• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Product Mastery Now

Helping product managers move to product mastery

  • Home
  • Podcast
  • Training
    • For Groups
    • For Individuals
    • Certification for Individuals
    • PDMA & AIPMM
  • Login
  • Schedule a Discovery Call

By Chad McAllister

3 Reasons the Apple iPad is Not My Next eReader

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Reddit

Along with many others I was anxious to hear the details of the much awaited tablet from Apple.  I followed the announcement by Steve Jobs on several blogs that were covering the details as quickly as they could. While the new iPad certainly has “cool” it is not the eBook reader I was hoping for.   I have been looking to Apple for the innovation and design capabilities to create the eBook reader of my dreams.  Unfortunately, I am left to dream longer.

The three reasons the iPad is not my next eBook reader are:

  1. No ability for mark-up.  I want to use e-books just as I use traditional books.  This includes the ability to write on the book — underline, highlight, and make notes in the margin or over the text itself.  I was hopeful with a touchscreen display that the iPad would make this possible.  However, without support for a writing stylus the ability to take notes in an e-book is not practical.
  2. Backlit LCD screen.  Now that we have been introduced to electronic ink displays, such as Kindle, why would I want to take a step backward and read on a traditional computer screen? An IEEE article explains well why the iPad is no Kindle killer because of the display.
  3. Publishers.  The number of publishers will no doubt increase, but the list is currently rather small.  Further, with my teaching hat on I want to see textbook publishers support eBook readers.  Until my first objection is addressed and we can “write” on our eBooks, electronic textbooks will continue to have low appeal.

Of course there are many things that make the iPad appealing as an eReader:

  • Great form factor — just like a piece of paper.
  • No keyboard — why waste the space when you have a touchscreen.
  • Weight — less than most books I carry.
  • Battery life — read all day without recharging.
  • Music — enjoy music while reading.
  • Price — $499 is very reasonable if this was my dream eReader

What do you want in your dream eReader?

Please let me know your thoughts in the comment area below.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Reddit

Filed Under: Concepts

Footer

HOW WE HELP PRODUCT MANAGERS

We help product managers become product masters - influential drivers of product strategy - so they can consistently create products customers love without getting overwhelmed putting out fires. Learn about it in the Product Mastery Roadmap.

FOUNDER

Chad McAllister - Product Management and Innovation TrainingThe primary responsibilities for an organization are product management and innovation. They deliver value to customers. They're also exciting responsibilities for those properly equipped. That is my job - equipping product managers and innovators.
Read More...

SEARCH

MORE

Contact

About

Product Mastery Roadmap

IDEA Framework

Quotes

Innovation Stories

Innovation Roundup

 

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclaimer

Copyright © 2008–2023 Product Mastery Now and The Everyday Innovator™ · All rights reserved

Return to top of page

Product Managers and Innovators!

Product Master Roadmap for Product Managers

Get the Product Mastery Roadmap

And become a Product Master:

    • - Develop the right products more often - as much as 5X
    • - Get the influence you want
    • - Drive product strategy, creating products customers love
x