Software, content library, and delivery system are the main differentiators, just as for other types of devices. That differentiation is more than enough for Apple to succeed, and is more than enough for Amazon to succeed. I cannot imagine Sony or BN coming up with a more compelling total package for a multimedia tablet. I think the overall user experience on the Fire will be great.
Unless one of these companies invents a new e-ink display themselves, I think all the e-ink devices will likely feature similar hardware from here on out. The only one that could actually develop a new screen is Sony, and they would be competing against economies of scale of the existing screens everyone else uses. There is still the opportunity for alternative form factors, but as a general 1-size-fits-most device, the compact IR touchscreen format is pretty well optimized and will probably serve best for 90% of users. Amazon can get away with a sub-$100 price because they know they will sell millions. So from a hardware perspective, I think it will be hard for these companies to really differentiate this way.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Stuart
New Kindle Color Tablet hardware is almost a clone of the current Nook Color - only difference is dual-core processor (which is simply the current processor at the same price point paid by BN for a processor a year ago).
New Kindle E-Ink Tablet hardware is almost a clone of the current Nook.
It looks like Amazon is banking on the word "Kindle" as the Official Media Word for E-Reader (just as the media use "Tivo" instead of "DVR").
Software and "Sports Team" fanboy allegiance (Apple,Amazon,Sony,BN) seem to be the only differences in the future.
Obviously, BN will likely cut their prices by 20% to match Amazon...
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