and I use it about half the time for ebook reading, the other half for cruising the web and audio/video stuff. I bought it mainly because the microSD card let me cheaply expand the memory and quickly move movies and music into the device.
It's a great form factor for personal consumption because it fits in a jacket pocket, which is a must for me on the move. But it's not big enough to do "serious" work like editing a document or a spreadsheet. I've gotten a lot of use out of it for $250!
Amazon is expected to launch its Kindle Tablet this week in New York and it’s a bit fuzzy whether the device is about targeting Apple’s iPad or defending against Barnes & Noble’s Nook.
The strategic positioning probably lies somewhere in the middle.
As for the offensive part of the Kindle Tablet launch, the moving parts go like this:
- Amazon can subsidize a tablet via its Prime subscription service and media sales.
- Movie, music and e-book services can be bundled into one comprehensive offering.
- Amazon is one of the few companies that can provide integration similar to what Apple offers.
But Amazon’s Kindle Tablet is also about defense. The reality is that Barnes & Noble’s Nook is one popular Android tablet. While other companies have tried to launch direct iPad rivals, Barnes & Noble went the hybrid route. The color Nook is a handy Android tablet/e-reader.
Also: Barnes & Noble beefs up Nook Color’s tablet status with more apps
Amazon has to answer that tablet/e-reader bell.
Stifel Nicolaus analyst David Schick said in a research note that the Kindle Tablet is a chance to “return serve with refreshed devices.” It’s unclear whether Barnes & Noble can ultimately compete with Apple and Amazon, but it has fared well with its Nook color. The biggest threat to Barnes & Noble will come if Amazon aggressively subsidizes its Kindle Tablet to hit the sub-$200 mark.
Related:
- Amazon expected to sell 3 to 5 million tablets in Q4 2011
- Amazon’s Kindle tablet doesn’t need to be an ‘iPad killer’ to be a winner
- Amazon, others cave to Apple on in-app purchases today, HTML5 tomorrow
- Wal-Mart vs Amazon in California tax law battle: Booksellers in the crossfire
- Amazon, Netflix aim to fast forward shift to digital media over physical
- Amazon tablet drumbeat picks up; likely to land by October
- Amazon reportedly preps tablet orders: Volume points to subsidized devices
- Amazon Prime adds over 1,000 more movies, TV shows for streaming
