Ebooks Are Just Not Good Enough
Posted on Jun 27, 08 12:21 PM PDT
Piper Jaffray & Company have conducted a limited internet survey (344 respondents) that concluded that roughly two-thirds would not buy an e-book, even if the price was low. Although any limited survey has to be interpreted with caution, this is not surprising by any means. The bottom line is that the perceived goal of e-books, which is emulating the paper reading experience, is far from being fulfilled. It is true. Additionally, content has not yet reached a critical mass and the delivery system is still primitive. What can be done now is to expose as much consumers as possible to current e-books because the idea of “electronic paper” is really cool, but we need color, better resolution, better design, better content…
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Legacy Comments
By vv , 30/06/08 1:20 AM (CommentID #754793)
I supposed the blurb at the top of the page is a bit confused about whether it’s the state of technology or the state of awareness about technology that is holding epaper back. Not being familiar with the details of the survey, I would wonder how many respondents actually tried any of the current crop of eink readers. The technology certainly has a long way to go, but from my personal experience it seems good enough for mass adoption. So my guess is it’s the latter that is the problem with ebooks.
By Hubert , 29/06/08 10:24 PM (CommentID #754562)
Hi vv, I don't think that anyone argues that ebooks "will not" catch on. On my end at least, I'm making the argument that the eBook user experience is not "good enough" to spur mass adoption. Arguably, while mp3 has existed for years, the iTunes/ipod pair (the delivery system and the device) represent the point where "mass adoption" happened, although we can always argue what mass adoption is...
By vv , 29/06/08 7:32 PM (CommentID #754308)
I remember record companies arguing that mp3 will never catch on using similar dodgy surveys. I have been using a einc reader for a year and while I do enjoy the feel of a paper book more, I will never go back simply because of convenience. Most people simply do not have first hand experience with the technology. Just give it 2-3 years. Also, perhaps unfortunately, just like with mp3s, piracy will likely drive ebooks adoption at least at the beginning. Its already possible to get full libraries as torrents.
By Hubert , 28/06/08 9:13 AM (CommentID #750998)
Hi Mohan (CommentID #750209), I agree that eBooks could lead to using less paper. According to the study, this is not really a matter of price, even if you and Diablo (CommentID #750226) mention it as an important factor (it certainly is). There is not a real “desire” to get eBooks, and I was trying to say why in this post. Eventually e-Paper has the potential to revolutionize the world, but unfortunately, we are not there yet.
By diablo , 27/06/08 7:10 PM (CommentID #750226)
My problems with the current eBook readers are the price is too high, they are clunky and awkward. Give me something the size of a legal pad with the e-ink technology for around 150, with some form of stylus input, and I'm sold.
By Mohan , 27/06/08 6:42 PM (CommentID #750209)
e-books are one of the best way to have a paper-less world... And if the price of the e-book readers that was shown in the pic is low, then forcing ppl to use tht can also be made to ensure protecting NATURE.
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