E-readers "must change or face extinction"

At last!

'
The only solution, Byrne believes, is a much cheaper, more basic reader that doesn't go head to head with flashier hardware. “E-readers will have to go with a cut down version at around £100 or less if they are to keep a place in the market,” he said.'

YES! SONY, Amazon and whoever else, please listen to this man. That's exactly what I've been waiting for since the eBook readers' day one.

By Josefov on 27 May 2010

I think smartphones are the real competition, not ipads and netbooks.

That said, whilst bigger screens, clearer screens, lighter cases and whatnot will influence my future ereader purchases, I would still pick an ereader over the flashier alternatives.

I like reading books on my HTC Desire, it's brilliant when I am out and about, but laying in bed, it's the Sony e-reader I reach for. It is easy on the eye and brilliantly readable, plus doesn't need to be charged every week, let alone every day.
All singing, all dancing devices are exciting, but I'd rather use a device that does something well, than a device that does a lot of things not so well.

By roadshowuk on 27 May 2010

He hasn't done a lot of homework

"Why buy an e-reader when for just a few pounds more you can buy an iPad.."

Because it has a READABLE eink screen.
Because the battery is still going after two weeks, not two chapters.
Because an iPad is NOT a few quid more, but several HUNDRED quid more. £16GB wifi iPad is £429, Sony PRS600S touchscreen reader, £219. Half the price!

And WHY would you want a eBook reader with a mobile contract? I suddenly decide half-way to Spain I forgot to buy a book? Really?

And under £100? Elonex make an LCD screen ebook for already. You can't read it outside, but it can browse the web and collect email as well as read books.

I'm quite happy with a non-phone non-web ebook, because I want a book to read, not juggle and make the tea.

By cheysuli on 27 May 2010

An I.diot

A LCD screen is so obviously terribly bad for prolonged reading only a masochistic would do it on a regular basis.

By JamesD29 on 27 May 2010

I agree that an eInk interface is much easier to read and the battery life is great. The best thing about eInk is that it is perfectly visible in direct sunlight. The analyst has missed these things.

What I don't understand is why these things are GSM enabled in the first place. Why not just connect them via bluetooth or wifi to the mobile phone. The phone would store all the ebooks and the ereader would just be an alternative display. Like this amazon and Sony don't have to care about negotiating with the operators. Am I missing something here?

Oh, and while we are discussing wishes, I would also like to have a LED light at the top that would illuminate the display in the dark.

By Macer71 on 28 May 2010

Sounds sensible.... but

“Why buy an e-reader when for just a few pounds more you can buy an iPad, tablet or netbook that has so much more functionality?”

True, but are the screens as comfortable to read for several hours?

I'm guessing not.

By Lacrobat on 28 May 2010

Why buy any of these when for a LOT less you can buy a BOOK

By ballem on 28 May 2010

I'm with ballem. On averge, you could buy twenty paperbacks for the price of one ebook reader. Admittedly, for some there are space issues, and ok, this might be where we're heading but these are expensive luxuries that are vastly outweighed by the tactile feel of a well printed book.

By bubbles16 on 28 May 2010

@ballen and bubbles16

I don't deny that a printed book is nice and will always be special. But the Kindle does have it's place. The kindle You can have your favorite newspaper delivered anywhere where you are... I also love mine becasue I can load it with all my study materials. It's like having a bookcase of books in your pocket that are easily accessible. Never before have I had some much refence material so easily available... and with no boot up time.

By Macer71 on 29 May 2010