Kindle vs iPad?
It looks like Amazon has created an Amazon Kindle App for the iPad. Engadget today announced that Amazon is creating a Kindle app for the the iPad and have included some screenshots that you can see here.
My first reaction when I saw this was, “Is Amazon really just trying to kill their Kindle sales?” But then I realized that the iPad and the Kindle aren’t really competitors. A lot of people seem to compare the iPad to the Kindle DX (the larger kindle model). The way I look at it though is who really buys the Kindle DX? Whenever I see someone on the subway or walking around with a Kindle they normally have the smaller cheaper version. People seem to enjoy the smaller versions more even on other e-readers like Sony’s Reader, and Barnes and Noble’s Nook. My point is that nobody really buys the Kindle DX because most people want a tiny e-reader the size of a small book. Nobody enjoys carrying large items on themselves when commuting.
So why do I feel that the iPad and the Kindle are not competitors? Well not everyone wants a tablet or the iPad. Most non-tech-enthusiastic consumers look at the iPad and think, “Why the hell would I need that thing?” These same consumers won’t make an iPad purchase especially when they see that its going to cost them at least $499. The price is the most important thing to these consumers. They would be more likely to purchase a Kindle because of the $259 price tag. I’m not saying that these non-tech-enthusiastic consumers would purchase a Kindle instead of an iPad because of features and what the product does, but because it’s cheaper.
Now consumers that are interested in purchasing an e-reader are most likely to go for the cheaper smaller version like I stated earlier. Also most consumers do not see the need for an iPad but most consumers seem to see the benefits of an e-reader. I am always hearing people around me say that they would like to have an e-reader. They’re smaller, lighter than an average book, and the e-ink screen is easy on the eyes like paper.
The iPad equipped with this Kindle app will cut into Kindle reader sales, but I do not see it totally demolishing the Kindle. The only people who are going to purchase an iPad are the ones who are willing to dish out the extra $250 and also see a reason to have an iPad instead of just an e-reader. They’re also going to have to be ok with having a larger device. And feel that the screen will not strain their eyes when reading books on the iPad. I do see the Kindle store have more sales though with the Kindle app.
Via: Engadget
