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eBooks - the future of the eInk?
imagegrill
08-02-2010
As an experiment I loaded an eBook reader onto my phone at the weekend . Why? Because I wanted t see if the backlit really is a problem with eye strain and because I think eInk technology is flawed.
Ok, so I used mobipocket on my N97. It officially does not support touch screen devices (and not likely too but I was able to read a book I have, successfully and easily. by dimming the back light as much as possible is was fine for a couple of hours (could have gone on longer).
I then found ZXReader, a Russian developed reader which only supports FB2 format but is very configurable. It allows different backbrough colours and independent screen dimming. This was great and really worked.

Why is eInk flawed? Well, not everyone will want a dedicated eBook reader. Convergence is key and the ability to play music (already happening ) and video will be necessary for continued sales as well as the ability to use the internet.
I have a Sony PRS 600. It is stated that it can do 7500 page turns on a single charge (yeah right!). Lets suppose it could refresh the screen in 1/25th of a second rather than the 1 second it currently takes. That would mean the ability to play on 5 mins of video! They are also not in colour yet (though Fuji do have some in Japan = expensive!).

What I need is a phone with a big, pull out screen of some sort! Maybe something like an N97, but instead of a keyboard they is a second screen (which could be a virtual keypad). I fit was hinged to lie flat that would work. Time will tell what happens.

Whatever it is, to me it is clear that the tablet PC would easily support eBook reading for long durations.
Alcdrew
08-02-2010
Originally Posted by imagegrill:
“Why is eInk flawed? Well, not everyone will want a dedicated eBook reader.”

Do you think books are flawed in the same way? After all a book is a dedicated book reader, and stuck to one book at that...

Originally Posted by imagegrill:
“Whatever it is, to me it is clear that the tablet PC would easily support eBook reading for long durations.”

Although I agree in principal to this, tablet PC's would have to get a lot lighter, it'd always be like reading a hard back copy of war and peace otherwise. And personally I'm still not totally convinced as I'd like a A4 tablet but A5 eBook.
John_Elway
08-02-2010
You may not have a problem with reading books on a lit screen, but I do after some time. I have a Sony 505 and use it as I would a book. Except it's a lot lighter and less bulky that books. The battery life is an advantage all by itself compared to anything else, I charge miney about once every six weeks and use it every day.

e-ink for me.
weateallthepies
08-02-2010
Bistable e-ink screens allow for much longer battery life and I think that's the major selling point for me.

I can read of backlit screens though I prefer reflected lighting but nothing with a backlit screen can yet give the sort of battery life a bistable e-ink screen can.
IvanIV
08-02-2010
I checked available readers and they are quite expensive for a one-purpose device. I can see that people would rather go for something not so optimal for reading, but with an additional functionality.
John_Elway
08-02-2010
Originally Posted by IvanIV:
“I checked available readers and they are quite expensive for a one-purpose device. I can see that people would rather go for something not so optimal for reading, but with an additional functionality.”

Not for me. That's like saying there's no point in having a watch because your mobile phone has a clock.

For me an ebook reader replaces a book, (well, lots of books ) and nothing more.

Before I had one, I did used to think there was no point, but that was over a year ago and I'd never replace it with anything.
IvanIV
08-02-2010
Originally Posted by John_Elway:
“Not for me. That's like saying there's no point in having a watch because your mobile phone has a clock.

For me an ebook reader replaces a book, (well, lots of books ) and nothing more.

Before I had one, I did used to think there was no point, but that was over a year ago and I'd never replace it with anything.”

I still prefer paper books so it won't be my problem any time soon, but it depends on what people expect from a book reader. If they are after the best quality or if they want money well spent. Then the new apple (and perhaps google) tablet can be a serious competition.
John_Elway
08-02-2010
I can't be doing with a backlit screen for long-term reading, plus even a 10hr battery life is no good in comparison. I have a macbook pro which isn't that different in size. I think they're just selling it with every angle they can. And as usual, you're locked into buying from them only.
Gooby
08-02-2010
I think for people who read a lot (4-5 books a week minimum) then an ereader is worth every penny even as a single purpose device. I think there are enough of us out there to create a market.
Add in all those commuters who use them instead of carrying books/newspapers/magazines with them and also those who MUST buy the latest gadget then it a fairly big market.

The point about the backlight and the battery life is incredibly important for people who read lots.

I got my Kindle at New Year and I have used it at least two hours every day. I read at night, I download my newspapers and I listen to audio books/music on it.

Mind you - I don't have an iphone, ipod, mp3 player or a smart phone. I just have a laptop, Kindle and a blackberry. They cover all my work/leisure needs.
John_Elway
08-02-2010
Me too Gooby, cept I don't have an "iphone"... but I have a Kindle equivalent as I said. Glad you're enjoying yours too.
imagegrill
08-02-2010
Quote:
“Do you think books are flawed in the same way? After all a book is a dedicated book reader, and stuck to one book at that”

ah, but a traditional book cannot be anything else. When something becomes an electronic device then it can often do multiple jobs, especially given the price.

Quote:
“Not for me. That's like saying there's no point in having a watch because your mobile phone has a clock.”

Haven't worn a watch for a couple of years now, precisely because I carry my phone in my pocket all the time.

Anyway, obviously different people have different tolerance levels with back lit screens. I only started thinking about why that would be last week when I realised I spend 8 hours a day at work in front of a monitor and a few hours most evening in front of the my PC at home. I have never suffered from eye strain.

Curious how you get 6 weeks from a Sony 505. I had one previously and could get 2 -3 weeks on a good stretch out of it. With the 600 I am lucky if I get 2 weeks. Do you do a deep switch off or put it on standby? I am always putting it on stand by.

Don't get me wrong, I love my eBook reader - just wondering what the future of them will be if the tablet things take off......
I know I won;t be buying an iPad though, I will not be locked into the iStore. I like the option of being able to crack the DRM. Thank goodness for python scripts with ePub
Gooby
09-02-2010
Although I have never been seduced by any 'must have' gadget I have been very impressed with the latest google gadgets. I have been loyal to Blackberry for the past 5 years but I once the Nexus phone is available over here on a contract basis I will be sorely tempted.
I have also been impressed with the google tablet which is only a concept stage. I think I will be very tempted to finally move properly into the gadget market with one of those. So long as it has good connectivity to other devices I think I can justify it to myself!
BUT - it will never replace my Kindle - if I want to read I need an e-reader - eInk technology is a non-negotiable.
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