[bookport] Comments on Bookport as an MP3 player
- From: "ptorpey" <ptorpey@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <bookport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 22:29:20 -0400
There are definitely trade-offs to be made in beefing up and/or
modifying the Bookport to be a "better" MP-3 player. I, for one, feel
that its best to focus on the basic functionality or intended use of a
device and not to try and add too many bells and whistles or extraneous
functions/uses.
The Bookport is a very fine, versatile, and capable book reader.
Although sometimes its nice to think about having a nice "all-in-one"
device, this often adds cost, complexity, size, and/or reduced
reliability. Including more MP-3 functions sounds great. But so does
improving the recording capabilities, including a diary or appointment
book with alarms, adding phone book and dialing capabilities, and oh
yes, maybe a cell phone or GPS! All could probably be done.
But specialized devices for the blind are already reasonably expensive
(especially when compared with the non-print impaired alternatives).
Adding more functionality generally makes devices more complex and
confusing to use (and we're not all computer geeks!). Also, the more
functions/hardware that is included, the more that can go wrong (I don't
like buying integrated devices such as a TV/DVD/radio all in one). All
of this could detract from a very functional, easy to use, and
reasonably inexpensive device.
Sure, I would enjoy having it all in one - Maybe I could if I were
willing to carry around a $1,500 laptop, but I don't want to compromise
on the tremendous product we already have.
-- Pete (one man's opinion)
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