Can the iPad Pass Off as an E-Book Reader?
Before iPad was formally introduced by Apple , some fans say that it will become a netbook killer. But after realizing that there is no way iPad can defeat netbooks and their Flash support and integrated cameras (both of which iPad lacks), these same fanboys claim that the iPad will become the e-book reader killer.
Matt Hamblen of Computerworld compiled analysis from different gadget experts about their take on the battle between iPad and e-book readers. The analysts over at Gartner Inc. are flailing at the prospect of using the iPad for reading text-based content.
“The iPad hardware would certainly be a great platform (for reading content over a school's WiFi network),” according to Van Baker of Gartner Inc.
Although the iPad could be used to read digital books and other print media, as well as create documents with the help of its touchscreen keyboard, other experts see otherwise.
“Overall, I'm unimpressed with the value proposition for textbooks on e-readers,” said Carl Howe of Yankee Group Research Inc. He added that e-textbooks cannot be resold due to digital rights management rules, which could put off some college students who are used to reselling a used paper textbook for a fraction of the original price. With the iPad starting at about US$500 and technical e-textbooks costs hundreds of dollars, replacing traditional textbooks with digital counterparts will be expensive for students in the end.
Baker disagrees, saying the savings students would see by buying e-textbooks “would easily pay for the price of an iPad over a four-year college stint.” Howe countered the argument by stating that iPad's lack of multitasking would prohibit students from perusing several books at one time when doing intense research. “Its best application as a textbook reader will be for those courses such as literature, where the focus is on a single book at a time,” he added.
Jim McGregor of In-Stat sees the effectiveness of the iPad as an e-book reader in a different light. At 1.5 pounds, the iPad can be a bit too heavy for an e-reader. “There are e-readers out there that are a better option (for heavy reading) because they are light and look good in the light,” he explained.
So what's your judgment on the iPad? Does it threaten the existence of e-book readers?
Toshiba to launch Their Own Tablets by Late 2010
Toshiba is proud to announce that they will be introducing a whole line of tablet computers —not just one like what Apple and HP will do—by the end of 2010 or early 2011.
Although they are set to become aggressive in the slate category, their spokesperson admitted that even they underestimated the market for tablet computers. And with the iPad's flaws out in the open, we are sure that other manufacturers would develop competing products that have multitasking, Flash support, and a webcam for videoconferencing.
The iPad's Many Alternatives
Still thinking of pre-ordering an iPad ? Before you do, you may want to consider that there are other options other than a Flash-deficient, webcam-lacking tablet. The good part is that most of these alternatives are actually available today. Check out the following devices that may steal the limelight out of the iPad.
Axiotron Modbook
This 13.3-inch tablet, which has been available since 2007, runs on Mac OS X. It can multitask, has flash support, contains a built-in camera and optical drive, 12GB hard drive, and even compatibility to Windows. The sad part is that it has no 3G, no multitouch, and does not provide access to the App Store. What's even sadder is the price. Although the base cost is US$899, customers have to provide a pre-polycarbonate unibody Macbook or else the manufacturer would supply the Modbook with its own 2.13GHz Macbook base system at a whopping $1,849.
Viliv X70
Name anything the iPad lacks, Viliv X70 has. Flash support, check. Multitasking, check. SD card slot, check. USB port, check. Camera, check. Unlocked 3G modem, check. Video out, check. The bum part? This Windows-based tablet from South Korea only has a 7-inch screen, not to mention the absence of multitouch and access to the App Store. It costs as low as $549 .
Archos 9
The Archos 9 is the company's largest tablet device to date at 8.9 inches. It runs on Windows 7, has Flash support, multitasking, two USB slots, an SD card slot, webcam, a kick stand, and an optical trackpad nub. No multitouch or App Store access, however. Prices start out at $549.99 .
Viliv S10 Blade
The Viliv S10 Blade (pictured) is Viliv's first product in 2010. It has a 10-inch multitouch display that includes a folded keyboard and yet it is still not thicker than the iPad. Also runs on Windows 7, it features pretty much everything on the X70, except it has two USB slots. Still no access to the App Store, though. No word on when it will drop, but it is said that it will cost from $699.
Notion Ink Adam
This upcoming tablet from Notion Ink runs on Android and powered by Nvidia Tegra 2. It features 10-inch multitouch dual-mode display (shifting from full color to ePaper), a rear-facing trackpad, USB and HDMI ports, and an unlocked 3G modem. It also has access not only to the App Store, but also to the Android Market. The Adam tablet is set to appear on June 10 this year.
HP Slate
HP has been teasing techies with its upcoming tablet that goes with a temporary nick called Slate. It runs on Windows 7 with full Flash support, multitasking, camera, and USB ports. The Slate, however, does not have access to the App Store. Expect it to arrive this year with a market price between $500 and $600.
Dell Streak
Another major player that will unveil a tablet product is Dell. Its 5-inch Streak uses Android and contains front and back facing cameras, USB ports, Dual microSD slots, and probably an unlocked 3G modem. And because it runs on Android, it only has access to the Android Market. The beef is that, like the iPad, the Dell Streak does not have Flash support—not to mention it is smaller than the iPad.
