Are e-readers still too underdeveloped to be worthwhile?

dwhite

Get the kindle app for your iphone, then you get access to all the books in the kindle store.

Bl4ckGryph0n

If all you want to do is read normal books with no pictures or diagrams I would definitely prefer an e-reader over books. I used to have a Sony PRS-600 and there is just no denying on how good the text looks on the screen. The size is minute and you can take lots of books with you.

But, in my opinion ofcourse, that is where it stops. I was hoping to be able to read contracts that take 10k  pages and have diagrams etc in it, or reference manuals instead of carrying them around. But the problem to me for that kind of useage as an e-reader was not a great experience, the screen is not big enough to display a full page A4 to read comfortably. When you zoom in you loose the graphics and get the accesibility tags.

So for me, for novels and the like most definitely, but for anything more demanding just get an iPad and sit underneath that umbrella to protect your skin whilst reading outside

FZR400RRSP

I don't agree at all, I've bought quite a few books just to read on my iphone.

GasDad

So get a Kindle DX

Bl4ckGryph0n

Wasn't out at the time, since then the iPad has come around and totally taken that market. The DX looks interesting and if we didn't have the iPad and soon TouchPad, Playbook and Xoon I'd definitely buy it. For me, too little too late.

Pecker

I appreciate the limitations you mention, but I feel they are not relevant for most people.

The vast majority of potential purchasers will use the Kindle to read novels rather than contracts.  To knock the Kindle for limitations with diagrams is a bit like saying a Mercedes CL is a poor car because you can't fit a cow in the back to take to market.

Judging e-readers as devices on which to read novels, the Kindle is still way ahead of the competition, but I appreciate that there may occasionally be people requiring further functionality.

Steve W

kav

Not to mention the price difference - iPads are 5-7 times the price of a Kindle, so an easy decision if your main intention is reading.

Bl4ckGryph0n

Didn't I qualify my response by stating in my first sentence that if all you want to do is read novel I would prefer an e-Reader too?

Just like to ensure that people are well informed as on the specific e-reading forums the questions came up time and time again on how people can convert their own PDF and read it properly.

Pecker

Good points, well made.



Steve W

mc2705

I have had my Kindle for a few weeks now and am loving it.  I thought I would miss the "feel" of a real book but it doesn't take long to get used to the Kindle.  And being able to carry thousands (potentially ) of books on holiday is going to be great.