I don’t own an eReader, I’ve never used an eReader, and I won’t be buying an eReader any time in the foreseeable future. Don’t get me wrong – I really thought I wanted one of these handy little portable devices – but I’m completely fed up with that whole industry. Why? Well, where do I start…?
There are way too many eReaders currently on the market: Amazon Kindle, Sony, Barnes & Noble, COOL-ER, Cybook Opus, BeBook, Foxit, LG, etc.
There is no need for so many different eReaders on the market. They can’t possibly all survive, which means there will be people stuck with useless devices that they won’t be able to get any accessories for. Then there’s the issue of eBook availability for the various devices. Read more on the glut of eReaders here and here.
The prices for these dedicated devices are outrageous.
Yes, I know there are some dirt cheap models on the market – good luck finding eBooks for them unless you like pirating. Take a look at the cost of the big name eReaders with the most features – you can just about buy a laptop for that kind of money!
First, I’ll believe it when I see it. Second, I am never going to spend $700, $800, $900 or more just so I can instantly download and read books and magazines on Apple’s latest (yet to be seen) gadget. So, we’re just supposed to wait, holding our breath for this? I don’t think so.
Some companies with eBook readers make it impossible for non-American customers.
The Amazon Kindle eReader device just recently became available in Canada where I reside. There is still some question about the availability of some of Amazon’s eBooks for Canadians. So why would I buy a Kindle? Then there’s Barnes & Noble. I won’t be buying a Nook. In fact, this is Why I won’t buy from Barnes & Noble period.
Conclusion
Here’s my plan: I’m not going to buy an eReader. And I’m not going to get in line for the iSlate either. I made up my mind quite some time ago that I no longer have the space for any more physical books, but I still want to satisfy my need for reading. Therefore, eBooks became my solution.
Instead, I’m going to hold out for a netbook. Why? Versatility combined with price, plus the size and weight are an acceptable compromise for me. Here’s someone else who totally agrees: Why I Choose a Netbook over a Dedicated Ebook Reader. If I’m going to spend a good chunk of change anyway, I want a device that’s actually going to give me value for my dollar.
This is just a personal choice of mine, but I refuse to spend money at a company that is this stupid.
Case in point: In early December I tried to buy an eBook (for reading on my computer) from B&N’s online store, only to be met with a message stating that this book was not available for my geographic location. Huh? I then went to Sony’s online eBook store, found the identical eBook, paid for it and downloaded it immediately.
So, I emailed B&N that day and got this reply on December 14, 2009 — a few days later (emphasis mine):
Because selling eBooks to international customers involves issues regarding international copyright laws, tariffs, VAT taxes, currency conversions, etc., only US residents are able to purchase eBooks on the Barnes & Noble website at this time. Our customers in Canada will be able to purchase eBooks on our website starting December 1. So when did you try to order a e-book due to you are now able to download e-books while in Canada?
It appears that most of that response was a standard form letter, but note the last sentence: So when did you try to order a e-book due to you are now able to download e-books while in Canada?
I did not respond to that question because a) I made it clear in my email the date I tried to order, and b) that sentence is so poorly written it is clear I would be wasting my time trying to straighten that woman out.
Here’s a suggestion for Barnes & Noble: You obviously have taken the time to produce well-written form letters to provide a response to many potential questions. Don’t let customer service people adlib unless they are able to correspond more coherently. It does not help your image.
I thought I wanted to try the Nook; now I see that would have been a mistake. I would have had difficulty ordering eBooks from B&N – all because I happen to live in Canada.
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