Not since LeVar Burton told wonderful stories to me on my television screen have I ever thought of something so dramatic as a “reading revolution.” Actually, PC World describes it as a “revolution in mobile computing,” but based on their support data, reading revolution is more accurate.
The magazine published a look at the respective success stories of the Amazon Kindle and Apple iPad and the greater impact those success have had. With sales booming in the tens of millions (the iPad is expected to hit the 10 million mark this year and e-readers are expected to hit nearly 20 million by 2013), e-reading devices have had an impact well beyond the bottom lines of electronics manufacturers.
According to PC World’s article, research indicates that 40 percent of people in a recent survey read more now with e-readers than they ever did with books (read: e-readers are a lot cooler and less messy than a pile of dusty novels). Meanwhile, Amazon estimates that people buy three times as many digital books as they would comparable hard copies. Digital books are immediate and convenient, and there’s no reason not to buy one when you want to read.
The e-reader market has gotten even more attractive this summer. Amazon recently launched the third incarnation of the Kindle, a model that is smaller, lighter, longer running and significantly cheaper. For a long time $259 was the going rate for top e-readers, but Amazon’s latest Kindle can be had for a retail price as low as $139 (Wi-Fi-only model). That model has become the fastest-selling Kindle ever, according to Amazon. Barnes and Noble has also dropped the price on its Nook e-reader to as low as $149.
Wondering what all the fuss is about? Take advantage of dropping prices and shop e-readers today.
For more information about greater e-reader trends, take a look at the Wall Street Journal article that PC World sourced in its own piece.
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