While Arrington’s original dream had nothing to do with the CrunchPad being mainly an e-reader, many in the blogosphere have suggested that it would be the perfect e-reader for books and newspapers.
TechCrunch has yet to explain or demonstrate what reading application the CrunchPad will host. Smart Q7, a tablet recently released only in Asian markets, uses FBreader, a Linux based ebook reader. This same application also opens PDFs, a need expressed many times over at the comments in TechCrunch posts.
In addition, several have pointed out that the CrunchPad may be a substitute for products such as the Kindle, Plastic Logic, and Sony Reader.
Here are some comments from writers:
“Ladies and gentlemen, this could be the iPod moment for eBooks.” – Fiction Matters
“However, if TechCrunch can work with its partners to keep costs down to its originally predicted $200 price tag, the CrunchPad is likely to fly off the shelves. And so for newspapers. Given the size – a 12inch screen with an 18mm-thick aluminium casing – the CrunchPad is ideal for browsing the Internet and reading a newspaper, as the picture of the device surfing the New York Times demonstrates.” – editorsweblog.org
“These new, lower cost tools present another exciting opportunity for media organizations to connect with readers, especially those who can’t afford top-of-the line gear.” – Poynter Online
“Equipped with a 12″ screen flush with the case and a 18mm-thick aluminium casing - is also ideal for reading newspapers… perhaps the perfect companion for the google concecpt of an ereader. Google provides the books, TechCrunch provide the ideal mobile ‘net’ device.” – Fresh Tech
Social Media and Publicity Update « Crunchpad Fans // Jun 27, 2009 at 12:43 pm
[...] June 27, 2009 · Leave a Comment As we got closer to the release date, TechCrunch should be trying its best to keep the hype from dying off by giving fans a sneak peek of the product and confirm details about its ereading capabilities. [...]
Mobile Devices Become A Hit Through Satisfying Consumer Needs: Will The CrunchPad Be Able To Do The Same? « Crunchpad Fans // Jul 4, 2009 at 1:04 am
[...] TechCrunch has been hush about its e-reading capabilities, but this is actually what many users are hoping it can be used for. The CrunchPad may be capable of both e-reading and web surfing, while Amazon’s Kindle is [...]