1) The existing ereaders are evolving pretty quickly – that reduces the probability that a completely new ereader comes in and revolutionizes everything.

2) Most big companies aren’t interested in reading and books. It isn’t a sexy market like music. If they can get the ebook market in the course of developing something else they’ll try.

You’re spot on , I don’t own any eBook devices of any sort. None of them look polished, but that’s not even the reason, I like paper books. That might change in time.

You’re spot on, I was also assuming that there are plenty of decent ones, looks like I was correct, because you own 3 of them and they’re all “pretty good”.

What is the iPod of eReaders? Is there any particule one that is so perfectly polished? I’m curious.

1) The iPod was a device dedicated to playing music.
2) None of the current eReaders are ‘decent’ – they’re all very good.

How many of the current eReaders do you own?
I own all of the big three and they’re all pretty good. Would really like to know whether you own any eReader or you just made the assumption that they’re all ‘decent’ without ever owning any of them.

My name is Des, I wrote that post.

I’d like to address a few of your criticisms.

I am being imprecise, yes, I genuinely couldn’t find an online copy of the national food & beverage customer satisfactions report of 2009. Really I can’t. That said, I don’t think my argument hinges on that fact.

So, on the topic of napkins. The thing is that a thick napkin is actually a lot of hassle for a restaurant to provide. They’re not disposable, so they have to be washed. Most times they have to be bleached too as red wine stains simply won’t cut it. This means you need about 3 times as many napkins as place settings as you most likely can’t wash them in house. All of this adds up to make for a lot of work. Especially if you compare it with a simple 4 cent disposable napkins. So why do it? It’s a lot of work.
What sort of person would be bothered taking on all this time and pain?
Someone who cares deeply.

In terms of form & function – looking good versus being good, it’s an age old debate that isn’t worth getting into. The truly quality products are quality in every way, from the website you order off, to the receipt you receive confirming your order, through to the box the product arrives in, and the polish and design of the accessories.

I’ve no doubt there are plenty of decent e-readers out there that lack polish but do a good job. There were plenty of music players out there that lacked polish but did a good job. If you want to really dominate a market, you need to offer the product of the highest quality. Best to market will beat first to market.

Thanks for reading.