New York – Stand-alone e-reader manufactures,
for the most part, gave Apple’s iPad a warm welcome stating the high-profile
device will help spread the word on this up and coming category.
Although the iPad is a fully capable
portable computer, one of its highlights is the ability to read books,
magazines and newspapers.
“I think Apple’s introduction of
iPad solidifies the buzz in the e-book business and the delivery of contents
into different platforms. It could be a little too early to say how this will affect
our business in particular as we are targeting more of content providers and
specific niche market,” said Roger Diaz, director of business development,
Foxit Corp.
Foxit makes the eSlick e-reader.
“The
introduction of another mobile device, which includes digital reading as part
of its functionality, is a good thing for the digital book business,” said
Steve Haber, President of Sony’s Digital Reading Division. “Mobile devices with
reading capabilities will play a key role in the paradigm shift from analog to
digital content. At Sony, we’re focused on devices optimized for digital
reading and believe that digital books sales will surpass print sales within
five years, if not sooner.”
Greg
Stetson, product manager for Ectaco, thought the iPad reader experience would
be lacking. Ectaco makes the jetBook LITE, which was demonstrated at
.
“As for
the iPad, not sure what kind of impact it will have on the eReader market. It’s
like reading a book on your computer – not a lot of people like that and
backlit LCD panels will cause eye fatigue faster. Obviously die hard Apple fans
will love it, but as an eReader I don’t think it will fly. In the PC/tablet
world maybe,
Barnes & Noble, which has been
marketing the nook e-reader had no comment regarding the iPad.
