I know everyone on the planet is writing about how apps are threatening print books and blah, blah, blah. So I figured I may as well climb aboard the train and offer my opinion.
A typical tablet PC runs from about $100 (Augen NBA 7800ATP 7-Inch Internet Tablet PC with Android) to over $2500 (Asus Eee Slate EP121-1A019M 12.1 Inch Tablet PC with Windows 7). Then there is the iPad that starts at $499 (wi-fi only) to $829 (wi-fi and 3G).
How comfortable are you with handing over your iPad, Nook ($249) or Kindle ($149 to $379) to your little one to play with without supervision? For me? Not so much. Granted my daughter is still very young but I would be hesitant even with older kids. The apps are reasonably priced but the devices are not exactly priced to be able to buy a new one every time it breaks.
Print books are affordable and while they might not offer the same interactive experience that an app offers they have been sufficient for quite a long time. I don’t think they are going anywhere.
Even now I am able to give my daughter a book and she sits and leafs through it and I don’t have to worry. If she rips it (even though it breaks my heart) I can always go buy another one with no problem. If I were to give her my iPhone or iPad I would be worried that she would either accidentally dial 911 or throw the device. It’s just not an option at this age.
Are print books going anywhere? No. They are more affordable than a digital device and most people will still turn to them. Not only for affordability but for other reasons as well. I like holding a book in my hand. I also tend to read for a long time when I finally sit down to do so and with a book battery life isn’t a problem.
I think digital apps and e-books are a great alternative and as an adult I love the ability to have a book immediately without having to leave my house. I think the children’s market will benefit from the apps and e-books as well because some of them are absolutely outstanding. But with books becoming a huge trend as giving instead of a greeting card I don’t think we have to worry.
Books are here to stay in all their glory. Thank goodness!
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