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Are e-readers the modern equivalent of the harpsichord? Sales have plunged as consumers decide...
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Monday, October 29, 2012, 10:41 AM ETAre e-readers the modern equivalent of the harpsichord? Sales have plunged as consumers decide reading e-books on a tablet is an acceptable alternative: a Pew survey found less than 1/4 of Americans under 30 who read e-books do so using an e-reader, and IHS iSuppli recently cut its 2014 shipment forecast by 2/3. Amazon (AMZN) and Barnes & Noble (BKS) are counting on front-lit devices such as the Kindle Paperwhite and Nook Glowlight to prop up demand - the Paperwhite is off to a good start.
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Anyway, back to the story above: I would never buy an e-reader because I would rather own a tablet that performs the same function and more. I don't know if 100% of my fellow North Americans will eventually conclude the same thing, but I'm guessing more than 75% will.
The whole problem stems from the fact that you are in effect staring at light bulbs for a long time.
Reading on e-ink is pure pleasure by comparison.
E-ink may not grow too much (unless they really innovate with faster refresh and better color e-ink screens), but will remain a solid niche player for the older generation.
I seriously believe there is an underserved market for larger screen e-ink devices such as 9.7 and higher(after Kindle DX was shut down, only a few minor players remain) and above that is being held back slow moving e-ink research and fast moving tablet market.
Companies must think, why invest uncertain RnD money in clunky e-readers, when tablets are selling like hotcakes.