AppleInsider reported that Apple is predicted to introduce lower cost iPhone models in June, 2010. Not only will the phone hardware be cheaper, but the service plans will be too, lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the user. The iPhone is also rumored to contain gesture-based functionality, which means you’ll be able to control some of the iPhone’s features by hand movements other than touching the screen.
Tech News World has an article entitled Amazon Ponies Up to Microsoft for Linux Rights, which highlights Microsoft‘s gall and clout in charging Amazon a fee for using free and open source software, Linux. Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) and Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) have entered into a patent cross-licensing deal to share patent rights.
For comparison, Barnes and Noble’s nook uses the open source operating system, Android, and Apple‘s iPad uses iPhone software for its OS.
A lot of people predicted that Apple’s iPad would be revolutionary because they assumed it would be more of a tablet PC, not just a bigger iPhone, but because it is more of a mobile media PC than a traditional laptop or tablet PC. With it’s e-reader capability, the iPad is now in direct competition with Barnes & Noble’s nook.
The following table compares Barnes & Noble’s nook with Apple’s iPad on several different metrics and measurements, such as screen size, weight, dimensions, and other features, but it is important to note that while the iPad can be an e-book reader, the nook cannot (yet) be a mobile media PC, but there are some users looking to change that by adding a browser to the nook.
| B&N nook | Apple iPad | |
| Screen Size (inches)/ Resolution | 6/ 600 x 800
(Second Screen – 3.5) |
9.7 / 1024 x 768 |
| Screen Type | E Ink | Capacitive LCD Touchscreen |
| Grayscale / Color | 16 shades of gray | Color |
| Storage Capacity | 2GB (expandable) | 16GB-64GB |
| Connectivity | WiFi, 3G | WiFi, 3G on some models |
| Connectivity Cost(s) | Free | US$14.99 - $30/month |
| Required Contract? | No | No |
| e-book format(s) | ePub, eReader, PDF, PDB | ePub (Kindle, via Kindle app), PDF |
| Web Browser | No | Yes |
| Multimedia | Audio | Audio + Video |
| Games? | No | Yes |
| Third-Party Apps? | No | App Store |
| Size (inches) | 7.7 x 4.9 x 0.50 | 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 |
| Weight (pounds) | 0.75 | 1.5 |
| Price | US $259 | US $499-$829 |
MacWorld had an article about how doctors are going to start using the iPad more and more in the medical community. If Apple had just opened up the iPad to be more like a Mac (useful as a desktop/laptop replacement) – or heaven forbid, more open like a PC – we would still be talking about how boss Jobs is. They had the chance, credibility, platform, and technology to BRADY every other manufacturer. Instead, they just Schruted it.
Did I mention that they named it the iPad?
But, they didn’t ask me for a reason, I suppose…
I’ve had this discussion with a doctor who uses the iPhone like crazy when dealing with patients. There are a ton of apps that help doctors. I asked her if the iPad appealed to her; for the same reason that we think it is bunk technology (giant iPhone that is less convenient without reducing the need for a computer) and she said no.
I can see the medical profession using something like an iPad in the future, if the cost comes down and they are more PC-like (i.e. EMR and Hospital (Citrix) systems can be installed on the OS). If Epocrates (and others) could unshackle themselves from Apple, it would change the medical community. As it stands, Epocrates is simply latching on to a known (and healthy) distribution channel.
I’m surprised they surveyed physicians so soon after the release. That’s an interesting demographic to target.
http://www.econtentmag.com/Articles/Column/Guest-Column/Ebook-Survival-of-the-Fittest-61128.htm
With the announcement of iPad with eBook capabilities, Amazon and Apple will be in direct competition.
