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AMAZON.COM INC quenched the Kindle Fire on Thursday, saying its first tablet computer is now sold out.
The Internet retailer has a major press conference scheduled for next Thursday in Santa Monica, Calif. It’s widely expected to reveal a new model of the Fire there.
Seattle-based Amazon launched the $199 tablet last November. It was the first Kindle with a color screen and the ability to run third-party applications, placing it in competition with Apple Inc’s iPad. The newest iPad models start at $399.
Amazon doesn’t say how many Fires it has sold, but says it captured 22 per cent of US tablet sales over nine months. That would make it the second-most popular tablet, after the iPad. Based on iPad sales reported by Apple, Fire sales can be estimated at somewhere around 5 million units.
Peak e-reader sales
Separately, ABI Research said Thursday that sales of dedicated e-readers, like the non-Fire, black-and-white Kindles, peaked last year. It expects worldwide sales of e-readers at 11 million in 2012, down from 15 million in 2011.
The research firm expects tablets to outsell e-readers nine to one this year, despite costing four or five time as much. Still, e-readers won’t go away completely, ABI analyst Joshua Flood said.
“We believe there will always be a niche market for the dedicated reading device for voracious readers, business travelers, and educational segments, particularly ones that are low-priced,” Flood said.
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Careful its not too rectangle…apple will come after ye.
I think the ‘rectangle with rounded corners’ was one of the few patents the jury did reject.
The only thing apple would be after Kindle for is scrap.
For me, you can’t beat natural dyes on vellum. I’m sure these “e-readers” can hold thousands of scrolls, but can you roll them up around a short, stout, wooden pole?
No. No, you can’t.
I’m sure you could but it would be less Kindle Fire and more kindling for the fire.
……..and can you splat a fly with it.
I love my Kindle but hate the real books V ebooks arguments it always ignites
give me a real book anytime,no interest in technology..cant even turn on a computer ..oh hang a sec :)
I’m reading this on my tablet, and I also read books on the Kindle app. It’s probably my age but there is still something about the real book that technology can’t replace. In fact as much as I like MP3 players and downloading music I still buy CD’s.
iPad all the way, I read twice as many books now but my mother gives out that I can’t pass on my finished books anymore!
iPad isn’t great if you want to read something to help you sleep, lit screen is not the way to go in such a situation
Amazon stopped producing the Kindle Fire ahead of the refreshed range of Kindles that are coming next week. If you stop producing your best selling product, of course it’s going to sell out.
Also, it’s a bit disingenuous of Amazon to claim they have 22% of the market if they don’t announce unit sales. I might as well go around saying I have 22% of the market too.
Is the kindle fire still only available in USA ?
To the best of my knowledge, yes.
Can’t agree with suggestion that tablets will replace ereaders. Ereaders are lighter and easier to read. Tablets have different functionality. Good to see some potential competition for the ipad.
Potential to take on the iPad ,where have I heard that before?the The reason that the iPad performs best is because it is. Sending this from my iPad/ ebook reader.
Fantastic news for indie authors.. They’ll all be able to read THE ROSE GHOST series :-))
The jack of all trades is the master of none. I love my kindle and it goes with me everywhere.
While the iPad does have a kindle app and it’s own iBooks app this is not suitable for lengthy reading. For a start the colour display is taxing on the eyes and the iPad battery life means you’ll not get to read for long while my Kindle goes 3 weeks between charges.
The Fire is an interesting idea. Companies like Apple must not be allowed free reign, competition breeds innovation and a better deal for the consumer.
The Kindle wasn’t released in Europe until the 3rd generation I’d guess it’s a similar progression for the fire.
betya. the need kindle is called the kindle blaze.
natural progression.
have your say