Secondly, after recently trying to use a glorified PDA (Franklin's
eBookMan) I came to REALLY appreciate the superb ergonomics of my
Nuvomedia Rocketbook. For example, I can hold it in one hand with the
"next page" buttons strategically placed so a thumb can hit them. The
screen is ample sized for an eBook, but would be much too small for a
laptop.
The requirements in theory are similar, but in practice they are different
... IF the pricing makes sense.
Charles Hall
Raleigh, NC