Technology - a solution looking for a problem
Technology is a wonderful thing. It can simplify our daily tasks while enriching our lives. Unfortunately sometimes technology is trying to fix something that isn't broken. Take e-readers for example. They are touted to replace books and newspapers if you believe in the hype. Unfortunately there are some significant problems that will stop them from becoming mainstream in the foreseeable future.
Some e-readers allow you to browse the web, watch video and listen to songs. But are they just a solution looking for a problem?
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1 - Price
The initial investment can be quite pricey but the cheap books pay for themselves after a while don't they? Interestingly it depends on which e-reader you decide to purchase. There can be quite a price difference for the same book between the different e-readers. It can be argued that it is still cheaper than purchasing a paperback version. This may be true but if all you were interested in was the price then going to the library is cheaper still.
But more importantly you are buying into the technology. What happens if the latest novel from your favorite author isn't available for your platform? Do you then have to go out and buy a paperback copy of it?
2 - They are fragile
Although the manufacturers will claim that they are robust they are certainly not as robust as a paperback book. While a book will quite happily survive a drop onto concrete an e-reader will not. Your expensive investment could end up lying shattered on the pavement. Don't think of leaving on the sofa either as it's unlikely to survive being accidently sat on.
The other issue is how long are they designed to last for? A properly cared for book will last for years but can you see your existing e-reader lasting ten years? Or will you have to upgrade it to keep with advances in technology.
3 - Ergonomic issues
If you are turning a page in a book there is something satisfying and natural about it. However clicking a button to perform the same action just doesn't seem quite right. Even the latest ones which provide touch sensitive screens so that you can "turn" the page still lack the sensory feedback of turning an actual page.
4 - Are they comfortable?
Imagine curling up in bed with a good book at the end of a hard day. It's late at night, pouring with rain and you are enjoying a glass of wine with it. Now imagine that instead of holding a book you are holding a cold hard lump of plastic. It's just not the same. There is also the problem of staring at a screen for an extended period of time. Most people will agree that reading from a sheet of paper is easier on the eyes than reading from a computer screen.
5 - Size problems
Paperbacks can be quite small and compact however the majority of e-readers tend to be larger and bulkier. As they have to account for all user tastes and books formats they need to be of a reasonable size.
Conclusion
Unlike a normal paperback there are added worries regarding e-readers. Are the batteries fully charged? We need to be more careful of them because they are so expensive. What about backing up the e-books that you have downloaded? For some people e-readers are a useful alternative to the paperback book. However for the majority of people it would be an expensive toy that they probably would regret buying.
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