Apple entrance into ebook market rumors - Page 2

Daithi · 03-02-2009, 11:39 AM

I kind of doubt that Apple will produce an eInk type device, but I could certainly see them selling ebooks on the iPod/iTunes store. The question is whether or not people would want to read books on a backlit device. Personally, I much prefer reading on an eInk device, but then again, I can't carry my Kindle around in my pocket.

Mr. Goodbar · 03-02-2009, 12:48 PM

Well they could be in a pretty good position with the iphone platform. Look at the number of ereading applications currently available and couple that with the comments from Amazon about enabling kindle books to be read on the iphone et al. If they give it a little more time they can roll out a larger form factor ipod touch with a ready made ebook infrastructure. Ebooks would only be one angle for them. It remains to be seen how it would do against e-ink devices, but it's not a big stretch to see something like that coming. For me, e-ink is definitely preferable over a backlit device.

corroonb · 03-02-2009, 12:52 PM

I'm not sure it would be desirable to have a an e-reader without e-ink. I spend enough time looking at LCD screens already.

I can see them selling ebooks on iTunes but not releasing a device solely for ebooks, that sort of specialization does not seem to be Apple's forte.

Kris777 · 03-02-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daithi

I kind of doubt that Apple will produce an eInk type device, but I could certainly see them selling ebooks on the iPod/iTunes store. The question is whether or not people would want to read books on a backlit device. Personally, I much prefer reading on an eInk device, but then again, I can't carry my Kindle around in my pocket.

They may produce not eInk but color screen device. Screen will be the same as didigtal frames have now

Phogg · 03-02-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I think that was just code for "we don't want to talk about it, as we don't want to encourage possible competitors"

He said much the same thing about video on iPods.

But I don't expect to see a dedicated ebook reader from Apple anytime soon.

I don't think Apple will aim for a dedicated reader ever. I think they will shoot for a 5 or 7 inch screen device that is thin, plays music, displays books, surfs online, and shows video with a five to seven hour battery life.

That would be more in line with the trajectory they are already following.

Steven Lyle Jordan · 03-02-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phogg

I don't think Apple will aim for a dedicated reader ever. I think they will shoot for a 5 or 7 inch screen device that is thin, plays music, displays books, surfs online, and shows video with a five to seven hour battery life.

IOW, a netbook.

pilotbob · 03-02-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Jordan

IOW, a netbook.

A NetTablet? NetPod? PADD?

BOb

Moejoe · 03-02-2009, 04:47 PM

the iSMUG (damn my Mac is going to hate me for that one).

Phogg · 03-02-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Jordan

IOW, a netbook.

No. no keyboard, no clamshell design, no thicker than their current Ipods.

A very small tablet, smaller than the one I use. Probably not as cheap as a netbook either - look for a $550 - $800 price tag.

This is what I use -

It is fairly heavy, and has a thumb typing keyboard that slides out. The screen is seven inches

It weighs a pound and a half - probably 3/4 of a Kg.
I carry it in the right cargo pocket of my pants.

I rum Microsoft reader, mobiread, and caliber on it.

Apple will release a proprietary device that will be somewhat smaller and no where near as thick or as heavy - more like the Crunchpad project:

Slick and pretty to look at, but much less robust for text entry or actual computing.

GntlmnBndt · 03-02-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

A NetTablet? NetPod? PADD?

BOb

iPad would seem the obvious choice.

The Bandit

pilotbob · 03-02-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GntlmnBndt

iPad would seem the obvious choice.

iPad! Now that's punny!

BOb

DaleDe · 03-02-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

A NetTablet? NetPod? PADD?

BOb

How about iPADD.

Dale

pilotbob · 03-02-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaleDe

How about iPADD.

Dale

Yea, GntlmnBndt beat you to that one!

BOb

Penforhire · 03-02-2009, 05:54 PM

Maybe a new Newton? My boss had one of those and he drove us bat-sh*t trying to prove the handwriting recognition was any good and griping about the battery life when the modem was operating.

I won't buy it for reading without e-ink-like display but I wonder why some of you figure they'd NEVER stoop to e-ink and compete with "just a reader?" Look at the iPods (at least before the Touch). It doesn't do very much either AND sales are finally slumping.

Here's one of the things I like about Apple products. They give more consideration to the user experience than most (all?) tech companies.

emellaich · 03-02-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strangeseraph

That, or Apple is waiting for colour e-ink? Why would Apple, which is about colourful flashy technology want a black and white device?

That is not a given. Jobs has a long history of deciding what is appropriate technology and not giving into fads (I know Jobs is not at the helm right now). Back with the introduction of the Mac, Apple kept to smaller black and white screens for quite a while after color was available on the PC platform. Likewise, they kept to a one-button mouse until recently. So, if they decide to intro a book reader, its quite likely that they will go to b/w.

However, I'd guess they will enter the market as a multimedia device (books, music, & video). With this approach, I agree they will go for a color device.

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03-02-2009, 11:39 AM	#16
Daithi Publishers are evil! Posts: 2,418 Karma: 36205264 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Rhode Island Device: Various Kindles	I kind of doubt that Apple will produce an eInk type device, but I could certainly see them selling ebooks on the iPod/iTunes store. The question is whether or not people would want to read books on a backlit device. Personally, I much prefer reading on an eInk device, but then again, I can't carry my Kindle around in my pocket.

03-02-2009, 12:48 PM	#17
Mr. Goodbar Wizard Posts: 1,005 Karma: 98078 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Device: iPad Mini 4	Well they could be in a pretty good position with the iphone platform. Look at the number of ereading applications currently available and couple that with the comments from Amazon about enabling kindle books to be read on the iphone et al. If they give it a little more time they can roll out a larger form factor ipod touch with a ready made ebook infrastructure. Ebooks would only be one angle for them. It remains to be seen how it would do against e-ink devices, but it's not a big stretch to see something like that coming. For me, e-ink is definitely preferable over a backlit device.

03-02-2009, 12:52 PM	#18
corroonb Addict Posts: 317 Karma: 1232685 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ireland Device: Kindle Voyage, Kobo Aura, Nexus 9	I'm not sure it would be desirable to have a an e-reader without e-ink. I spend enough time looking at LCD screens already. I can see them selling ebooks on iTunes but not releasing a device solely for ebooks, that sort of specialization does not seem to be Apple's forte.

03-02-2009, 04:47 PM	#23
Moejoe Banned Posts: 5,100 Karma: 72193 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South of the Border Device: Coffin	the iSMUG (damn my Mac is going to hate me for that one).

03-02-2009, 05:54 PM	#29
Penforhire Wizard Posts: 2,230 Karma: 7145404 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Device: Kindle Voyage & iPhone 7+	Maybe a new Newton? My boss had one of those and he drove us bat-sh*t trying to prove the handwriting recognition was any good and griping about the battery life when the modem was operating. I won't buy it for reading without e-ink-like display but I wonder why some of you figure they'd NEVER stoop to e-ink and compete with "just a reader?" Look at the iPods (at least before the Touch). It doesn't do very much either AND sales are finally slumping. Here's one of the things I like about Apple products. They give more consideration to the user experience than most (all?) tech companies.

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