-
A Novel Solution to the Immigration Problem: The NAFTA Angle
January 30, 2013 | 10 comments
-
Keeping Eastern Europe in Mind
April 25, 2012 | 1 comment
-
Why Some Government Spending Is Better Than Others …
February 24, 2012 | 3 comments
-
The End of Secularism and the HHS Mandate
February 15, 2012 | 2 comments
-
The Reversal of Proposition 8: A Dangerous Precedent
February 8, 2012 | 9 comments
The Spectacle Blog
I offer my own thoughts about the eReader I want and am earnestly hoping to see developed.
I will preface my remarks by saying that I own a first generation Kindle. It was given to me by a friend who quickly purchased the second generation. The Kindle is a very good device for pure reading. It is possible to forget you are using a device rather than reading a book. If you are a purely recreational reader, this device is all you need. It will especially shine for the purposes of travel. You will have all the books you want and none of the strain on your carry-on bag.
For me, unfortunately, this is not enough.
I need the following features added to my electronic reader:
- An option to view a books pages just as they are in the actual book. As an academic and commentator, I need to be able to demonstrate exactly where I got a fact or idea. That means I need to be able to refer to a page number, not some electronic location. This problem could be conquered either by making books available as pdfs with a screen large enough to comfortably display them or the software could insert pagination throughout the text the same way Lexis-Nexis does. Either would work.
- The ability to mark and highlight the text. The Kindle lets me highlight portions of a text and even to view them as a group. However, I cannot easily track the page number from which the highlights came. And I cannot do anything other than highlighting. I need to be able to write in margins, bracket, underline, etc. Call it marginalia. I need to be able to do that. It would be even better if I could then access all the markings I did and have ready access to the page numbers from which they came. A good stylus would be necessary. I can’t do it all with fingerpainting.
- I’m getting greedy now. But how great would it be if I could choose portions of a text to email to a friend or to post to a blog?
- A notepad that could be used like evernote or microsoft note where I could write outlines or other notes in parallel to the books and articles I am reading.
Here are the features I don’t need:
- Wi-fi is a plus, but not essential. I could prepare all my tasks and then connect to a computer to do the things that require a connection.
- I do not need color e-ink. The black and gray works pretty well. If color e-ink costs me any features from above, then I don’t want it. And really, I’d rather just have black and white rather than black and gray. Color is not necessarily a big add for people who work with documents.
I very much hope some of the manufacturers and designers will
read this post and consider coming up with a version that can do
these things. There is a big market among academics, graduate
students, college students, and authors for the device that works
in this way. For me, the iPad goes far astray of what I’m
seeking.
Kindle is closer, but not close enough.
View all comments (27) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Hunter Baker
http://spectator.org/blog/2010/01/30/in-the-wake-of-ipad-idisappoin
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
The Spectacle Blog
Former IRS Commissioner Refused to Say That Targeting Conservative Groups is Wrong
Benjamin Brophy | 2:27PM
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
DV| 1.30.10 @ 11:40AM
"Color is not necessarily a big add for people who work with documents."
Wow. Really? Most of the documents that I read (technical and academic) are highly dependent on color.
victor| 1.31.10 @ 2:39PM
Of course, that depends on the user, the document and the application.
It would be better to have the option of color and black and white.
Some colors are not copy friendly. Or you may not have a color printer.
BDH| 1.30.10 @ 11:55AM
Try to locate an App designer that gives you what you want. The iPad will have the flexibility to do that. Split the app price between you and the designer. Everyone wins
JP| 1.30.10 @ 12:02PM
Kindle also offers unpublished authors the means to publish without hiring an agent. Amazon publishes all titles online -all the author needs is to open a merchant's account. It is up to the author to edit his/hers work, copywrite it, create cover art, etc... Amazon pays the author 35% royalties. The author creates the price he wishes, but Amazon has the right to adjust it as Amazon sees fit. It is up to the author to promote the work himself (via blogs, tweets, and other viral means).
Kindle devices are pricey, and I think the WiFi is cool because the buyer can purchase directly from Amazon and download the book automatically. My wife and I discussed what we'd like to see, and it is funny that everything we'd like to see matched exactly what Hunter proposed.
Again, for the person who likes to read genre fiction, classics, etc... color isn't important. However, one thing to consider is Children's Fiction. Apple's iPad offers an 11 inch color screen, and for authors who do thier own illustrations, the iPad would be great. However, the $500 price may be a bit salty for parents on a budget.
From what I understand, the traditional publishing biz is in the doldrums. One free lance writer wrote recently that the days of the 3 hour 2 martini lunches, and large bonuses are long gone. People just are buying books in such numbers anymore. This new medium may be perfect for both the customer and writer.
As usual Hunter, great post.
John - TMF| 1.30.10 @ 12:59PM
Um... perhaps... just perhaps... the readers are looking for um... Sorry I am going to stir up the Applephilic masses here... a TABLET PC, running WINDOWS 7 perhaps... one with at least 3 different network protocols, fully functional keyboard, fancy touch screen... capable of HD video, reading any document in any format... even producing a paper while reading the document, and doing cut and paste with footnotes to go along with it.
Face it. The iPad is an i-Marketexture. It's just a pregnant iPod-Touch. It has limited tools, limited storage, limited access, and it cannot even be upgraded.
The Tablet PC has been available for years. It has its 3rd operating system, and Windows7 mobile will be out soon enough (though who really needs it when I can run full blown Windows7 on the box anyway.
I haven't looked it up but I would imagine that someone has a series of LINUX RPM's that could be loaded if folks who hate Microsoft won't touch it.
Apples stuff is just a custom version of BSD anyway.
It is a flop because it is nothing new, and only those people who worship at the throne of Jobs think that he came up with it.
Of course we'll be treated to lots of snarky condescending TV commercials to promote it.
What will Jobs think of next? The iCan-opener, the iCork-Screw, maybe even the iLife for those who don't have one.
That rushing water sound is our technological capability and innovation going right into a low flow California Algore toilet. (our only hope is that it will clog)...
Sheesh..
The Mighty Fahvaag
Jessika| 1.30.10 @ 6:34PM
JESSIKA| 1.30.10 @ 6:30PM
I always thought American Spectator attracted a sub-par readership and authorship... This is a good example of 'persons' who are embarrassing themselves with lack of imagination, inability to sit through the entire presentation of Jobs to really see and understand what Apple has presented, created and it's many, many uses and applications... and to try to be the smartest (fool) in the room with their petulant blatherings.... that are mostly wrong, without thought and inept.
Sean| 1.31.10 @ 11:22AM
People don't want another Windows device full of viruses, malware, spyware and such. Do I have to install Norton Antivirus on it?.... You bet I do.
And to Hunter, have you never read a Text Book before? Most are in color you know?
victor| 1.31.10 @ 2:45PM
The Mighty Whatever:
"maybe even the iLife for those who don't have one."
If you had a Mac, you would know that "iLife" already exists as a media suite akin to Office.
iLife is for those who not only have one, but wish to document it and keep copies. And send it to those who don't have one. A life, that is.
Barry| 2.25.10 @ 11:35PM
"It is a flop" - oh, right. Doesn't start shipping for a month.
Windows Tablet Edition? I've used it; it sucks worse than Windows with a mouse. Worthless; absolutely.
We don't need snarky condescending ads; we have you. You may now go back under your bridge.
ds80| 6.24.10 @ 7:34PM
Got an iPad (32 Gb, WiFi) last week as a gift. Haven't touched my laptop or Kindle in a week.
Pingback| 1.30.10 @ 2:13PM
The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : In the Wake of iPad … Search links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
mcw| 1.30.10 @ 2:32PM
Many of the things you wish for can be found in PDF readers that will (and already are designed to) run in the iPad. I have several PDF readers on my iTouch, and they are incredibly useful. Aji Annotate lets you annotate a PDF file and sync the annotations back to the desktop, allowing you to share annotations with anyone. Good Reader lets you reflow a PDF file so that you can skip the page formatting in the PDF and read it in a nicer (user set) font. Both are essential for when I read academic papers.
The point is that the iPad screen is large enough to accommodate the needs you have with regard to PDF, but ePub and the other ebook formats don't actually help with the page numbering scheme you are seeking. Stick to PDF, and the apps already exist and are probably ready to roll on the iPad once it's out.
Me, I'll stick to my iPad Lite (sorry, iPod Touch) for a while longer, because I'm broke. But I'm getting the Pad as soon as possible. It's the perfect tool for the academic work I do.
As to The Mighty Fahvaag, the problem with tablet PCs is that they kind of stink as user interfaces. Seriously, I've used a lot of different stylus based interfaces in the past 15 years, and the TPCs just aren't friendly. The stylus-screen interaction is lousy, and it's still a mouse metaphor. The Touch UI interface is a different genre of interaction. To claim that it's nothing new indicates that you have either not used it or not thought about what the different kinds of use mean to your interaction with the information. It's a fast, targeted, "automatic transmission" appliance. Like your car. If you want to drop your own engine in a car and do all the mechanical work yourself, more power to you. I do that on my machines, as well. But sometimes, I just want to drive my damn car, and interact with my damn computer without thinking. Tablet PCs don't get out of the way. Hence, I don't use them.
Jezzika| 1.30.10 @ 6:37PM
I always thought American Spectator attracted a sub-par readership and authorship... This is a good example of 'persons' who are embarrassing themselves with lack of imagination, inability to sit through the entire presentation of Jobs to really see and understand what Apple has presented, created and it's many, many uses and applications... and to try to be the smartest (fool) in the room with their petulant blatherings.... that are mostly wrong, without thought and inept.
PS, DUMMY... THE iPAD DOES READ PDFs.
Did you doze off????
Scott A Joseph, MD| 1.30.10 @ 4:35PM
What Hunter proposes (especially number 1) is what would allow me to use textbooks efficiently on the Kindle. But I do like the Wireless option, as it lets me impulse book buy, which is how I do shopping therapy.
JEZZIKA| 1.30.10 @ 6:40PM
IF YOU WANT TOKNOW MORE THAN 'YOU DO....'
HERE IS THE ENTIRE PRESENTATION OF STEVE JOBS ABOUT THE iPAD....
http://events.apple.com.edgesu.....index.html
IT HAS WAY MORE THAN YOUR LITTLE BRAIN IS DESCRIBING...
JESSIKA| 1.30.10 @ 6:30PM
I always thought American Spectator attracted a sub-par readership and authorsjip... This is a good example of persons who are embarrassing themselves with lack of imagination, inability to sit through the entire presentation of Jobs to really see and understand what Apple has presented, created and it's many,. many uses and applications... and to try to be the smartest (fool) in the room with petulant blatherings.... that are mostly wrong, without thought and inept.
bluecollarbytes| 1.31.10 @ 12:23PM
I half expected you to supply us with a 'helpful' link to some random adapter you think we need.
I see no difference between the author's opinion of the Ipad and the many opinions I've read in tech publications (presumably from a non-political view). It's all about personal preference and the intended/desired use of any given product.
I see no embarrassment around here, except yours for having tried to interject opinion as some kind of Pop Analysis. Tell us pray tell, the bottom line message sent out by Steve Jobs regarding his Ipad.
I bought his 'message' even though he articulated it poorly, because I think I see what the product could do, eventually. And I think it's cool.
John - TMF| 1.30.10 @ 8:34PM
Been doing PC's since TRS80 Mod 1. I have gray hair, a McMansion in the exurbs, and work from home. All because I never invested any "loyalty" to anyone product.
I use what works. If Sun does the job, I use Sun, if HP does the job and works well then I use those systems. I taught Scripsit, VisiCalc, and Profile +. I was an expert in WordPerfect 4+, Lotus 123, and Havard Graphics when they were the latest and coolest tools on the shelf.
I might be jaded, old, unhip, and un"fun", but I do know the industry and I have worked with Apple enginering before. A product as a function of ego rapidly becomes a door stop.
Today's tablet PC's - now required in most Virginia university Engineering departments. It will probably be replaced soon... it will have all of the k-sexy twiddle points... finger waving touchy feely screen gimmicks... and still run Winders
As to "just using something" sure. You can do that with Windows just fine. Especially 7. I don't think most people will do more than tinker with the applications loaded. It's all a matter of taste and choice.
I prefer the choice thank you. BTW. I have a Walkman - I won't touch an iPod. This year's iPad is next year's PDA.
Back in the mid-90's when I worked on the first video on demand project the Meatheads, and Applephiles where all strutting around with their latest PowerBooks. They all showed off the sexy electrostatic mouse that was built into the system. They laughed and giggled at the Windows 3.1/3.11 laptop users... Until someone came in with an electrostatic mouse pad that connected to the PS2 port on the Windows box.
I was recently forced by my company to carry a Blackberry. My cell phone makes and receives phone calls. I text no one, it is too expensive. If I need to remember a phone number I have a note card in my wallet.
As to the Jessika-bot that seems to have been interrupted at it's praying to the bold Jobian throne... Beep.. Beoop... tipple... feep... eeep...
Someone said that it was iPad for something rude... but I can't be guarnateed.
r/The Mighty Fahvaag
victor| 1.31.10 @ 3:38PM
The Mighty Fahvaag:
"I prefer the choice thank you. BTW. I have a Walkman"
How far back does yours go?
I have one from the 80's, from the technological bronze age, it still worked when I tried it before we moved. Not as beat up as this one, but the door needs a hinge. Still works though.
http://justanothermobilemonday.....g-9259.jpg
Jessika| 1.31.10 @ 5:48AM
I always thought American sit through the entire presentation of Jobs to really see and und and applications.and to try to be the smartest (fool) in the room with petulant blatheringsSpectator attracted a sub-par readership and authorsjip. that are mostly wrong, without thought and erstand what Apple has presented, created and it's many,. many uses inept.. This is a good example of persons who are embarrassing themselves with lack of imagination, inability to
BDH| 1.31.10 @ 5:52AM
Calm down Jessika, you're not only rude but you don't make any sense or your Mac is overheating.
Sean| 1.31.10 @ 11:29AM
I will be buying several iPads. My parents are very computer illiterate, as are my in-laws. The iPad is perfect for their needs: Internet, books, email, exchanging photos. They don't do anything else, so why buy a complex computer that I have to fix for them every week?
Therefore, from my perspective the iPad is the perfect device for those that hate dealing with computers, but want to take advantage of their numerous benefits.
Furthermore, my kids are freaking out about the iPad. It looks like I will need to buy a few for them as well.
Here's one man that's looking to buy at least 5 iPads.
bluecollarbytes| 1.31.10 @ 12:11PM
Ipad strikes me as a internet appliance that will encourage more folks to get their news, entertainment, and shopping from the internet. I'm old enough to still be awed on occasion by the growing capabilities of personal computers, associated print capabilities, and a collection of individual machines that together make up a 'one stop' resource of information. Well, it's not good enough yet to call it The one-stop resource. I bet most of the sum of world info is not yet on the internet. But it's a great start over so little time.
I predict (which ain't worth squat) that the IPad will be a huge success among the masses. And who thinks it won't get added capabilities over time, perhaps even as soon as they start shipping? I'll get one at some point.
Margie| 1.31.10 @ 3:30PM
I heard a guy who was a biggie at Apple previously (can't remember name or title), on the radio the other night. (John Bachelor's show). He said the iPad is probably going to eventually have a phone in it later on as well..
And there is going to be another version of this out shortly, for about $1,000.00 with more features.
Personally, if I could, I'd buy it. I switched from Microsoft to Apple a few years ago and will NEVER go back. It's not that we're a "cult of believers", it's just that Apple's ease of use (no having to deal with anti-virus software for one), barely ANY glitches anywhere, faster than most, great, bright, clear optics, and I could go on... make it a far better choice. IMHO.
You do get what you pay for.