Why e-readers are so expensive?
6 hours ago
- The high cost of e-readers is primarily due to the e-ink screen.
- E Ink, owned by Prime View International, controls over 90% of the e-reader screen market, creating a near-monopoly.
- The company acquired competitors like Philips, Hydis, and SiPix to maintain its dominance.
- Technical challenges in manufacturing e-ink screens have deterred other companies like Samsung from competing.
- The e-reader market is smaller and less profitable than the LCD/OLED market, reducing incentive for new entrants.
- Prices may not drop until a new competitor, likely from China, enters the market.