Just When You Thought You Understood All The Ebook Readers — There’s The Apple iPad To Consider
January 30th, 2010 | 
Author: We’ve talked a lot about ebook readers and I’ve provided links to other blogs and sites which have provided more information about ebook readers and other devices that can serve as ebook readers…like the multi-function iPod Touch which can serve as an ebook reader, calendar, note taking device, game device, and an MP3 player among other things.
Now, just when you thought you knew the basic benefits of the top ebook reading platforms there is a new one to consider. The new Apple iPad is not a dedicated reader like the Nook, Ebookwise, Sony Reader, or Kindle. From what I’ve read of the new device the Apple iPad is more of a cross between a laptop and a device like the iPod Touch which I mentioned above. The main difference between the iPod Touch and the iPad seems to be the larger 9 inch screen on the iPad…which is MUCH larger than the 3×5 or 3×6 size of the iPod Touch.
If the $259 price tag of the Kindle put you off the starting price of $499 for the iPad may put you off more…unless you are looking for a multi-purpose device and are willing to pay more for a larger screen. The iPad comes with the same Wi-fi connectivity that the iPod Touch has but can be purchased with optional 3G network for connectivity anywhere your cell phone would work.
As I was looking at the features of the iPad I was simultaneously thinking — I WANT IT! IT’S COOL! and wondering what would I do with it — because it doesn’t do much/anything that my other devices (iPod Touch, laptop, Kindle) do not already do. The size, 9 inch and 1.6 pounds for the version with the 3G network makes the device large enough to be without some of the things I like most about the iPod Touch. It’s small size makes it perfect for taking into doctor’s offices, keeping in the car for reading in the car while waiting for people or slow moving lines, and moving around the house. One thing that would be nice about the iPad is the larger touch screen…which would make it easier to type information into the device…but then I wonder if you wouldn’t need to put it flat on a table or desk to type into it…and if you had to do that…wouldn’t the laptop be equally good?
For a look at the new iPad and its many features which include a full color touch screen and Wi-Fi connectivity or optional 3G network connectivity click here.
This audio from NPR’s Morning Edition explains why publishers embrace iPad though it also sheds some light on reasons why readers, especially readers of primarily fiction, may not flock to the device if what they are looking for is primarily an ebook reader. There is no doubt the new iPad does allow publishers to do things not done before in ebook publishing — like embedded music and video within the text of an ebook — and publish in full color in electronic format. I do see the new possibilities as a positive for some readers…children’s books for example…would be great in electronic download to a large formatted reader like the iPad. Also cookbooks…non-fiction books…books which require color and graphics. But do we really want music and video within the text of our romance novel, our mystery novel? Given the price tag of $499 for the basic version with no 3G network…I’m not sure I see enough benefit over other devices…like the laptop.
The prices that iTunes will be charging for books will likely be on the high side since unlike Amazon which has set the price of most Kindle books at 9.99 or less iTunes is leaving it up to the publishers to set their own prices. Many larger publishers have signed deals with iTunes to make their books available in that store…but their books will likely be more costly since publishers will be able to set their own prices and many publishers saw the 9.99 ceiling imposed by Amazon as less than they wanted to charge.
The iPad is definitely positioned to compete with Kindle, Sony, Nook, etc. but it seems to me that their biggest competition would stem from laptop computers.
Posted in Ebook Reading Devices
I would love to have the iPad. It looks so neat.
I’m still trying to decide if I want an ipod touch, and now there’s another device to consider. The $499 price isn’t an incentive, but much less than what everyone thought the new iPad would cost.
Larger screen is good, but then the Kindle and Nook have that already for a little over half the price.
Decisions, decisions.
MM
I don’t think I would be interested in this. I have a laptop and a Kindle—-don’t need another expensive toy.
It sounds very nice but is out of my price range. I have to watch what I’m spending right now and that’s to much for me on my budget. If I bought that I couldn’t afford any books for a while I’ll just stick with what I’ve got.
I am so far behind in the electronic game. I don’t even have a laptop and these products just keep rolling out. I thought that the older products would’ve been slashed way down when the new items came out. So far I don’t see much of a drop, at least not for my pockets anyway.
They look very interesting, but I can’t see myself with one, even if the price weren’t so prohibitive. For me, the whole reason for wanting an ereader is to have something akin to the size of a book with the luxury of carrying my whole library wherever I go. If you’re going to carry something that big, just carry a laptop.
I don’t have an ereader so I would consider the iPad when shopping for one.
With the price starting at 600+ with even more for the extras like some of the programs and backlighting, I’ll NOT be buying this flashy product. For that kind of price, I’ll buy me a laptop, if and when I need a new one. At over 90gb(with only 20% used), it will be a while til I need something new.
I have a Sony Reader (bought with a $100 off coupon) and that’s the only reason why I bought it. So, no, I’m not interested in the iPad… yet, anyway.
I’ll see what it looks like in a couple of years….
I agree with a lot of the comments here. Though those in the electronics/technology industry seem intent on positioning iPad as a competitor to Kindle I see it as much more a competitor to a laptop.
I am impressed with the “cool” factor…but as I said in my post my overall feeling is still…what would I need this device for? What hole does it fill between the gadgets that I already have?
My iPod touch does a wonderful job of carrying a slew of ebooks in a package between the size of a wallet calculator and a more full size thin calculator model. The iPod Touch has the touch screen and the full color screen and the capability to do many other things. It is not 3G equipped…but works off wi-fi.
If I want to carry a bigger device the Kindle carries tons of books and works over 3G to download books from the Amazon store.
If one wants a mini laptop one can always buy a mini laptop. The price for those has been around $299 in our local market.
The iPad Touch has a lot of cool factor…but I’m just not sure what hole it fills between the existing products that are out there already.
When I look at the toys I already own there is really not a gap that the iPad would fill.
But as you will see in a couple of upcoming posts here…there is already smoke, a sure sign that divides in the publishing industry over Amazon’s pricing structure for Kindle books is already heating up.
The price is way beyond my means. I won’t be buying any e-reader for a whil.
At the price of $499, you’re better off getting the new larger Kindle or the new Mini-Notebook. You’ll get the larger viewing screen with the new Kindle, and if you need the keyboard and computer functions you’ll get them with the notebook, plus you’ll get the added screen safety of being able to close it up.
Those larger screens are very susceptible to breakage if not properly protected, which is why laptops have hard shells that close up with the screen sandwiched in between them to protect it.
I don’t care that much for the iPad. If I want something that big to read, I’ll get a hardcover book. At least they aren’t breakable likr the iPad. And I can think of several things I could do with the $499 that this thing costs. No thanks, to me it just seems like one more way for some people to say”look at me I have the money to spend and the time to play around” and as a state employee, my money is better spent elsewhere.
Boy, it seems like something new comes out every day. It is impossible to keep up with them all. With so many folks losing their jobs it seems like there would not be too many who can afford that $499.
The ipod is too big and heavy to become a threat to the Kindle and the others. I could not imagine lugging it around with me for reading purposes!