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Tablets and e-ink readers are two different markets that partially overlap. Some people are perfectly content with using a backlit screen for reading, many others (including myself, not matter how hard I have tried, for me e-ink is more comfortable) are not. And there is the battery life issue.
Tablets are, of course, a much bigger market (readers being a minority) and Amazon wants to be in it. My guess is that Amazon had planned to wait for the new color e-ink or Mirasol to be market ready (so that they can have a real all-in-one device), but felt it was taking too long. And with a good tablet, Amazon also can take a shot at those people who like reading on LCD screens and now use the Nook color, the iPad, and other devices.
Only when new screen technologies are ready will tablets be 100% functional e-readers for all users.
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