Chad contributes to free-backup-software.net. More on this topic can be found at How Single-Purpose Devices Succeed and Stellar Phoenix
How Single-Purpose Devices Be successful - During the battle between specialized devices and multipurpose products, multipurpose frequently wins. To achieve success, a specialized product must perform much better than any multipurpose version. Less costly or maybe simpler is simply not sufficient; it has to be high class.
This article made me think about how much I tend to drool over ebook readers -- though every single one is really lacking leading performance -- such as the ability to pull in third-party search and organizational applications.
I would love to build my own applications for the Kindle. I love the point that I was able to drop numerous books into my Sony PR-505. I can actually carry the entire library along with me having a week's battery life. This really is awesome. I will definitely take this particular thing with me when I go hiking.
The one thing that always annoys me with my PR-505 is that it won't charge using USB port. It features a min-USB port for data transfer but it is not for charging! Why do this kind of device makers add USB for data only? Did someone spec this out and say "users should carry an extra charger which we can sell for $60!" Idiot!
One more thing I would like to see: as these devices use so very little power, and also, since they are perfect for reading outdoors... how about sell a "jacket" made from flexible passive solar cells? That will be sweet, I am sure it could provide enough trickle charge to eliminate charging completely!
Oh, and come pre-loaded with the Gutenberg library. It is really a great pitch that would make: "5,000 books included, read outdoors and don't ever recharge again!"