Stand-alone e-reader manufacturers, 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.
“I think Apple’s introduction of iPad solidifies the buzz in the e-book business and the delivery of content 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, maker of 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.”
Greg Stetson, product manager for Ectaco, thought the iPad reader experience would be lacking.
“As for the iPad, not sure what kind of impact it will have on the e-reader 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.”
