iPad vs. the Kindle

On Wednesday, Apple unveiled its much anticipated tablet device, the iPad. At first glance, I thought it was a glorified iPod touch. It has many of the same features - just a larger screen. After learning more about it, I became very curious about the iPad's iBook application, which seems to be taking Amazon and its Kindle device and the e-reader market head on.

This immediately made me think of the iPod and the iTunes store when they were first launched. The iPod really wasn't much of a device until people could easily download content to their devices. The record companies only offered to provide content after they felt comfortable with Apple's DRM content protection. After that, the rest was history.

The iPad and related iBook application seem to be the same hardware and application pairing as was the iPod and iTunes. The only question is, will the book publishing companies feel comfortable giving Apple access to their content. Even if Apple gets access to the content, will consumers actually like reading content on the company's high tech device? I think Apple will have difficulty for a few key reasons listed below:

1. Apple does not necessarily have a stellar reputation dealing with the record labels. The company exerted considerable power over the record companies and book publishers may be wary of dealing with the tech giant.
2. Even if Apple gains access to the content, the device seems to be not as optimal as the Kindle for e-reading. First, the Kindle has a very long battery life. Next, the Kindle probably is not as harsh on the eyes as the iPad will likely be.
3. To a lesser extent, Amazon already has relationships with nearly all the book publishers in the world, which should make it difficult for Apple to capture a substantial market share. Consumers are already accustomed to Amazon for the book needs and it will be harder for consumers to switch to the iPad if they already own the Kindle.

I will be very interested to see how this plays out and if Amazon can stave of Apple's market entry. I am looking forward to trying out the new iPad device at the Apple Store when it becomes available - but I definitely won't be pulling out the plastic to pay for it!