Quote:
Originally Posted by Harmon
(3) Non-owners
Readers who don't own a Mac or a PC are more likely to buy either Kindle for the simple reason that the iPad brings with it an annual G3 connection cost of $180 a year under the cheapest plan. This means that over 1 year, the K2 costs 259 to own, the KDX costs 489, and the iPad costs 809. Over 3 years, the K2 costs 259 to own, the KDX costs 489, and the iPad costs 1169. All that extra money can be spent on books!
Outside the Apple Universe, sales of the iPad to readers is much less likely. There is no great incentive for these people to buy an iPad over a KDX. In fact, the incentives are in Amazon's favor.
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Those are some very interesting points you raise.
Regarding #3
The Kindle may cost $489 for Americans, but as for the rest of the world, it costs between $510-$600, perhaps even more to some countries. The iPad will be sold at local outlets worldwide, so S&H and import tax will no apply, making the iPad +- the
same price if not cheaper than the Kindle DXi for international users.
Only 3 countries ie. Hong Kong, Mexico and Japan can use the browser function on the Kindle. I've heard from someone here in Japan that it's
very slow. All books even 'free' cost $2
more to international users, and that is if they can purchase a title at all due to geographical restrictions. The iPad can do a million things MORE than the Kindle... so if someone had no computer at all, they would have to be very.... very.... not sure what really... since I personally can't possibly imagine having no PC or internet browser whatsoever, but instead of buying the iPad, buying the expensive and extremely limited Kindle
just to read!
Regarding the 3G connection. Once again, that is only for the US. Actual data plans for the 3G model are yet to be announced in other countries, unless some have already announced? But the $30 per month for high speed
unlimited data, hardly seems like a lot to me since you can be online anywhere and
especially if that is your only device. But then, I haven't the foggiest idea how much data plans cost in the US...
I have a question.
Does anyone know if the 3G models may be sold without a data plan? Since it's unlocked, can't one buy a 3G without a plan and decide if it's necessary later. In other words covering your bases.... That's probably what I'd do if it's possible.