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Eutychus · 01-16-2008, 11:04 PM

Steve was being kind to Amazon to refuse to comment on the Kindle as computer hardware. If you have seen and used an iPod you can imagine his opinion of the Kindle's hardware.

His comment about market share from book readers is significant only for dedicated eReaders such as the Kindle. I imagine various companies will release eReader software for the iPhone and iPod Touch when the developer kits are released. Apple itself could end up producing such software since it produces GarageBand for a smaller market share group (the software is included when you buy their computer). The more interesting question would be if Apple might release an iPod touch the size of an iRex iLiad or a Cybook that could be used as an ebook reader.

One last comment sparked by Steve Job's view of potential market share for dedicated ebook readers: Amazon released the Kindle to make money. I don't think they can become the iTunes-iPod of the ebook world. (Competition from other eReaders and UMPC's; publishing industry learning its lessons from the music industry.) If the Kindle does not reach and maintain adequate profit, Amazon will drop it as they have other low profit ventures.

01-16-2008, 11:04 PM	#54
Eutychus Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2008 Device: Palm TX	Steve was being kind Steve was being kind to Amazon to refuse to comment on the Kindle as computer hardware. If you have seen and used an iPod you can imagine his opinion of the Kindle's hardware. His comment about market share from book readers is significant only for dedicated eReaders such as the Kindle. I imagine various companies will release eReader software for the iPhone and iPod Touch when the developer kits are released. Apple itself could end up producing such software since it produces GarageBand for a smaller market share group (the software is included when you buy their computer). The more interesting question would be if Apple might release an iPod touch the size of an iRex iLiad or a Cybook that could be used as an ebook reader. One last comment sparked by Steve Job's view of potential market share for dedicated ebook readers: Amazon released the Kindle to make money. I don't think they can become the iTunes-iPod of the ebook world. (Competition from other eReaders and UMPC's; publishing industry learning its lessons from the music industry.) If the Kindle does not reach and maintain adequate profit, Amazon will drop it as they have other low profit ventures.