Defending Dedicated eBook Readers

Lots of people are questioning whether the burgeoning eBook reader market is viable. They wonder whether the iPhone, Android phones, the rumored Apple tablet, and other multi-function “Swiss Army” devices will make dedicated eBook readers irrelevant. The answer is: yes, but not for awhile.

A Kindle 2 from Amazon or a Barnes & Noble Nook can be had for $259 and prices are falling pretty fast. They come with free cellular networking. They can get 10-14 days worth of non-network use on a single charge. They aren’t backlit or reflective, making them easy on the eyes. Their screens are larger than phone screens and thus easier to read on. That’s a pretty impressive feature list for someone who’s an avid reader.

To quote the mantra, the best camera is the one you have with you. Well, the best eBook reader is the one you have with you too. (I enjoy Kindle for iPhone on the go as much as anyone.) But, many people can easily have dedicated eBook readers with them at home, school, work, vacation, etc. And, the reasons listed above make a dedicated device better for some people at this point in time than an iPhone or the rumored tablet.

Those devices already have color screens for future eComics and glossy eMagazines going for them (along with their multi-functionality). Over time, they will likely improve regarding cost, battery life, and reading comfort. But, that may take years and dedicated eBook readers will be useful to many consumers until then.

In the meantime, eBook reader manufacturers won’t be standing still. Their dedicated devices will get cheaper and may gain 256 shades of gray or even some level of color. That could extend the usefulness of eBook readers further. Time will tell.