Day: 14 November 2011

The Death of the Spec ⇥

MG Siegler:

First, computers kept going more mainstream — the above listed specs look like gibberish to most people. Second, the web took over and most computers quickly became more than fast enough for the majority of users.

Almost anyone can buy almost any computer these days and do all the things they usually do: browse the web, check their email, look at goofy cat pictures, listen to music, and so it goes. Modern computers don’t struggle with these tasks either; one can complete all of these with even the cheapest, lamest machines. The only people who really care about specs are outliers like video editors and gamers.

Siegler doesn’t outright say it, but this is the same reason that iPads is selling as fast as Apple can make them. It’s capable enough for most people most of the time. It also provides an engaging, responsive user experience, which allows people to develop something of a connection to it.

Kindle Fire Review ⇥

I think Kindle is to eReaders what iPod is to MP3 players. It is the market, in people’s minds. Every time I’m in a store that sells eReaders, I hear the people playing around with whatever Brand X device note that “it’s like a Kindle”. The Fire is the Kindle’s iPod touch, in a way, but it’s also an iPad competitor (and the iPad is to tablets what the iPod is to MP3 players).

Sounds a little buggy, but totally awesome and inexpensive. The amount of content that Amazon has to offer coupled with the low price make this a great iPad alternative for those looking for something better than an eReader but less capable than an iPad.