iPhone Books Might Have Come To Town, But Don’t Think They’ll Own It For Long If At All
Technology has taken us so far now, that you don’t even have to go to a bookstore to read anymore. Forget waiting in lines or paying $15.00 for a single novel when you can download them to your computer from the Internet or to special portable devices designed especially for that purpose.
And now you can download them onto your iPhone.
This latest advancement might be innovative, but let me tell you a few reasons why you shouldn’t give up on bookstores such as Barnes&Noble (NYSE: BKS) and Borders (NYSE: BGP) just yet… at least not because of the iPhone threat:
Practical Reasons Why The Hard Copy Isn’t Going Anywhere
Reason #1) The print is too small. Sure, you can read your favorite Steven King or Elizabeth George novel on the subway now during your commute to work, but that doesn’t help much when you’re getting headaches from squinting at a tiny screen for the hours it takes to finish it.
Reason #2) There is just something relaxing about holding an actual book in your hands. For many of us, staring at a computer equates to work. It’s what we do all day on the job as we copy spreadsheets, write articles, read emails, even conduct business conferences.
Also, try reclining comfortably with a computer. Yeah, it’s possible, but not for very long. (Especially if you’re also trying to balance a cup of hot chocolate without spilling it on your laptop. Believe me; I’ve tried.)
Reason #3) The vast majority of people who own iPhones are not the type to really be reading novels all that much anyway - unless they’re of the sci-fi/fantasy variety. Get my drift?
Think about the people who have iPhones? They’re popular among Mac-obsessed elitists of course, but that’s a rather small population, believe it or not. Probably the largest group to own them are the hip, trendy types who have better things to do with their time than read. Why pick up a book when there are so many stores or video games to attend to? Not to mention the fact that the book will be turned into a movie within the next year anyway.
And finally then, there’s businesspeople who have too much on their hands to even think about stopping at a Borders or Barnes&Noble, much less actually buying something there.
Why People Think iPhone Books Is The Next Big Thing, And Why They’re Wrong
Then again, that’s just my opinion, and it’s always important to consider counter arguments before forming a mature opinion. So, in the spirit of friendly debate and the pursuit of truth, here’s what the opposition says:
Reason #1) It’s much more eco-friendly. Think about all of the trees we could save if we didn’t cut them down for paper to fashion into novels.
My Response) Cynical though this might be, let’s face it; what percentage of people care that much? Maybe some California residents and a few more in New York City, but most people are more than willing to espouse one view in public (save the earth, go green, eco-friendly business, etc.) and go on acting the way they always have before in less-public forums.
Reason #2) It’s good to travel with since it’s on a device you already own.
My Response) True, but there’s the problem of the small print again. And guess what else is easy to travel with? A book. Just slip it inside your briefcase, purse, laptop case or carry-on. People do it every day, and really, most of them don’t find it to be that big of a deal.
Reason #3) It’s the wave of the future. In ten years, everybody is going to be using them.
My Response) Even if millions of people flock to such applications in the next decade, they’re going to end up someday as middle-aged or elderly retirees wearing bifocals and reading hard copy print again.
Make up your own minds of course, but that’s why I’m not buying into the hype.
Tuesday, December 30, 2009 — by Jeannette Di Louie, Assistant Editor of Mt. Vernon Research
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