ebook readers

[coolVariable]

Is it just me or is the state of the ebook reader market rather pathetic?
My 1st gen Kindle was stolen early Jan, so I have been reading following the typical tech blogs as well as hot deal forums scouting for a replacement.

While some 10,000 ebook readers seem to have been announced in the last 6 months, you can only actually buy 4+.

And prices are even more ridiculous. I got my Kindle (refurbished admittedly) for $150 including tax and shipping from Amazon.
Today, 6 months later, it is still impossible to buy another ebook reader for a cheaper price ... or even the same. With the average ebook reader actually costing $250+ ... and refurbished models (even with less functionality than the Kindle) running slightly below $200. I loved my Kindle and am actively shopping for a replacement. But I will never ever pay more than $150 for an ebook reader, sub-$100 probably being the ideal sweet spot for me and pretty much everybody I know.

 

[Nik]

http://forums.anandtech.com/forumdisplay.php?f=37

 

[ChaoZ]

There's only one manufacturer that makes e-ink displays.

 

[idiotekniQues]

what about an iPhad?

 

[lokiju]

http://www.frys.com/product/6049268;...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[coolVariable]

http://www.frys.com/product/6049268;...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

LCD? Really? You're kidding right?
But thanks for proving my point.

 

[thegpfury]

I have the sony prs 505. It's probably the most open reader out there. It's also a generation or two old, so should be pretty cheap now. It's "basic", it doesn't have a touch screen or internet, but it handles a ton of different formats, and uses SD cards for expansion.