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Last week I stated that in my opinion, Ebook Readers were are great idea for holiday gifts this year. In addition, I outlined the brands and models I thought best suited for giving as gifts. However, nothing stays static in this crazy mixed up world of technology.  In the last week, has the situation changed?

Well, Mike Elgan at Computerworld took a different view from mine in his column today, and listed seven reasons why, in his opinion, Ebook Readers were the LAST thing most people would want to see under the Hanukkah Bush this year.

After the jump I will look at his seven points and give my views. Does he sway me? Look and see.

1. We’re on the brink of radical change in how people read e-books

I certainly agree that there are a lot of big changes around the corner in 2010 regarding Ebook Readers…but if you hold off on tech purchases because something newer/better/shinier may be released in a couple months…well, you would never buy ANYTHING, EVER. Those of us who buy tech gear regularly have learned to accept that our hot new toy is likely going to be out dated before we finish the unboxing.

Therefore….I DISAGREE.

2. E-book readers are the least discounted gadgets on the market

He has an excellent point here. With deep discounts being offered on everything that beeps, wiggles or sends Email during this recession tinted holiday, Ebooks Readers are untouched. Add to that the fact that all indications are that the prices will remain high for the foreseeable future, and it becomes harder to justify running out and snapping up an Ebook Reader right now, holiday or no holiday. Price wise, waiting could be wise.

Therefore….I PARTIALLY AGREE

3. There are so many other new ways to read e-books

Again, technology never stands still for long. There will always be more solutions available for every problem and task we are faced with. If we sit around waiting until a final, undisputed standard emerges we will be waiting a long long time. The fact that there are so many ways now to read Ebooks is a plus in my view…it means more ebooks will be released and be more easily accessed by ALL devices. That is made of win, no matter what device you use.

Therefore….I DISAGREE.

4. Giving an e-book readers may involve committing a person to a specific technology

This is a reasonable point…but just means that, in my opinion, you need to go for devices that give the widest range of possible formats to avoid locking someone into a proprietary device or single vendor. Better to go for readers that offer more variety such as the Sony Reader series and the Nook. At this point, if it is EPUB enabled, you are pretty well future proofed. Pay attention to what formats your potential gift supports and you will be fine.

Therefore…I DISAGREE.

5. E-book readers are old and busted

Elgan feels that last year Ebooks were exciting and new, now they aren’t anymore. Considering the growing sales and enthusiasm for Ebooks and Ebook Readers across the board, and all the new devices available now and in the near future, I think this point is just plain silly. Notebook Computers are pretty old and busted too then, anyone not willing to accept one for Kwanzaa?

Therefore…I DISAGREE STRONGLY.

7. Everyone who really wanted one already has one

See above, plus even if you accept his point, the best sorts of gifts are the things you didn’t realize you wanted…until you were given one.

Therefore…I DISAGREE EVEN MORE STRONGLY.

7. One of the best choices is unavailable

OK, he means the Nook…and he does have a solid point with this. However, if you absolutely need to give a Nook, nothing else will do…then preorder and give the Order Confirmation. If the thought REALLY does count, then the person you are giving it to will understand. If you need for your loved one to take the actual device from Santa’s hot little hands on Christmas Morning, there are still plenty of excellent options available that aren’t called the Nook.

Therefore…I DISAGREE…WITH RESERVATIONS.

So there you have it Holiday Shoppers…Mr. Elgan makes some good points, but I still feel that Ebook Readers make a great holiday gift idea. There are lots of options available, and it is always nice to give someone a leg up on a future technology. Ebook Readers are absolutely a gift that will keep on giving.