Friday, October 18, 2013

IPad vs. Kindle Fire

By Allison Hohmann

                With technology on an ever-present and rapid rise, every company competes to gain the number one spot—the oh-so coveted position above the rest in popularity. Most recently, Apple has released their brand new iPhone 5c and 5s, further innovating smart phones. Not only are these new phones raking in millions for Apple, but they are also boosting popularity in other, complementary, Apple products. Because it is human nature to constantly crave the newest product on the market—people trading in their fairly new iPhone 4s for a brand new iPhone 5s—sales for the new iPhones are skyrocketing. And because the iPhones are selling at such a rapid pace, other Apple products are seeing this same result. As the demand for an iPhone increases, because of its recent release and new capabilities—the demand for complementary products, such as the iPad, are increasing.
                Consumers not only want the newest smart phones, but also the newest complementary tablet in their grasps. Because Apple created “the Cloud”, people want their devices to be compatible—having the same apps, pictures, and music on not only their phones, but also on their tablets—the iPad continues to intrigue consumers, 60% of tablet owners having iPads.
                Now, before tablets held the popularity they do today, the newest products were e-readers, such as the Kindle. Consumers were fascinated with the idea of having all their books in one, easy to reach, place. Demand for e-readers quickly rose, and demand for actual paper books decreased. Though, for a short while, Kindles were extremely popular—their demand rapidly increasing—quickly, other companies caught on and made their own e-readers and tablets. As soon as the Kindle’s popularity peaked and their supply increased, their popularity and demand decreased, causing a surplus in the primary, basic Kindles. Other tablets were becoming more popular. Though Amazon worked hard to compete with other companies and created the Kindle Fire—a tablet complete with apps and internet access—their popularity diminished. According to a study on teens and their technological purchases and wishes, “the Kindle Fire was sitting at 10% for teens thinking they’d be buying a tablet in the next 6 months, then down to 8% for the next two study periods” (Chris Burns), while 75% of teens who were planning on purchasing a tablet were interested in the iPad.
                Despite the fact that the iPad is “starting to look a bit dated” (Eugene Kim) and the fact that “Apple’s LTE-enabled 16GB iPad costs $629” and “the LTE enabled Kindle Fire HDX costs just $479” (Eugene Kim), the iPad still remains victorious, winning the votes and ownership of many around the world. This holds true primarily because of new and continued focus on Apple because of their new iPhones and advertisements—one cause of a shift in demand. So, when it comes down to it, though the Kindle has made more recent attempts towards advancement, the iPad continues to win the battle of popularity.

Here’s a look at the new advancements the Kindle Fire has made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFYHF1w8w3g

Works Cited
" Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" vs Apple iPad: Tablet Spec Showdown | News & Opinion | PCMag.com." Technology Product Reviews, News, Prices & Downloads | PCMag.com | PC Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013. <http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2424828,00.asp>.

"New Amazon TV commercial: Kindle Fire HDX with Mayday button - YouTube." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFYHF1w8w3g>.

"Piper study: US teen iPhone popularity rises, iPad remains dominant - SlashGear." SlashGear - Feeding Your Gadget and Tech Obsessions. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013. <http://www.slashgear.com/piper-study-us-teen-iphone-popularity-rises-ipad-remains-dominant-09300753/>.    

11 comments:

  1. I find it sad that some companies like Amazon suffer because of companies like Apple that are considered mainstream. It makes it difficult for smaller companies to make sales. I'm not saying that Amazon is small by any means, but the money just isn't there to support economic growth like it is with Apple. Although Amazon deals with other things than there e-readers so they aren't hurting so much as they could be. I'm hoping though that since we're in the economy were in that people will choose the cheaper of the two items and promote Amazon's Kindle's and our economy at the same time.

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    1. People just flock to Apple products because of the convenience. Apple dominated the mp3 market for so long with no serious competitors besides windows, who stopped selling their zune years ago. Since everyone has an iPod, when it comes to buying a tablet or a phone they are pushed towards Apple, where they can keep all of their music and apps, without buying them again.

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  2. Apples ability to hypnotize consumers is mind-blowing, absolutely crazy. There are several other devices that offer the same benefits and functions, even at a much cheaper price, but there is something about Apple’s advertising techniques that keep consumers strictly focused on their products only. I believe that the only reason why Apple has this advantage now is because they had created such advanced technology before any other company that has lured the overall great population to fall in love with their products, because of their ideas had come first before all others. Compared to other brand names, Apple seems almost flawless. Their impression is also another reason why they flourish. With their fast, working technology, the people trust no other brands but Apple.

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  3. I still don't understand why people are so in love with Apple, why do people pay hundreds of dollar's extra to get the same product but with an apple on the back? Although a bit difficult for the average user there is a way to "unlock" your kindle fire and turn it into a full android tablet. With just a little work you can get the same tablet for hundreds less. Of course if you really want a high quality tablet the best deal is by far the Google Nexus 7 which you can pick up for just $229!

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  4. I find it interesting that even though the Kindle Fire may be better (and cheaper) than the iPad, it still is less popular. Apple has perfected their ability to draw in customers with flashy new products and advertisements—I have even been drawn in by these things too. I know that Apple products may not be the best, but I still want the newest ones whenever they’re released. It’s amazing how companies can create a desire and a demand for their products like Apple does.

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  5. It is truly interesting to see such competitiveness in the economy of electronics. Also, I have found it intriguing that people veer towards Apple products, even if perhaps the other brand is better. I feel as if we put this belief in our heads that Apple is the best, and will always be the best down the road for satisfying our need for technological advancements. Overall, Apple’s ideal reputation for the most modern technology is easily beating out, for example, the Kindle items.

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  6. I have been and always will be an Apple lover like more than half of Americans. It is the name, their products, and the enhanced popularity that makes me want each of their products. It is almost like its a competition and a sense of pride; we wait for the next thing for Apple to launch so that we can say WE own it. Though the kindle is perfect for those that are completely interested in reading books after books, the iPad is more diverse in its functions and purposes and that is partly why it is more popular; most people want more than just books if they are going to spend a big chunk of money. I do find it interesting that we still buy Apple products when they are the most expensive products in the market. Kudos to Apple because they have developed such a strong name for themselves that customers don't care how expensive their products are, they are going to buy them either way. Money isn't a factor for most when it comes to buying Apple products because we rely on its modern and advanced technology to be worth that money. Overall, it would take a miracle for another company to ever beat out Apple.

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  7. Apple has and always will dominate the technology market. I honestly feel bad for other companies that try to compete with Apple. Apple is the most readily known technology dominant company not only in the United States but across the world. Kindle is at such a loss because iPad's and iPhone's can do the exact same thing much quicker and much better. The statistic you shared that 60% of tablet owners also own an apple iPad or apple what have you, was incredibly high. From that statistic alone it is very evident that Apple is always going to rule the technology world. Our economy allows such strong competition, however big names like Apple are hard to beat out.

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  8. Apple is currently dominating the phone and tablet market and it is almost surprising they aren't considered a monopoly. Their products are very different from others and attract many people to them, allowing them to control the market and raise the price of their products to an astonishing amount. Because people are hypnotized by Apple's products, they are willing to pay a large amount of money for a simple phone that they could purchase for a lot less with other substitutes. Because apple does such a great job marketing and hypnotizing its customers, although there are substitutes to their products, it almost seem like Apple is in a market of its own.

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  9. Apple is one of the biggest, if not the biggest technology producers in the world. They basically control the cell phone, tablet, and computer markets, and they are a borderline monopoly. Apple is able to set their prices at ridiculous numbers, and they are still raking in the cash from people that are willing to buy their products. There are substitutes for Apple's products, like the cheaper Kindles or other phones or computers, but Apple has dominated and will continue to dominate that market because everyone now needs to have the latest Apple product.

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  10. Apple is definitely one of the strongest and smartest companies out there. They are both good in marketing and producing because not only are their products "smart" and advanced but the way they market them to the public is irresistible. In addition, they make their products incapable of working with any other machines or devices, secretly forcing someone to invest in all things Apple. In regards to the research above, it is not surprising that the demand for iPhones, iPads, Mac books, are increasing rapidly. With each new product that Apple comes out with, they attract even more consumers towards their company. For me, I have an android but my entire family has Apple products. Now, I, too, want to invest in an iPhone and for college I will get a Mac book. There really is no comparison and Apple should almost be considered their own market.

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