I watched and listened from my home office yesterday afternoon as Steve Jobs et al unveiled their newest creation, the iPad. As is the case with many in the geek community, I am excited for the newest of the gadgets. But I must confess that I am surprised that so many people have immediately jumped to the conclusion that the iPad will kill Amazon's Kindle. "The Kindle would be the most hurt" was the first conclusion on live.twit.tv in the immediate aftermath of the iPad announcement. Last night I corresponded with my friend Len Edgerly, who produces a weekly podcast, "The Kindle Chronicles." Here's what I had to say in defense of my Kindle:
I was surprised that the first thought of the panelist of what device would be hurt the most by the new iPad was the Kindle.Those are my quick thoughts. I may buy the iPad. (Shoot, I may stand in line for one when it comes out!) But it won't be because I want a better reading device.
I disagree and here's why:
Price - Cheapest iPad is $499 and goes up to $829. While I see this possessing value for what Apple is achieving with this device, it clearly is MUCH more expensive than the Kindle. It simply isn't in the same category as the Kindle.
Ongoing expense - The Kindle offers unlimited Internet connection with NO ADDITIONAL MONTHLY cost, where with the iPad I either must a) have an internet connection and be able to use WiFi or b) pay $15 or $30 per month for a 3G connection.
Size and weight of device - You made the point in the last episode that people were making a BIG DEAL out of the fact that the Nook weighs an ounce more than projected. The iPad weighs a pound and a half - more than twice the weight of the Kindle. And while Amazon does offer the larger DX, the vast majority of us take our 6 inch version to bed at night. For the purpose of reading, the weight and dimensions of the Kindle are much better for curling up to a good book.
Readability - I can't say for sure since I haven't seen or held an iPad yet, but my belief is that the eInk of the Kindle will be preferable for eye wear for the readers among us. Also, I like the physical button on the sides of the Kindle for turning pages better than touching the screen. The Kindle with its nonreflective screen and built in buttons just seems like a device thats EASIER TO FORGET when I'm reading.
Complexity of device - Some of us (like you I think... definitely me) like to test the bounds of all the things that we can do with the Kindle. However, we are the exceptions to the rule in Kindleville. Most people, I think, like to have a simple device that DOES ONE THING REALLY WELL. The Geeks will like the complexity of all the apps in the iPad. The readers among us will, I think, still prefer Kindle - especially when price, ongoing costs, size and weight are also factored in.
Amazon.com vs. iBooks Store - another unknown on the Apple side, but a definite known on the Amazon side. Amazon built their business on top of the book business. I would not quickly discount the Amazon model.
