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If there existed, and I could afford, a device like the iPad (a tablet), with the Kindle software, an electronic paper screen (something like Pixel Qi), and was
by astine 16y ago
If there existed, and I could afford, a device like the iPad (a tablet), with the Kindle software, an electronic paper screen (something like Pixel Qi), and was substantially lighter than the iPad, I would have no reason to own a Kindle over it.
The only reasons I can think of to buy a Kindle in addition or instead of this device would be:
1. I couldn't afford the device, but could afford a Kindle, and read enough to justify buying one.
2. I was rich enough to wan't something like a Kindle in every room, or one in my office and another at home, so Ididin't have to worry about keeping it with me.
3. I saw the fact that the Kindle only allowed me to read books as an advantage which helped me to focus and avoid distractions.
- mattmaroon 16y agoThe good news for Amazon is that such a device won't exist at an affordable price point for years. Color e-ink might be on its way in the relatively near future, and at reasonable pricing in the mid term, but with refresh rates fast enough to play games and watch video on (and really that's what the iPad is for) at reasonable pricing is farther away than any sane business plans for. Also when it does exist Amazon won't care, so long as you buy your books on it through them.
- jacobolus 16y agoYou’ll notice he said “something like Pixel Qi”. Mary Lou’s first such screens were designed for the OLPC laptops – IOW, cheap cheap cheap – and I would imagine future Pixel Qi screens will be quite cost competitive.
- angstrom 16y agoMirasol seems very close, but I haven't seen any price points yet: http://www.mirasoldisplays.com/sid-2010 http://www.mirasoldisplays.com/sid-2010 http://www.mirasoldisplays.com/publisher http://www.mirasoldisplays.com/publisher
- patrickgzill 16y agoDepends on whether or not PixelQi and others are able to deliver such a display based on LCD technology. Economies of scale for LCD as found in laptops, tablets, TVs, etc. are huge, vs. the relatively tiny market for e-paper / e-ink. If (currently a big "if") a decent reader-like display can be made from LCD, the market will quickly shift to it based on cost alone.
- zalew 16y agoFrankly I don't get comparisons of Kindle to tablet PCs. Kindle is a replacement for publications printed on paper, not portable computers. I will buy it because I grew up to a point where I can't stand paper waste, and because it's 'books with ctrl+F'. Personally I don't want Kindle to be bloated with netbook functionality (partially because of your point 3), however an email client will be nice.
- sjs382 16y ago> I saw the fact that the Kindle only allowed me to read books as an advantage which helped me to focus and avoid distractions. I cant believe more people don't see this as an advantage.