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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Read More: Reading, Technology, eBooks
They have some tablet PCs that can do the net and other such things as it’s being considered media tablets and netbook tablets.
I think one thing about them and that’s they should be able to handle pdfs better because they can use software like Foxit. And you can also read comic books. As it is though, I like my grayscale books only reader just fine. Phones just feel too small.
Hi Xerxes! Thank you for your comment!
I agree that ebook readers need to handle PDFs a lot better, and for many, being able to read comics (in color) would be a dream come true.
Reader ebooks on phones can be a problem for many because of the small screen. While I love reading on my iPhone, and I’ve read many books on it, I can only read in short bursts because of the small screen.
I was watching a video on youtube, and the Barnes and Noble man summed it up pretty good. Iphone, other phones, handhelds work great for those short reads when your in like a doctors office waiting. But you wouldn’t want to kill your battery and the screens are small.
I think MID(mobile internet devices) and tablet PC will make they’re way for people who don’t suffer from eye strain, and then hopefully our beloved eink devices become quicker, and can do touch without the glare, all while maintaining nice crisp look. Sony tried with 600, but everyone seems to dislike the contrast.
I actually wonder if they discontinued the 505 too early. From a business stand point, you want people to drop the subject and move on. But at $249, it would still be a mighty answer to the new lower priced Kindle. It also fits perfectly in between the 300 and the 600.