E-reader demand slumps, slapped down by slates

E-ink kit falling out of consumers' favour

E-book readers sales are taking a pummelling from tablets. IDC, a market watcher, reckons some 19.9 million dedicated e-readers will have shipped in 2012 - 28.2 per cent fewer than were shifted in 2011.

Lower prices, the rise of the 7in screen, colour, apps, aggressive promotional activity by tablet makers Apple, Amazon and Google - these are among the factors that have “captivated” customers and turned them off e-ink devices.

IDC admitted that the new line of illuminated e-readers are appealing to folk who would rather have a dedicated reading device than a general media tablet, most folk are happy with the latter.

Some 122.3 million of which will ship in 2012, IDC reckons, up from its previous forecast of 117.1 million units. ®