1991-C4

...for now anyway.

There is another post in this section about Apple's removal of "adult" material from the iBook Top Ten list. Some have expressed a concern that Apple (hopefully theoretically) could dictate that app developers refrain from including "adult" material. Obviously whatever I can buy in a Kindle edition from Amazon, I can read on my iPad and as it stands now, there is nothing Apple can do about it. Obviously there is a complex business relationship between Apple and Amazon and if Steve Jobs insists on legislating morality, he could possibly sever that relationship. (Technically I don't know they could stop me from using the Kindle app, but I am sure there is a way)

The one thing the Kindle does prove is that Amazon has the money and the contacts in the technology market and making a broad range consumption device similar to the iPad is probably no giant leap for them. I don't think they could get one out by Christmas this year, but certainly in less than a year from the time Jeff Bezos gives the order.

They are both consumption devices. The biggest difference is that the Kindle is a well-defined, very narrowly focused device marketed by a book seller. It does one thing and no one buys a Kindle asking why they can't surf the net on it. OTOH, the iPad is marketed by a computer company and from what I read here and on other forums (yes, there are other forums!), quite a few people are under the impression that the iPad is some sort of re-packaged laptop or netbook and that is probably because it is an Apple product.

I am sure that Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos have a mutual respect for each other, but don't let anyone fool you. They are, in some ways, very much in competition with each other. They both sell music and books. The only difference is that Apple also sells apps, but only because they sell the hardware and an Amazon tablet device is only one memo from Jeff Bezos away.

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iPadster

I own a Nook and an Ipad. I just canceled my Nook WSJ subscription and subscribed to it on my Ipad. Now I can watch videos and the navigation is much easier. I still use my Nook for outside reading as the Ipad is worthless in direct sunlight.

Pelica

I plan on getting the new Kindle within the next couple of months. My plan is to use it along with my iPad. I love reading ebooks, but the iPad gets heavy quickly (I have wrist issues) so it'll be nice to have a lightweight option.

arshield

Kindle is much better for reading in my opinion. I love reading and while I have completed books on the iPad, it is the kindle I like to read on. I think the $139 wifi only kindle is a great idea, especially if you pair it with a blackberry, iphone or anndroid phone. That way you can browse and purchase books anywhere (using the phone connection) and download them when you have a wifi connection.

I also think a lot of people that currently have a kindle will upgrade and give their old kindles to family. I have 10 devices on my kindle account (7 kindles, an iphone, a blackberry and a computer.) It is a great way to share books.

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My book review blog (mostly kindle books) is at http://mrshields.com
Last four blog book reviews
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Young Adult Science Fiction)
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (Contemporary Fantasy)
Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis (Science Fiction)
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach (Non-Fiction)