Six Cups of Coffee

This recent article from Mike Elgan of Computerworld outlines seven reasons e-book reading devices (like the Kindle) will make lousy gifts this year. Mr. Elgan is reaching. Go read his list, and then read my rebuttals here.

1. We're not on the brink of changing how we read. While it's nice to always try to predict how things will revolutionize themselves every other year, technologies like this tend not to take steps backwards. While a tablet device sounds cool (and it will be), a reading device it isn't. The purpose of an ebook reader is that it's more like reading on paper. If we wanted to read on phones and laptops, the ebook wouldn't be such a hot mover right now. But reading on e-ink is decidedly unlike reading on those devices. It's smooth, it's easy, and it's better than reading on a phone or computer for lengthy reading.

2. E-book devices are the least discounted gadgets on the market. This takes away Elgan's reason six ammo, but for now, let's stick with the facts. Sure, they're not discounted - which is why they make great gifts for the reader in your life. Maybe they can't afford one, maybe they've been on the fence. This will surprise and delight them.

3. There's only one other comparable way to read books. Yeah, there's other ways to read books - your phone or your computer (see reason 1), but those are not comparable, and anyone who's done both can tell you why (again, see reason 1).

4. Giving someone this kind of technology decides which format they'll go with. Sure, there's competing formats. So what? Should we just sit and wait and never buy technology that has formats, based on the fear that some other format will win eventually? And if your gift recipient is indecisive, getting a FREE gift will sure spark that decision-making muscle when it's made for them.

5. For people who haven't used them, e-book readers use exciting technology. Elgan might like to think he's enlightened and above it all, but most people who've never held a Kindle or a nook are amazed e-ink technology. Yeah, it's been around for awhile, but most people haven't used it and, in my experience, are mesmerized by it when they actually get to play with it.

6. Lots of people want one but can't afford it or justify the early-phase costs. This is where gift-giving comes in. I know tons of people who want one but can't afford one, or, because they're not yet widely adopted and therefore more expensive, can justify waiting until prices come down. But if you're a generous gift-giver, why not spring for one for that special reading friend?

7. If you wait around for better technology, you'll wait forever. This is true of all gadgets; waiting for the next one will make you always wait for the next one. Elgan pre-emptively says the B&N nook is the "better device", but this comes before he's actually used one. There's no reason to think that the competition of the nook means any of the readers out there now will go away in the future. If anything, the nook will keep the Kindle competitive and innovative.

Sorry, Mike. You've got it all wrong. In fact, you sound like a hater. Or maybe you're just jealous. Either way, e-book readers are gaining ground. I've got one now, and I'm a fan.

Maybe if you're good, I'll get you one for the holidays.