Another issue for would-be tablet buyers: the ultrabook. Depending on the price point, it could be an ultrabook vs. iPad debate. That $500 price is still too high for the "I'll buy this for fun" decision. Apple can command a premium as long as it continues to build the best products out there--but will the iPad be better than the ultrabook?
@Barbara - I would also agree. One can't make the assumption that a comsumer who purchased a Kindle for $200 would have also paid $500 for an Apple product if the Kindle wasn't available. Many consumes would have decided not to purchase at all.
I find it hard to believe that Amazon took that much market share from Apple. It is great to hear that the Fire has potentially taken an almost 8% market share in just two months, but this share was most likely taken from the lower market tablets. The people who are in the market for and Ipad (starting at 500), are going to look at comparable options like Samsung. If they are willing to spend at least $500, they are not going to view the Fire as an option. Apple is still running strong and their biggest competitor for marketshare would most likely be Samsung.
In addition to HW the content is a key factor. The latest news from various sources is that Apple is making a bid on the TV rights for the English Premier League (soccer).
With Ipad and Fire at different ends of the segment it will be very interesting to see them meet in the middle with new product offerings. I wonder who will win?
Yes, Amazon is taking a loss on the Fire. I also do not think that Amazon makes any pretense that it is trying to match Apple on a technial level, That is like comparing a Toytota Corolla to a Mercedes Benz.
The purpose of the Fire is as a vehicle to sell products online - ebooks, movies, or anything you can find on Amazon.com. This is the old shaving blade and handle model - give away the handle and the customer will buys lots of blades over time.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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