In a vintage Microsoft moment, Steve Ballmer has said that Microsoft doesn’t need to build an e-reader, because the PC is already the most popular reading device in the world. “We have a device for reading. It’s the most popular device in the world. It’s the PC”, said Ballmer.
I wish I agreed.
The fact is, I (and many others) have been debating about buying an e-reader device for some time. The convenience of the form factor is just too appealing. An instant-on high-contrast device that I can easily hold while lying in bed or sitting on the sofa, and that can hold a significant portion of my library… well, I can only say that such a device would have huge appeal to me.
Don’t get me wrong. I read a lot of material on my PC. I don’t read anything of any length or consequence on the PC, however. I read it on paper.
And more and more, I find myself reading books on my iPhone. It’s instant on, I can easily hold it while lying in bed, and it can hold a significant portion of my library. If the screen were a little larger – say 8.5 x 11 inches – it would be perfect.
Food for thought Mr. Ballmer. Sometime in the not too distant future I’m going to buy an e-reader. It can’t be a Microsoft product if Microsoft doesn’t make one.
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