Germany: E-readers face struggle into the mainstream

Posted by Lauren Drablier on October 21, 2008 at 9:53 AM

At the recent Frankfurt Book Fair, exhibitors agreed that the future of electronic reading devices faces serious competition. Most agreed that e-readers are unlikely to replace books.

There are a few reasons: First, the e-reader does not capture the true essence of a book. Second, it faces competition from other devices used for consuming digital media, such as the cell phone (which most people already own). Third, the price of the e-reader (anywhere from $300 to $800) combined with the current financial climate, makes it even less likely to become mainstream.

However, exhibitors did find several advantages to the e-book. It is lighter and easier to carry than books are; it could benefit students who are forced to lug around a number of books. It uses less energy than other devices because it is not backlit. It also reduces paper consumption.

Regardless of the number of benefits electronic readers have, they are facing serious competition not only from other digital devices, but from their biggest and oldest rival: the book.

Sources: European Journalism Centre, Reuters