iPad Threat?

I was recently reading an article in the Wall Street Journal about tablet computers. When I heard of the $200 dollar tablet I assumed there was a “catch”. And there was a “catch”, but it was not all that bad. Apple’s iPad 2 goes on sale Friday and consumers can expect to spend at least $500 on the product. Brett Arends’ article in The Wall Street Journal about how he saved over $300 on a tablet computer is remarkable.

Here is how you can achieve pure value: First, you can buy a Barnes & Noble Nook Color tablet, which normally cost about $250 but you can get them on special for as low as $190 if your timing is right. Next, you can “root” the Nook Color by downloading a software fix that will make the Nook run on Google’s Android platform. Most applications can be run, and for the most part, the Nook will function with the features of a full blown tablet. Of course, users will sacrifice some options the iPad 2 has to offer.

The iPad 2 and the Nook with the Android system are obviously two different beasts. The Nook with Android is not anywhere near as appealing as the iPad 2. However, for the price some people may sacrifice the imbedded camera and other functions present on the iPad for the more reasonably priced Nook. Will buyers who are aware of this “catch” opt for the Nook? The economy is still recovering and people will try to save as much money as possible. Personally, I believe the Nook with the Android system is a great idea and will certainly have an effect on Apple if it becomes widely publicized.

And one other thing, this is supposedly completely legal. Take a look at Arends’ article using the link below to get the full details.

Arends, Brett. “The Wall Street Journal Online”. 9 March 2011. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703662804576188901890884360.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews