iPad No Threat to E-Reader
The rise of the tablet computer hasn’t undermined the popularity of the e-reader, as you might expect. In fact, it’s bolstered it. According to research firm In-Stat, global shipments of e-book devices will nearly triple over the next few years, growing from 12 million units this year to 35 million in 2014. Driving that growth: The needs of the avid reader for whom the reading experience offered by devices like the single-purpose Amazon (AMZN) Kindle take precedence over the multimedia experience offered by devices like Apple’s (APPL) iPad. And, of course, falling e-reader price points. In-Stat says we’re likely to see a $99 model arrive at market by the end of the year.