Quote:
Originally Posted by spec2
I think the difference is that the Sony Readers are just another product in the Sony stable. They don't really spend any money to market it at all. In fact I wouldn't be surprise if 90% of sales are due to word-of-mouth, displays in stores, or seeing on a site like Gizmodo or Engadget, etc.
OTOH the Kindle is the only product Amazon with it's brand name on it. They can and are putting the entire resources of the company behind it's marketing. I mean can you imagine Howard Stringer holding a press conference for a Sony Reader!
I don't know why Kindle (1.0) owners are so evangelical about the reader, but, despite its motley appearance, Amazon has skillfully parlayed this into the hoopla that is now the Kindle 2.0 launch. It does puzzle me why Kindle owners act as if it's the first and only eReader on the market, but let them have their fun. If I wanted a Kindle 2.0 (and I did think about it briefly) I would buy one. But honestly, to me all eReaders are basically the same. I picked the Sony because it had good fit and finish and was more affordable than the others.
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They did promote it in large cities. I think they were going for word of mouth too, if the cards promoting the Reader that came in my Reader box were any indication.
Smart, word of mouth is good cheap marketing. I know I've gotten quite a few people to buy them. I'm sure they've gotten people to buy them too.