Tablet PC and eReader Hybrid Wars Are On

10/31/2011 Comments Off on Tablet PC and eReader Hybrid Wars Are On Announcements, eReaders, Mobile News Like

It’s a tablet PC, no it’s an eReader, wait, no it’s a tablet and eReader hybrid. Confused yet? If so, don’t worry because you’re not the only one. As we mentioned in our tablet PC and eReader comparison series, the line between the two technologies continues to get more blurred, and for consumers this can make the whole decision making process a little complicated when it comes to choosing the right device.

Alright where to begin? Well, let’s see, as most of you will recall at the end of September Amazon announced their new Kindle Fire tablet. Yes it’s being labelled as a tablet, and essentially that’s what it ultimately is, but in some ways it’s also like a beefed up eReader which can be purchased at a staggering and competitive low price of under $200, woohoo, no bank loan, limbs or first born child required.

Even cheaper yet is the Android powered Pandigital Novel eReader. Sporting a 7 inch color screen to display all of your favorite eBooks. Oh, did I forget to mention that you can also surf the web, play music, watch videos, take notes, access email, play games, set alarms, customize your calendar and view photos? Whoa, slow down there Darryl, all of what you’re describing is similar to a tablet computer. No kidding, my point exactly, but it’s called an “eReader”, but which is it, really? It’s what we call a tablet hybrid my friends.

Let’s not forget about Barnes & Noble who announced that they are hosting an event during the first week of November where they’ll most likely be unveiling their Nook Color 2. That’s right folks, it’s coming, but once again, despite whatever the company labels it will it officially be a tablet or an eReader? I’m not quite sure if anyone can really answer that question with 100% certainty. One thing that is for sure, it will compete directly with the Kindle Fire and is likely to give it a good run for the money. Their upcoming event which takes place at 10:00 a.m. on November 7th in New York is just around the corner. Invite only guests will enjoy a tasty breakfast before the company unveils their “whole new Nook”, or Nook Color 2 to be precise. I wonder if they’ll serve omelets shaped like tablets, er, ahem, eReaders? Well I suppose either way the shape and size of both in many cases is not all that different.

The list doesn’t stop there (not even close) but I’m sure you get the point I’m trying to make about hybrids. As a consumer, like I already mentioned, the identity crisis we’re facing and all of these choices, specs, labels and so on can be confusing but look on the bright side, competition like this helps drive the price down. In a tough global economy this is an especially good thing because it makes it much easier for those with lower budgets to get their hands on such a device. Either way, the tablet PC and eReader hybrid wars continue and as always we’ll do our best to keep you informed and in the loop.