Kindle vs. iPad: 2013 Edition

New Releases

With Apple coming out with a new iPad and Kindles being sold like hotcakes so that Amazon can prepare to launch their new version of their popular eReader, you might want to sell textbooks for cash to get rid of those old dusty textbooks and at the same make sure there’s enough money in your wallet come release time.

The thing about Kindles being thrown into what is traditionally called a “fire sale” is that Amazon has to clear inventory to launch their new product. They are preparing to release at about the same time Apple is going to release their new iPad, as they try to convince fans that getting the most up to date version of their tablet is a good idea.

Is there a problem with the old tablets?

When we’re talking about Apple vs. Amazon, it’s not enough to say that Amazon is putting Kindles on sale just to get them out the door. Think of the position that Apple is in. Steve Jobs is gone, they’re trying to stand fast, but Amazon is a company that, frankly, has more to offer the consumer. There’s shopping, free shipping with their Prime service, streaming television and movies, and the Kindle. So, each company has a lot to lose, and the fight really just polarizes the sides.

You might be wondering what to do if you’ve never bought a tablet before. You may enjoy reading, but you can read just as easily on an iPad as you can on a Kindle. You might need functionality, but there are apps for the Kindle just as there are for the iPad. You’re talking about two sides of the same coin.

When to buy

Kindle Fire
Kindle Fire is still a strong contender for the iPad

Now, you have a choice to make, you can wait for the new release and spend a gob of money on a new tablet, or you can just wait for the Kindle fire sale, and the inevitable fire sale of old iPads. Remember, these manufacturers have to do something with old products, and, if you’re not the type of person who needs a brand new something every six months, an older version of a great device is better than none at all.

Decide which device is going to do more for you in the long run and then work from there. You don’t have to get locked into the spiral that is purchasing new electronic media every six months.

Think about it rationally for a minute. Do you need a brand new product? Cool. Just wait. If not, it’s time to get in line and grab something while it’s on sale and you can save a ton of time and money in the fall.