Should ebook readers be multifunctional?
When a new ebook reader hits the market, or I browse through forums, blogs, comments and the general discourse about ebook readers, there is a small undercurrent that I find interesting: People want ebook readers to have more functionality than just reading ebooks. At the very least, most want to browse the internet. Let’s also not forget that many readers today are able to play MP3s as well.
In favor of single-use ebook readers
What do I look for in a reader? One that lets me read ebooks. I don’t want to browse the internet or even listen to music (MP3s take up precious space on devices that typically don’t have a lot of memory). I want to be able to read without distractions. Life is already filled with distractions. It’s hard to get stuff done with the internet always tempting me, or that good television show that’s about to start.
Even people who hate ebooks in favor of print books will probably agree with me on this. Print books don’t give you any of that extra functionality. They are made and designed for one task: Reading!
In favor of multi-use devices
I own an iPhone and I read ebooks on it. I think it’s great to be able to carry one device that allows me to listen to music, browse the net, make phone calls, check email, watch movies an so forth. It is really handy to have in the waiting room at the doctor’s office and standing in long lines at the grocery store.
I’m not against gadgets that can do more than one thing. But the difference is that I really don’t do any deep reading on my iPhone. I usually read short fiction or something fun. For novels and other lengthy works, I turn to my Sony Pocket Edition Reader.
In closing, when I use or buy an ebook reader, I want it to do just that – read ebooks. Any other features are just distractions to me.
Do you prefer dedicated ebook readers (like me) or multifunctional devices like the iPhone? Share your opinion in the comments below!
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