Is the e-reader going to make it?

Reuters - E-readers wow at fair, but face tough competition

This article touches only mildly on the issue of technology becoming unused not because of obsolescence or a better product but instead because something else that is more established can do something similar almost as well. The e-reader is an example, a tablet that isn't backlit (therefore consumes very little energy) that you can read books from. It reduces what you have to carry if you want to read multiple things (efficient), and also can reduce use of printing presses and paper mills (green). Technological competition is coming from the blackberry/iphone/mobile phone market, which is already established and is making it easier and easier for people to read on them. Since people already have phones, they don't need to spend $300 on a new gadget. Also, some people still like enjoying (analog) books.