Do eBook Reader’s Have Staying Power?

eBook readers such as the Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader have become very popular in the past couple years. Since consumers are spending so much of their time online, it is only natural that they are wanting to access more and more of their goods and services electronically. The music industry decided to go digital with iTunes and mp3 players, and many other industries are following in their footsteps. However, will these electronic readers have staying power? There are many pros and cons that help determine whether digital readers will last.

The Pro’s

There are several features and functions that eBook readers currently offer that make them a wonderful convenience to many consumers. Digital readers are lightweight, most weighing around 10 ounces, and can easily fit into a pocket, purse, or bag.

The resolution on the screens of these readers is designed to be viewed just like the pages of the book, so that the image can be viewed from any angle. If you need to have access to many books on a daily basis, or if you read a variety of magazines and newspapers, the eBook readers can be extremely helpful to you. Instead of a bag full of books, you can carry just the reader around for easy access wherever you go.

Most digital readers are compatible with every eBook format, so only one reader will need to be purchased in order to view the books you download. There is no more waiting for a book to be in stock, or ship to your home, eBooks can be downloaded instantly from the comfort of your home.

The Con’s

There are a few drawbacks to digital readers that could limit their popularity. One of the biggest problems with them at this point in time, is their cost. The Sony Reader is just under $400 and the recently released Amazon Kindle 2 is priced at $359. Most consumers are not willing to drop this kind of money on a simple reader. However, over time it could potentially save them much more than that considering the price of ebooks are about half of their paper-filled brethren.

Another minor drawback is the fact that these readers run on batteries. Granted, the latest ebook readers have a very long battery life but this is something you don’t have to worry about with traditional books.

Even with the drawbacks that eBook readers currently have, and the primary drawback being price, it is only a matter of time before they become more affordable. When this happens, eBook readers do have the potential to improve the lives of many more consumers, and may very well become the gadget that everyone has – like cell phones!