Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
I suspect that for many people, the $499 16GB iPad might be more tempting. Only very slightly more expensive, and significantly more versatile.
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This is what I love about Apple as a marketing machine. They have made the connection that an iPad is $499 ... and every "competitor" has to deliver value at that level or less.
But the $489 Kindle DX is the same size screen, in b&w, and e-ink to boot, for $10 less. Good grief! Buy an iPad, right?
Except ... the iPad is all about multimedia playback and "always connected". The reality: most consumers are opting for the 32 GB iPad with 3G built-in and requires (at least) $15/mth data plan to "make it go". That's $729 on day one and $180 in data charges in year one -- over $900.
So, yeah, I get it: the iPad delivers more ... $900 iPad vs $489 Kindle DX. Notice, please, it costs more.
No one buys a Kindle 2 or Kindle DX to stay up-to-date with YouTube. Kindle delivers a text-centric, 2 week battery life, international experience with multi-platform interaction. And, at abt half the price of an iPad, even for the Kindle DX.
iPad apps, on the other hand, can't be shared on a PC or other mobile phone or tablet.
The iPad is a very expensive, lovely, consumer toy for anyone with $900 to toss it's way ... plus ongoing app charges. A Kindle DX or Kindle 2, on the other hand, is half or much less than half the price, and delivers a terrific bookstore, mobile reading with free international 3G access, a great (b&w) screen, two week battery life ....
Sure, if the DX drops $100 it's more attractive than today. But that $489 is already WAY cheaper than the "typical" iPad. If cost effective large screen reading is your goal, Amazon's DX remains and excellent choice.