For the longest time, eReaders reigned as the best new technological gadget. Increasing customer convenience, books became more affordable, a single device replaced multiple books, and screen glares as well as other distractions were eliminated. My first eReader was Barnes & Noble’s first generation NOOK. It had an E Ink top screen for reading and a colored bottom screen for navigation. Initially, I thought its function would be a pain to use compared to regular books. However, after realizing an eBook cost a fraction of the price of the hardcover version, I decided it was worth the transition. I would much rather have a real paper book in hands, but that doesn’t mean I completely oppose the idea of an eReader. I simply believe the device progressed into something more complicated than I prefer.
As technology advances, everything is starting to look the same. Phones are becoming larger in size resembling tablets, computers are becoming smaller in size for travel purposes, and eReaders serve all the functions tablets perform. eReaders went from strictly downloading books to downloading apps, games, movies, and more. I understand eReaders have to keep up with the latest advancements. People want to buy the device that can offer the most bang for their buck, so if it doesn’t meet all the requirements of an iPad or a Samsung why bother with it? At the same time, eReaders aren’t really marketed for reading anymore, but more for all the extra applications. NOOK and Kindle still have E Ink devices strictly for reading, but their marketing emphasizes their tablet devices. Are these devices still eReaders, if their main purpose encompasses much more than reading?
The answer to that question is no. These electronic readers have become glorified tablets with a pre-existing library function. Yes, I can still read on them. Yes, I can still browse for books and magazines, but I paid for a device that can do all those things and more. Whether we label the devices as an “eReader” or “tablet”, online reading has become part of society’s interest, and will continue advancing with the world.