Why There’s Enough Room In The Market For The Kindle And The IPad
This time last year, the e-book reader market was like the Wild West – or maybe the gold rush would be a more appropriate metaphor. Following the huge success which Amazon had achieved with its Kindle reader – first of all with the Kindle 2.0 in February of 2009 and then with the large format DX edition in the summer of the same year – a veritable host of personal electronics manufacturers were either developing, releasing or updating their own e-book readers so as to get their share of the nascent market.
Sony and Barnes and Noble were working hard to get their new readers out in time for the 2009 festive season and Plastic Logic, Asus and a host of others were rushing to get their readers to market as fast as they could. For the first time ever, the Computer Electronics Show, which took place in Las Vegas during early 2010, featured a dedicated area for e-book readers. E-book readers were a hot developing market.
Currently, no more than a few short months later, the scene is very different. The price of e-book readers has plunged. The latest third generation Kindle now has a Wi-Fi only entry level model available for only $ 139 – less than 40% of the $ 359 price which the Kindle 2.0 launched. Barnes and Noble have also dropped the price of the Nook reader to S 149 – and this will probably be cut again before the festive season.
Several new e-book readers which were going through the development process – including Plastic Logic’s Que – have been cancelled. The market seems to be entering a new stage in its development – and whether there is any place in it for pure electronics manufacturers or not is highly debatable. The Amazon business model is very well suited to selling lower priced readers and making a profit on the through life sales of Kindle books. A similar strategy would be available to Barnes and Noble of course, but it’s debatable as to whether or not they can benefit from the same types of economies of scale as Amazon.
Clearly it would be somewhat naive to ignore, or even play down, the impact of Apple’s iPad in this. It’s certain that the price of e-book readers would have trended downwards anyway – but the iPad’s launch certainly speeded things up a bit. However, based on the fact that the third generation Kindles sold out shortly after launch – even today customers are facing a three to four week wait before their Kindles will ship – it doesn’t look as if the iPad is the long awaited Kindle Killer that it was widely predicted to be.
Apart from the debate about e-ink displays being easier to read on than backlit screens, there is – for the moment at least – enough daylight between the price of the Kindle and the price of even the entry level iPad to make the Kindle the more attractive option for anyone whose primary interest is reading books. The iPad’s monthly connection fees will be a stumbling block for many customers.
It does start to look like there is enough room in the market for both the Amazon Kindle and the iPad to co-exist – for the short term future at least. Other manufacturers, including major players like Sony and Barnes and Noble, will probably struggle badly if e-book reader prices keep falling.
The New Third Generation Amazon Kindle Reader
It’s been a long time coming – at least it certainly feels that way – but Amazon has finally unveiled its new, improved and enhanced Kindle reader. Dubbed the third generation Kindle by Amazon, but more likely to be known as the Kindle 3, there are a number of changes in evidence.
It seems likely that the Kindle 3′s new features will tick many of the right boxes with e-book reader devotees. It retains the same 6” e-ink technology display, but the screen contrast has been improved by 50%, which should make reading an even more pleasant experience. Page turn speed, already good in the Kindle 2.0, is now a full 20% faster.
The overall dimensions of the reader are shrunk by 21% and the weight is a mere 8.7 ozs – a reduction of 15%. Battery life s now a month – with the Wi-Fi turned off – and even with the Wi-Fi on, a life of ten days is predicted. On board storage capacity has been increased from 2 to 4 GB, enough for approximately 3,500 books. So the new Kindle is smaller, lighter, easier to read, has a longer battery life and allows users to carry a small personal library with them wherever they go. What more could you want from a mobile reader?
For many, a color screen would have been one item on their wish list. Amazon have been dedicating a lot of resource to the development of a color e-ink technology screen – but it is not quite ready for commercial release just at the moment. Perhaps it will be included in the next Kindle 4 upgrade. There is no SD slot available for memory expansion, something which some users may have liked to see. However, with 4GB memory, the majority of people won’t suffer too badly as a result.
As well as all the upgrades, Amazon have adjusted the price downwards and introduced a new Wi-Fi only Kindle for customers who don’t feel the need for a 3G connection. The new entry level Wi-Fi only model can be yours for $ 139, the Wi-Fi plus 3G model retails at $ 189. The new Kindle 3 now comes in graphite, the same as the new DX model, as well as the original white.
Amazon has also opened a dedicated UK Kindle store on their British website. UK consumers will no longer require to have their Kindles shipped across the Atlantic. To begin with the UK Kindle store will have 400,000 Kindle books to choose from. It seems reasonable to suppose that Amazon may consider opening other dedicated Kindle stores for its other “local” websites in France, Germany etc. in the near future.
Kindle 3 sales are strong. Prospective customers face a wait of around 4 weeks at the moment before their Kindles can be shipped. It does start to look as if reports of the Kindle’s imminent demise at the hands of Apple’s iPad were somewhat premature. The new upgrades, the lower prices and the fact that there is no monthly payment for connectivity, will be very appealing to many consumers. It looks as though the launch of the third generation Kindle may serve as a timely reminder of just how influential Amazon are, and will continue to be, in the world of books in general and e-books in particular
Amazon Are Rumoured To Be Developing New Personal Tech Gadgets
Amazon is enjoying great success with its latest third generation Kindle reader right now. An upgrade – which includes a higher contrast screen, smaller and lighter casing, faster page turns and twice as much memory – accompanied by a price drop and the introduction of a new Wi-Fi only entry level model, has seen demand for the Kindle reader rocket.
Currently, the new upgraded Kindles are out of stock and prospective customers face a three to four week wait before any new ones begin shipping. Kindle books are also outselling traditional hardback editions on a regular basis. It seems to be just a matter of time before e-book sales will higher than even paperback sales.
Amazon has also launched a dedicated UK Kindle store so that UK customers don’t require to have their readers shipped across the Atlantic and can pay for their Kindle purchases in sterling rather than dollars. It seems probable that further “local” Kindle stores will be opened for other Amazon international websites such as Germany, France etc. in the near future.
Currently, everything in the garden is rosy for Amazon. Suggestions that the launch of the Apple iPad would spell the death of the Kindle seem to be, for the moment at least, unfounded. Amazon’s policy of releasing free “apps” to allow Kindle books to be read on a variety of different devices looks to be paying dividends. So, considering what a massive success they have enjoyed with their first manufactured product, it’s hardly surprising that Amazon is rumored to be considering developing prototypes for personal tech gadgets other than the Kindle in their Lab 126 research facility.
Although Amazon has been tight-lipped on the subject, it’s thought that they may be thinking about music/movie players and possibly some kind of mobile phone. However, industry watchers suggest that, if Amazon wanted to enter the market with another gadget, then they would need to ensure that they add value rather than simply releasing another piece of personal electronic tech onto the market.
A great deal of the success of the Kindle reader must be attributed to Amazon’s strong link with books and reading in general. The massive choice of Kindle books available – over 630,000 and growing every day – and the fact that these can be read on so many other devices has been a real feather in Amazon’s cap. Any new gadget that Amazon decided to release would certainly need some similar type of support in order to achieve anything approaching the level of the Kindle’s success.
Kindle Vs iPad: Will the iPad’s Novelty Put the Lights Out of the Kindle?
Presenting a side-by-side Kindle vs iPad review, which device will likely prevail? Without a doubt, the Apple iPad, with its recent much hyped about launch, is the “in” thing at present. Hardcore Apple patrons can scarcely wait to get their hands on one as the WiFi models are likely to ship in late March, while the 3G units are arriving in April. When that time comes, we will expect to see long lines in front of every Apple store just like what transpired with the sale of the iPhone.
But how does the entry of the iPad affect the current crop of ebook readers such as the Kindle, Nook, and Sony Reader? The ereader has slowly become a common consumer device, with the Kindle getting the lion’s share of the market. Seeing the potential of such a device however, many such ebook readers have also been released of late, with most of them having practically the same features as that of the Kindle. Now with the entry of tablet PCs like the iPad which can also ably perform as an ebook reader, the gadget need may swing to multi-functional devices. So, is the iPad poised to take over the ereader market? Let’s take a look at the significant factors.
Let’s start with the cons of the Apple device. The iPad will only be associated with Apple’s own ebook store. While this makes sense for those who are still thinking of buying an ebook reading gadget, if you already own a ton of ebooks, you won’t be able to access these in the iPad. Actual ebook costs are still to be confirmed, but there’s word that purchasing iBooks in the Apple ebook store is going to cost you around 12.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars. These rates can be slightly steep if you have to start from scratch. Plus, Amazon’s ebooks are still retailing at 9.99 dollars apiece.
Notwithstanding, purchasing an iPad has its own set of advantages, as it’s a device that can perform a lot of functions. You will be able to use this big iPhone clone, sans the “phone”, to stream high-def movies, watch your favorite TV shows, browse the web, and have fun with games on a 9.7 inch IPS touch screen. Sticking with Apple standards, the resolution and color is superb, and the package includes your choice of 16-GB, 32-GB or 64-GB internal memory. With such storage capability, the Library will hold a lot of books, which are cleverly displayed on a “book shelf” design. With one simple tap, you may choose your ebook, and read it on the high-resolution, LED back-lit screen. Depending on your storage and connectivity preferences, prices start out at 499 dollars and end at 829 dollars. It does run special apps created specially for the iPad, and you’ll have access to most of the 140,000 other apps at the App Store.
On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle is a device intended for the user’s most relaxing and easy reading experience in mind. Unlike the LCD screen of the iPad, the Kindle, like the present batch of ebook readers, utilizes e-ink display, which many say, is still best for reading for longer periods of time. The Kindle’s battery can last up to two weeks without recharging, so it could also make the perfect traveling companion. The 6-inch model is priced at 259 dollars, while the 9.7-inch Kindle DX costs 489 dollars.
So which gadget gets our thumbs up in this Kindle vs iPad matchup? Certainly for the gadget geek, the iPad will fit perfectly alongside his MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and its smaller counterpart in looks, the iPhone. Jobs and his staff have created yet another brilliant product for the hardcore Apple user. But for the booklover just looking to read in the most conjucive “environment” and have little need for all of the other fancy features, the Kindle ebook reader is still your best option on the market today.
Nook Vs Kindle — Which Is the Better Ereader?
In a Nook vs Kindle comparison, only one ebook reader could come out on top. The big question mark is — which one? While Amazon’s Kindle is clearly the dominant ereader in the market today, there are consumers and tech reviewers saying that the Barnes and Noble gadget has what it takes to give the Kindle some serious competition. But does it really? It’s time to put both devices side by side.
Comparing the Basic Features and Design
Measuring 7.7 inches long and 4.9 inches wide, the Nook is somewhat smaller than the Kindle which measures 8 inches long and 5.3 inches wide. But on the other hand, at 0.3-inch in depth, the Kindle is thinner than the Nook at half an inch thick. The Barnes & Noble device also weighs a bit heavier at 11.2 ounces matched against the Kindle’s 10.2-oz weight.
Unlike the Kindle, the Nook’s back cover can be opened, allowing quick access to its replaceable lithium ion battery. But what really sets the Nook on a wholly new level is the 3.5-inch color touch screen which takes the place of a typical keyboard for navigation. The distinction between the color LCD and the grayscale e-ink display provides an interesting dynamics to the device that few other ereaders can take pride in.
Other Add-Ons
Both ebook readers come with 2GB of internal memory, but while that’s about it for the Kindle, the Nook gives the user the choice of adding more memory via its memory card expansion slot. The two devices are also connected through AT&T’s 3G wireless network but only the Nook offers WiFi connectivity. Get inside a Barnes & Noble shop and you’ll have instant free access to WiFi.
Unique Features of Each
Now comes the more exciting Nook vs Kindle facts. So what features are available on the Nook that can’t be found on the Kindle and vice versa? For one, the Barnes and Noble ereader has two novel services – book lending (being able to lend your ebook to another Nook owner) and in-store browsing (being able to look over complete ebooks for free within Barnes and Noble shops).
For its part, Kindle does come with text-to-speech option which allows the user to just relax and listen to the book read to him. Also, the Kindle permits web browsing, while the Nook doesn’t. Finally, the Nook’s battery life of 7 to 10 days (more like 4-5 days according to users) is way behind the Kindle’s about 14 days battery power (more like 10 days in actual use). For both devices, the battery life estimated here is with the WiFi turned off.
The Verdict
As expected, finding a clear winner between the Nook vs Kindle is not that simple. But while both have great features, Amazon’s gadget gets the edge in overall use as it has virtually perfected the technology, having o up with several Kindle generations. On the other hand, the Nook’s numerous issues, like delayed page turns and sluggish startup may be addressed in succeeding versions, and then it can truly be a possible Kindle killer.
Kindle Vs iPad: Will the iPad’s Novelty Put the Lights Out of the Kindle?
Presenting a side-by-side Kindle vs iPad review, which device will likely prevail? Without a doubt, the Apple iPad, with its recent much hyped about launch, is the “in” thing at present. Hardcore Apple patrons can scarcely wait to get their hands on one as the WiFi models are likely to ship in late March, while the 3G units are arriving in April. When that time comes, we will expect to see long lines in front of every Apple store just like what transpired with the sale of the iPhone.
But how does the entry of the iPad affect the current crop of ebook readers such as the Kindle, Nook, and Sony Reader? The ereader has slowly become a common consumer device, with the Kindle getting the lion’s share of the market. Seeing the potential of such a device however, many such ebook readers have also been released of late, with most of them having practically the same features as that of the Kindle. Now with the entry of tablet PCs like the iPad which can also ably perform as an ebook reader, the gadget need may swing to multi-functional devices. So, is the iPad poised to take over the ereader market? Let’s take a look at the significant factors.
Let’s start with the cons of the Apple device. The iPad will only be associated with Apple’s own ebook store. While this makes sense for those who are still thinking of buying an ebook reading gadget, if you already own a ton of ebooks, you won’t be able to access these in the iPad. Actual ebook costs are still to be confirmed, but there’s word that purchasing iBooks in the Apple ebook store is going to cost you around 12.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars. These rates can be slightly steep if you have to start from scratch. Plus, Amazon’s ebooks are still retailing at 9.99 dollars apiece.
Notwithstanding, purchasing an iPad has its own set of advantages, as it’s a device that can perform a lot of functions. You will be able to use this big iPhone clone, sans the “phone”, to stream high-def movies, watch your favorite TV shows, browse the web, and have fun with games on a 9.7 inch IPS touch screen. Sticking with Apple standards, the resolution and color is superb, and the package includes your choice of 16-GB, 32-GB or 64-GB internal memory. With such storage capability, the Library will hold a lot of books, which are cleverly displayed on a “book shelf” design. With one simple tap, you may choose your ebook, and read it on the high-resolution, LED back-lit screen. Depending on your storage and connectivity preferences, prices start out at 499 dollars and end at 829 dollars. It does run special apps created specially for the iPad, and you’ll have access to most of the 140,000 other apps at the App Store.
On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle is a device intended for the user’s most relaxing and easy reading experience in mind. Unlike the LCD screen of the iPad, the Kindle, like the present batch of ebook readers, utilizes e-ink display, which many say, is still best for reading for longer periods of time. The Kindle’s battery can last up to two weeks without recharging, so it could also make the perfect traveling companion. The 6-inch model is priced at 259 dollars, while the 9.7-inch Kindle DX costs 489 dollars.
So which gadget gets our thumbs up in this Kindle vs iPad matchup? Certainly for the gadget geek, the iPad will fit perfectly alongside his MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and its smaller counterpart in looks, the iPhone. Jobs and his staff have created yet another brilliant product for the hardcore Apple user. But for the booklover just looking to read in the most conjucive “environment” and have little need for all of the other fancy features, the Kindle ebook reader is still your best option on the market today.
On-the-Go Ebook Reader: The Plastic Logic Que
The Plastic Logic Que, one of the latest entries in the ebook reader market, impressed many at the Consumer Electronics Show last January. Partnered with AT & T 3G network serving as broadband provider, the Que has WiFi capabilities. With manufacturers claiming that it is a really exceptional device, the Que is the first of its kind that is is said to be the perfect partner for the active professional. And because it is lightweight and specifically intended to be easy to bring around, having it with you anytime, anywhere is no trouble.
Some may shy away from the Que because of its hefty price tag. The WiFi 4GB model will set you back by 650 bucks, while the WiFi 3G 8GB model will have you shelling out 150 bucks more. Many are questioning — why the steep cost? Following suit with other digital ereaders, the Que allows the users to read their favorite books, magazines, and newspapers, but on top of these conventional features, Que owners can also use Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
The 4GB version can hold up to 35,000 documents and the 8GB model holds as many as 75,000. Organizing reports, files and presentations is easy, and only requires a few taps. With this technology, it’s possible say goodbye to a briefcase bursting with documents. This function is truly the reason why it’s best suited for the traveling professional or businessman. It may even be appealing to students as well.
The Que is a sleek and fine gadget, with a 10.7 monochrome screen built into a thin body. It measures 8.5 x 11 inches, similar in size as a standard piece of paper, and is light in weight. It is simple to bring anywhere, tucked in your briefcase or purse.
Stress-free on the eyes, the plastic display is very inviting and the e-ink offers enjoyable reading. The Plastic Logic Que doesn’t work with a stylus, but a sensitive virtual keyboard. The user can take notes and highlight important content in any document for future reference. The Que has a built-in a USB port, SD card slot and speaker, and isn’t cluttered with excessive hardware. The only button to be found on the front is the power button located at the bottom of the reader. In short, it looks good!
The consumer will have access to their favorite books, magazines and newspapers with the diverse selection in the QUE Store. Users can enjoy as well their daily newspaper over breakfast, take a quick glance at their presentation even in the midst of a meeting, and enjoy accessible information all the time. Consumers will get their hands on the Plastic Logic Que from local stores in mid-March, or pre-order it at the Que website.
The Fascination With E-Readers and Electronic Publishing
E-Readers and Ebook readers have been gaining a great amount of popularity in recent years. Publishing and the way that we obtain and absorb media is changing all the time. One of the most notable regions this is starting to become evident is the rise of e- readers and electronic books. With many newspapers and magazines covering the planet shutting down and a lot of others moving to additional internet based contents there was a big demand for electronic books and magazines that may simply be read on a hand-held product such as an iPod touch, a Sony E-reader, the famous Amazon Kindle, the innovative Apple iPad or any of the supplementary devices that’ve been emerging onto the marketplace recently.
Electronic books are not a new concept though. E-books have been around a good long period now, and while standard publishing remains the major driving force in the industry, there is an important and consistent increase in awareness in reading on hand-held devices. A lot of globally famous paperspapers, magazines and internet sites are syndicated to hand-held devices every day, offering the same contents as in their print versions lacking the damage to the ecosystem that printing physical copies can have.
In addition, e-book readers are capable of storing a big deal more content than you would generally be able to carry in its tangible form. Purchasing ebook readers has never been faster as you can get them from all the major outlets like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones and of course the Apple iTunes app store.
Some colleges and universities are also looking to E-books to resolve the problem of continuously updating textbooks for scholars. This is something that’s proving to be very advantageous to teaching, as it compacts the enormous amounts of content a learner wants to take in, onto one single helpful device instead of huge reams of papers.
Ebook readers are also superb for travelling, as you may have a variety of novels, books, magazines, papers, blog entries and more in the middle of your hand. Additionally, devices like the iPod touch and the Amazon Kindle present wireless connectivity all around the planet, meaning you are able to update your publications and download more to enjoy.
The digital publishing industry is something which will grow in significance over the approaching years, as paper stocks diminsh and production costs rise, many publishers and readers are looking towards digital handheld devices over the normal paper publications in order to maintain distinguished output without needing to scrimp on quality. No matter what you want to read, there are ebook readers for you, and there is also a range of wonderful contraptions available to help you just do that. Check out the finest ebook readers that are available on the net and check out which one will best fit your needs.
Can the Ebook Reader Compete with Apple iPad's Bite?
Are ebook readers about to be traded for the iPad? After the big introduction of the Apple iPad, gadget geeks are restlessly pacing the floor, anxiously looking to the day when they could finally get their hands on this device. The iPad models equipped with WiFi are expected to be sent out by late March and the 3G models will be shipped starting April. It's no shocker actually; a person who uses Apple products are a different kind, loyal and have stayed true to Apple.
It looks like Steve Jobs still got his touch, creating a product that will be flying off the shelves, no doubt. Perhaps scores of Apple followers will meander in long lines at the nearby Apple Store, standing by for when the iPad will finally go on sale, harking back to the iPhone release. But with all of the buildup surrounding the iPad, will it destroy the popularity of other ebook reading devices such as the Kindle and Sony Readers? So we can come to a verdict, let's check out the iPad in detail.
The device doesn't come cheap with prices starting at 499 dollars and topping out at 829 dollars, and why shouldn't it be more than a bit pricey? Bear in mind that the iPad isn't just an ebook reader. It looks like an over-sized iPhone, minus the phone functions. You'll be able to watch high-def movies, stream TV shows, browse the internet, and play games on it. The humongous 9.7-inch IPS touch screen is up to Apple's high resolution standards. It comes with a storage capacity of 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB flash drive.
With such storage capacity, this gadget will obviously hold a library much larger than your average ereader. Books are cleverly arranged on a “book shelf”. You'll simply tap the book you would like, and enjoy reading it on a high-resolution, LED backlit display. It also runs special apps developed for the iPad, and also many of the 140,000 applications from the App store.
Here's a problem, though. The iPad will only be associated to Apple's own ebook store, and these books are usually not compatible with the Kindle and other ereader market dominators. If you have an ample collection of ebooks already on another ereader, you'll have trouble reading them on the iPad. While it is still not confirmed as yet, rumor has it that iBooks will sell for 12.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars.
The Apple iPad is easily transportable, lightweight, and most likely really fun to tinker around with. But if you don't need all of the “other stuff”, the ereaders on the market now will suit you just as well. But if you are a hardcore Apple fanatic, then Jobs and his team have produced yet another exciting product for consumers. With amazing clarity and capabilities, you will “iLove” this multi-tasking gadget. The Apple iPad will match flawlessly with your MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and iPhone.
Is The Ebook Reader Really A Green Gadget?
If your weakness for hard cover books continues to lead you to resist a handheld ebook reader like Amazon's Kindle, you may reconsider when you think about the ereader as a green gadget. Books, newspapers and magazines use a lot of paper for production, and the paper and ink process can impact the environment in such a damaging way. So taking a look at it this way, an ebook is an option to go green because this does away with tree cutting.
Ebook reading devices use rechargeable lithium polymer batteries which are another benefit to consider. Compared to their counterparts, nickel-based batteries, they are not as detrimental, and your pocket will be grateful when you need not shell out regularly for batteries.
Unfortunately, it is the way it goes, and with these positive features, a new set of issues follows. Our society depends heavily on technology, and to satisfy the needs, electronic companies are frantically coming up with new gizmos to offer people their much-desired tech fix. We buy the latest gadget, but do not conscientiously get rid of our “old” electronic devices. Electronic waste isn't likely to go away, and honestly, it is piling up. Recycling isn't hard, and you can even give away your old gadgets to a non-profit organization or a school that has suffered from budget cuts. Provided the device is still in good working condition, you will be making a lot of other individuals happy.
As mentioned earlier, manufacturers are striving to boost the ebook reader's functionality. At present, you have to recharge an ebook using your laptop or wall charger, depending on which one you own. This does produce greenhouse gases, and as we all know, these gases are also affecting the environment negatively. Perhaps soon, a manufacturer will produce an ebook that can get its charge from the sun. What a fantastic excuse to be able to lay out by the pool and read because you need to charge your ereader!
It would simply be ill-advised for a company to ignore society's demand for “green” products. With more attention to the situation, improvements on gadgets should also focus on environmental issues to preserve our world and satisfy the market.
If you are still unconvinced of the ebook reader, do a little research. The portability it offers and its user-friendliness is simply wonderful, and reading a novel electronically brings the story to life. Moreover, you may want to look at the simple fact that you're contributing to conserving trees. A lot of people agree that if you want to go green, using the ebook reader green gadget is a great way of doing so.