Different people value different things in life. For some, new gadgets are the in-thing, and for others, their usefulness is what really matters. If you are waiting for an iPad 3, you could be one of those who yearn for new technology and marvel at the power that is packed into such a tiny form. However, if you belong to the other camp, you may want to try out what the device could really do, before you give it a thumbs-up.
Apple, when advertising for its iPads, puts the usefulness of the product in focus. It is all about how the device will be integrated in your life once you start to use it. Apple’s rivals do not seem to have hit the nail on the head, and try to focus on the features of their products, rather than pointing out the usefulness. This is where Apple surges ahead.
Talking about usefulness, some products are perceived by their users as more useful than others are. E-book readers or e-paper based readers fall into this category. Although priced at nearly half that of iPads, Kindle Fire is a product that holds its niche against the might of the iPads. Agreed, it does not have the storage capacity of the iPads, there are no cameras, no 3G options, and no fancy bells and whistles that is the hallmark, for which the iPads are famous.
Yet, a Kindle does best what it is supposed to do. Since this is an e-book reader, it consumes very low battery power, can be read in direct sunlight, and the eyes are not strained. You may consider this product as one belonging to a different product segment, and the Kindle may not pose a direct threat to the iPads’ existence. However, where sales are concerned, Kindle may slice away a sizable chunk of the Apple iPad 3 market share.
This is partly due to the perceived usefulness that people feel in case of the Kindle. Some take their iPads with them when they travel. However, the form factor, weight, e-paper and the convenience of a long battery life, may mean more to a traveler, and he would rather pack a Kindle in his backpack instead of an iPad.