War of the Tablets

February 18, 2010

Well, it's officially started: the tablet computer market is buzzing with activity, each manufacturer trying to get the best and most out of their products. Free market is such a wonderful thing. Steve Jobs' iPad (at least, it's publicity) has paved the way for a spruce of computer tablets. Although many have been in the business before the iPad (like HP), some are just now being marketed, waiting to see how consumers react to the Apple-branded product.

Among the “new-comers” is HP's Slate, which is rumored to have a price below the average $700 point for the iPad, while bringing users more functionality, in order to tap into that wide-spread need caused by general unsatisfaction with Jobs' iPad. Bold move or not? This year will say if HP's decision was wise or not. But we're thinking that, if Apple doesn't come soon enough with a second version of their iPad, the market will soon shift to more satisfactory products (brand name can only get you so far, Steve!).

Meanwhile, iPad is working on reducing ebooks prices, according to an article from the New York Times which lists three trustworthy sources saying that provisions are being made which will force publishers to sell best-sellers books at discount prices on the iPad. If Amazon is being coerced into accepting the $12.99 to $14.99 price range for ebooks, Apple will drop prices to $9.99 for titles that make the best-sellers list.

Ultimately, Microsoft continues it's secretive work on the rumored Courier which has left gadget fans in wonder and high expectations. It looks like 2010 will be an exciting year and we'll definitely keep you posted on what happens around.

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