As electronic book readers such as the Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble’s Nook and now Apple’s recently revealed iPad become increasingly popular, one question remains: How much will consumers pay to go paperless?
As Apple prepares to launch iPad and to sell digital books on iTunes, publishers expect the prices of many popular e-books are expected to increase to as high as $14.99 from $9.99 as they were previously sold on Amazon’s online store, according to a Feb. 17 New York Times article.
While many passionate e-book buyers seemed upset over the price increase, many Boston University students said they feel that this price adjustment is warranted.
College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Darian Springer said he felt the potential price increase in would be justifiable, but also said he will still continue to buy books in print.
“I personally would not [buy an e-book reader],” he said. “But if you’re buying for convenience then it’s okay.”
CAS freshman Angela Marusiak said she also feels it is fair for publishers to be raising prices in a time of greater demand for digital content.
She said she would probably not buy an e-book reader anytime soon, yet that she sees how it could be more convenient for some now.
“I prefer having a book, but it makes sense for students,” Marusiak said.
CAS freshman Rachel Hetlyn, on the other hand, said she could see herself using a Kindle or a Nook in the near future out of convenience.
“It’s good for commuters and students,” she said. “It’s more accessible than carrying around a textbook.”
Hetlyn also said that if textbooks were less expensive on an e-book reader, even by a small amount, it would be beneficial for students to invest in e-book readers.
CAS freshman John Fiorillo said he thought the price increase was fair with the increasing popularity of e-book readers.
“If there is a greater demand for them then the price should go up,” he said.
Fiorillo also said he thoughtthe price surge was just because consumers were paying for the e-book readers out of convenience.
“They don’t have to go to the store every time they want to buy a book,” he said.
While most students said they felt the price raise was fair, others were undecided in the matter.
College of Communication freshman Josh Marcus said he feels unsure about the fairness of increased e-book pricing, but he agrees that the technology will be successful.
“It makes a lot more sense then normal books,” Marcus said.
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