Did you check out the Goreader when you were helping to develop the business model?
John, the GoReader came to our attention after we completed the business model. We all thought this GoReader was everything that our ebooks should be. I mean the GoReader is great. I want one. But I also want an SUV that can go from 0-60 in 4 seconds, run on a battery with a 500 mile charge, etc.
The fact is the GoReader is at least 5 lbs (if memory serves), quite heavy. It has no security system mentioned; can you imagine a software only secured textbook reader on a college campus (ie, MP3 like passive security). Can you say free textbooks for all! Or at a minimum "lets all download one textbook, split the cost, and then give each other GoReader copies." And we have no idea at what price point they are shooting for. The screens on these devices are the biggest expense. With all the gadgets in this device I'd have to imagine it will cost a pretty penny. I wouldn't be surprised to see it over a $1000 (just a guess) but it won't be cheap.
So, we love the GoReader, but it doesn't have Henry's security, it weighs at least 5 lbs, and it'll probably set you back quite a few bucks. But yeah, I'd buy one if all my textbooks were made available for it. Given the security issues this doesn't seem likely. Also, although I haven't looked at their site since August, no mention of any specific deals with any book publishers were made.
So what I see is a very cool product that probably will be irrelevant, at least in the short-term but should be an example of what ebooks might practically become in a few years (if e-ink doesn't revolutionize the field in the interim).
Tinker |
