The original Kindle Fire was pretty strong competition for the iPad and this next generation seems even better positioned and appointed to grab its fair share of the burgeoning market for tablet devices. The different price points and low-to-high end feature set give potential customers a nice palette of choices whereas as with any Apple product, there isn't that much variation between models and price points. Of course, there are many fan-boys and girls that will only consider an Apple product in this or any category. Still, it's pretty amazing to see what Amazon has accomplished as a competitor in this space considering that many other hardware-centric vendors have not been able to make a dent.
This is a strong looking competitor. The trick will be in the advertising. At this point, that is what separates the iPad from the rest. Apple has so much cash that they can afford to keep their brand in the public's eye. When the Motorola Xoom came out the reviewers, most of whom were iPad fans, said that it was the first serious competitor. On the other hand, Motorola was unable to mount the requisite campaign to compete. Amazon, on the other hand, has the resources. Let's see if they will put a serious push on.
It isn't that I have something against Apple besides high prices, but I am glad there are some legitimate competitors. I am looking for a system myself, but the $400 barrier is a bit much for my wife. She likes my toys to be much cheaper.
But, I think I need a bit more than the Fire had to offer. I hope they keep improving and give iPad a run for its money.
It is also sad in many ways to hear from the news this morning that they think the new iPhone will be a big boost to the economy- well, maybe China's economy, but that is where many of our politicians get their money, anyway...
I agree this is a very strong competitor, Beth. I've always been baffled at the loyalty of Apple-or-bust afficionados toward that company's high-priced products, especially when low-cost competitors like this make their way to the market.
The Apple products do have the seamless integration of all items in the App store as well as Itunes which give them a leg up on all competitors. People seem to be willing to pay a little more for the convenience of having the same apps loaded automatically on their ITouch, Ipad, and IPhone every time something is installed.
Brand loyalty amazes me at times - there must be some really amazing marketing people in the apple corner. A friend is going to Mexico and is taking online classes so I offered to loan him my Toshiba netbook which is great for internet cafes and is so much more portable than his Mac laptop. He refused and is lugging his big and bulky Mac laptop because in his words, "I am loyal to my brand!" I get that with sports teams but not with utility in technology...
Allan, 4G connectivity with 32 GB storage and 250 MB data per month for $50 is amazing. But what would be the price of Fire HD, if it starts something within $199, it's a revolutionary movement from Amazon, which may force Apple and other competitors to slash their pricing policy and to offer bundle of packages along with their Tablet.
I hear what you're saying, Chuck, but I have to put myself in the Apple fangirl camp. I've been using Apple products since 1999 when I left the corporate world and a dedicated IT group and I feel like they are worth every penny of their higher price tag. They are easy to use, especially for a techno-phobe like me, there are rarely any problems, you don't have to worry about hacking or breaches as much as you do with Windows. To top it off, the designs are elegant--beautiful really. It's akin to driving the nice car. I am not a gadget girl, but even I get excited bringing home my new laptop every four years or a new phone every three years.
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