Tuesday October 13, 2009

The Kindle Can't Last

by Matt Donovan in Snippet

8 comments

It dismisses what is universally pleasing about reading – the sensuousness of the physical page. A devise worthy of replacing our books must improve upon the page, not sacrifice it.

Comments on “The Kindle Can't Last”

1. Jared Christensen said:

   MP3s are measurably inferior to CD quality sound. CDs lack the “warmth” of vinyl. Yet somehow compactness and portability have won over sound quality through the years. I think books will be around for a long time, but if history is any indication, electronic books — whether they be devices like the Kindle, or physical books with electronic ink pages (or something else) — will probably win.

   But I’d love it if I was wrong. :)

2. Jeff Adams said:

   Physical books and Kindle-type devices can coexist. Sometimes convenience trumps elegance.

   Let’s imagine that your on a three month backpacking trip in Europe. You’re a voracious reader that loves books. The more elegant and, dare I say, adventurous solution would be to trade for a new book periodically whenever you’re in a different town. However, when you are backpacking space is a premium and books take up a lot of it. The more practical and convenient solution would be to carry your kindle device with enough books on it to last you a year, if you so choose to extend your trip.

   I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive. Kindle-type devices can survive, if not thrive, under the right circumstances.

3. Andrew Ingram said:

   I tend to either buy new books when they’re still in hardback edition, or books with many hundreds of pages (lets say 600-700). Whilst I appreciate the sentiment about the physical pleasure of reading a book, sometimes books are just plain awkward to read. Sometimes the unwieldiness of a book makes it almost impossible to find a comfortable seating or lying position to read it. For this reason, and the fact that I’m sick of the bulk of the weight of my possessions consisting of books, I am eagerly awaiting the day that a worthy digital replacement becomes available to me.

   Full colour that looks ilke paper is a requirement though, even if just for graphic novels.

4. Joshua Blankenship said:

   I always thought that learning, discovering knowledge, being taken on a journey, and getting wrapped up in a great story was the “universally pleasing” aspect of reading. The act of touching an object, turning a page, interacting with paper… I can have all of that reading a whitepaper on the migratory patterns of Alaskan shrimp, but I doubt that would be a “pleasing” experience.

   The physical act isn’t the whole of the thing. Surely you should know that as a designer.

5. Matt Donovan said:

   While I agree with Jared about physical books and electronic ink pages (or something else) probably winning in the long run, I bet it will be in place of the Kindle or similar devices.

   Sure, the physical act isn’t the whole thing, but as a designer (ahem, Joshua) I know context is a big thing – especially in a device reaching at using a Natural User Interface. Andrew’s comment about the Kindle actually affording a more comfortable reading posture speaks to this and is a great point – one I hadn’t considered before posting. I think that argument can be used both ways. In the case of physical books, it may not be an issue of posture, but of the sentiment tied to the physical thing. Sentiment is like a strong wind – hard to sail against, but powerful if harnessed.

   To Jeff’s point, there’s certainly a niche the Kindle can serve right now, but sooner or later I imagine something more appropriate will replace it. Something that builds on the affordances of the physical page.

   I think the current success of the Kindle has opened up an opportunity to greatly improve upon the digital book. My assumption is that the sentiment I hold is common and I’m betting that sentiment will hold out for something that supports it.

6. Paul Goode said:

   Considering all the paperbacks at the grocery store, I think there’s room for a device like the Kindle. Don’t books go to paperback because the cost drops for consumer and distribution? Paper bound books will always have a special place… but cheaper & faster distribution is key for all publishers.

   There will be a slew of flexible screens will be coming in the next five to ten years. The exact form factor of the Kindle might go away. Something entirely new will come out of the upcoming technologies…. most likely to include video advertising for Brawndo.

7. Bryan J Busch said:

   Another factor: for some reason traditional paper books make my eyes tired, but the Kindle’s pages don’t.

8. Johan Ronnestam said:

   It’s already replaced my books. Of course I might choose new platforms. But will never go back to paper and books for regular reading. Glossy magazines and photo intense books however might take some time.

   The Kindle actually lets me read smoother, no page turning, relaxed and focused.