Apple’s iPad line-up is a confusing mess that needs streamlining. One suggestion, as I’ve said before, is to reposition the iPad mini as an ebook reader.
In a Macworld article, Editor David Price says the iPad mini is running out of reasons to exist. Apple’s most neglected tablet faces competition from all sides and needs an update like never before, he adds.
In a November 30 article for Macworld, Dan Moren said he loves his iPad, but rarely want to read books on it: for one thing, it’s much heavier than his Kindle or Kobo readers.
“Most ebook readers are far more power efficient; they can be left for days if not weeks between charges,” Dan wrote. “They’re also significantly cheaper than iPads. And as nice as the iPad’s displays are, e-ink screens are far more pleasant to read in sunlight or at night in bed without disturbing anyone else (not to mention easier on the eyes).”
He said Apple thinks the iPad is good enough for ebook reading. Dan said if the company is starting to get serious about ebooks again, then figuring out how its hardware can be a better reading device is at the top of the list.
You can buy a 128GB iPad mini for US$599 and a 256GB model for $699. Those specs are too limiting for storing lots of photos or videos, but fine for holding lots of ebooks. And the iPad mini’s size is great for reading ebooks: 8.3-inch display and i0.65 pound for Wi-Fi only models and 0.66 pounds for Wi-Fi + Cellular models.
Currently, the iPad mini has a 8.3-inch diagonal LED display with 2266 x 1488 resolution. How about replacing this screen with an electronic/E ink display and drop the price to under $200.
(Electronic paper, also known as electronic ink or intelligent paper, is a display device that mimics the appearance of ordinary ink on paper. Unlike conventional flat panel displays that emit light, an electronic paper display reflects ambient light, like paper.)
Heck, Apple could even change the name from iPad mini to iPad Reader.
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