Although Steve Jobs once dismissed the idea of an Apple e-reader by proclaiming people don’t read, the rumors that Apple plans to release an internet tablet later this year has many believing it’s the company’s answer to Amazon’s wildly successful Kindle. Sure, you probably could read books on it but it is really no threat to the Kindle at all. Why? Let’s look at some reasons.
Size
Part of what attracts avid readers to the Kindle is that it allows them to carry their entire library anywhere. The new Apple tablet is said to have a 10 inch screen. That’s even larger than the new Kindle DX. The weight may also be a factor why people would stick to Amazon over Apple.
Screen
The Apple tablet is also said to have the same type of multitouch screen as the iPhone and iPod Touch. A touch screen isn’t necessary for an e-reader and only adds to the fragility of the device. The backlighting is another drawback. Backlit displays cause eyestrain and fatigue, neither of which is conducive to long periods of reading.
Multifunction
From the description I’ve read, this new tablet is actually just a giant iPod Touch. People who own e-readers like the fact that it does just one thing, display books for reading, and those displays do it well. Okay, yes the Kindle has a very basic web browser built in, but its function is purely as an e-reader.
Price
The tablet is supposed to retail for $800. The Kindle is $299 and the DX $489. Enough said.
Frankly, I don’t see how this new tablet will even make a dent in the netbook market, never mind the e-reader one. I don’t think Apple gave it near enough thought. An actual MacBook netbook edition would have been a much better device to introduce!
Wow Sue. Great logic. Wrong sum. Totally.
Floyd,
It's called an opinion. Thanks for sharing yours.
I can't imagine anyone would buy an "iTablet" to read books on it. The Kindle has one purpose. An iTablet will have many.
It's like the iPhone vs. DS/PSP debate. People will not buy an iPhone to play games, but if they get it for other reasons, it's possible the gaming options on there will be enough to prevent them from also buying a DS or PSP.
Well, since we're sharing opinions on a speculative product, here is my opinion.
SIZE- The size of the iTablet (if it ever materialises) will be about the same size the Kindle. The Kindle has a 9.7 screen, just about the same as the new rumored iTablet. Since the iTablet will be touch screen the amount of space needed for the button will be minimal. As far as weight, we will just have to wait and see, but I think it will be within a few ounces of the kindle.
SCREEN- Touch screns are no more fragile than the Kindle Screen . Glass is glass. But I agree with you about the backlighting causing eye fatigue.
MULTIFUNTION- I think this will be the major reason the iTablet will sell over the Kindle. Apps, games, web browser, etc etc. I mean if I am going to spend 500 dollars, why not get something I can do more than just read with.
Price- We wil see. However, I think Apple has thought this through. The performace of netbooks suck unless all you want to do is check email and the web… and there is no reason for them to get into that game.
Actually Luey you are incorrect. The Kindle screen is 6' The Kindle DX screen is '9.7.
The logic of people preferring a SINGLE function gadget seems illogical to me. Myself and all the people that I know prefer to carry one gadget that can do it all, if possible. I understand the simplicity aspect of a gadget. But simplicity and multi-functions do not have to be mutually exclusive. That's why iPhone is so successful, it's simple and multi-functional. I have both the 1st and 2nd generation iPhone.
The only reason Kindle is only doing e-Reading is because they couldn't do it efficiently as the competitors. I have a 2nd generation Kindle. I did try to use the Kindle browser, it was terrible!!
All gadget makers would like to build as many functions as possible to give more values to their customers and thus generate more sales. But judging from the results of the Kindle browser, they're simply lacking the skills to push it further than e-Reading.