Yesterday, Barnes and Noble announced the WiFi Nook, which will retail for $149.99. They also announced that they were dropping the price of the Nook 3G down from $259 to $199, making it considerably cheaper than the Amazon Kindle 3G.
Amazon has now responded to Barnes & Noble by dropping the price of the Kindle 3G from $259 to $189, which makes it now cheaper than the Nook 3G, and the ebook reader price wars have begun.
This is great news for consumers, who now have two 3G ebook readers to choose from for under $200, although the new WiFi Nook may be more interesting to consumers as it retails for $149.
Impact on the eBook Market
The price reduction of these popular eBook readers is likely to have a significant impact on the eBook market. Lower prices make these devices more accessible to a broader audience, potentially increasing the number of eBook readers and, consequently, eBook sales. This could be a strategic move by both companies to capture a larger share of the market, especially with the holiday season approaching.
Moreover, the competition between Amazon and Barnes & Noble is likely to spur innovation. As each company strives to outdo the other, consumers can expect to see more advanced features and better performance in future models. For instance, we might see improvements in battery life, screen resolution, and additional functionalities like enhanced note-taking capabilities or better integration with other digital services.
Consumer Choices and Preferences
When it comes to choosing between the Kindle 3G and the Nook 3G, consumers will have to consider several factors beyond just the price. For example, the Kindle 3G offers seamless integration with Amazon’s extensive library of eBooks, which is a significant advantage for avid readers. On the other hand, the Nook 3G provides access to Barnes & Noble’s vast collection and includes features like the ability to lend eBooks to friends, which could be a deciding factor for some users.
Additionally, the new WiFi Nook, priced at $149, offers a more budget-friendly option for those who do not require 3G connectivity. This model is perfect for users who primarily read at home or in places with WiFi access. The lower price point could attract first-time eBook reader buyers or those looking to gift an eBook reader to friends and family.
It will be interesting to see if the two companies continue to drop their prices. Will Barnes & Noble drop the Nook 3G price down to $189 to match Amazon’s Kindle 3G? If this trend continues, we might even see prices drop below the $150 mark, making these devices even more accessible to the general public.
The price drops by both Amazon and Barnes & Noble are a win for consumers, offering more affordable options in the eBook reader market. As competition heats up, we can expect to see further innovations and possibly even lower prices in the near future. This ongoing battle between two of the biggest names in the eBook industry is sure to benefit readers everywhere.
via ZDNet
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