iPad vs. e-readers: Who Will Win This Race?

Now that Apple's latest creation has been officially revealed as the iPad, the media is busy dissecting every feature and function of the device. One of the product sectors that has been arguably most concerned about the pending "tablet" device is e-readers. With an Apple-made, 9.7" tablet that consumers can use to both read and download a selection of electronic books, newspapers, magazines, and articles, why would one need a dedicated ereader? Here are 7 reasons why the e-reader segment has a good chance of surviving against the hyped up new Apple innovation:

The Screen: While the iPad boasts an ample 9.7", IPS and LED backlit screen, it's still not the E-ink, greyscale screen that has become a staple of e-readers. The reason to resort to this almost archaic display is to 1) perfectly emulate the look and feel of an actual paperback book; and 2) be easy on readers' eyes. When I curl up with a good book, I can often be reading for hours on end. After spending 8-9 hours a day in front of a computer screen, the last thing I want to do is lie in bed with a big, bright and colourful screen to read the latest top-selling novel! From a magazine standpoint, I can see the iPad affecting an e-reader's appeal. With magazines, you do want those vibrant and colourful images. But if the e-reader segment is going after the book market first and foremost, then it still reigns supreme.

Single Function: Think of e-readers like basic flip phones. The BlackBerry and iPhone and Google Nexus One and Nokia E72 and the list goes on can all do pretty much everything you'd want a portable device to do on the go. But put one in front of my dad, or my non-technical friend, and they'd have no interest in it. Why would you want a smartphone if you're never going to check e-mail on it or listen to music from it or surf the ‘Net on-the-go? Much in the same way, e-readers can appeal to those who want to read, and nothing else. Chances are these people have no interest in the other functions of the iPad.

Price: Leading from the previous point is price. Consumers are not going to pay for all the bells and whistles of the iPad when all they want is an e-reader. Sure, the iBookstore and e-reading function of the iPad will come in handy, and most certainly be used by those who want the iPad. But no one is going to buy the iPad just for this function. The cheapest iPad will sell for US$500; a great price for everything it does, but a bit hefty if you aren't going to use all those functions! And many e-readers are available for nominal prices that will appeal to the entry-level customer who's just looking for a digital replacement for his paperback book collection or school study materials.

Lightweight: While I haven't physically held one, the iPad is rated at 1.5 lbs. Compare this to a Sony Reader that's just over a half-pound in weight. When I read a book, I don't place it in my lap: I hold it at eye level, or prop it on my knees. At 1.5 lbs., this can get quite heavy after a while, putting a lot of strain on your arms.

Novelty: There's a certain novelty about the product that supersedes function. Anyone I know with an iPhone loves it to death, but admits that the added functions are more time-wasters than anything else. I've noted many times that when I'm traveling on business, I'll take a BlackBerry, not an iPhone. But for every day use, to surf the Web and enjoy apps, the iPhone is the absolute choice. I see the iPad in the same vein: for all of the "fun" it can provide, it's a fantastic choice. But if you're looking to get deeply immersed in the latest paperback, e-readers will be a much more appreciated transition into the digital world.

No Expandable Memory: Most e-readers have SD or microSD memory card slots for adding more storage space. The iPad does not, which means that once you've reached capacity, you've reached capacity. Sure, you can offload certain books to your Mac or iPhone, or to a memory card or USB sticks via a separately-purchased connection kit. But this process is not as seamless as simply being able to store books directly from the device to a memory card.

Size: As ereaders keep hitting the market with 9" and 10" screens, I keep asking myself what's the point? If you're going to go that big, just buy a netbook! As a replacement device for the standard paperback novel, I want it to look like that novel; be as compact as easy-to-hold.

Bottom line: while enthusiast customers want devices to be as small and sleek as possible and/or do as much as humanly possible, there's still a hefty customer segment out there that likes basic-function, simple yet tech-savvy devices. There is still a market that wants a dedicated gadget for every function: a digital camera to take photos, not a phone; a computer to compute, not a ‘Net connected TV; a portable GPS navigation device, not a built-in car deck. If the e-reader segment focuses on the customers that want simple, electronic devices to replace their mountain of paperback novels or school study materials or constant trips to the library, e-readers will continue to hit the nail right on the head. As for Apple, its followers will most certainly set their sights on the iPad, and likely soak up every added feature it has to offer.