iPad Boosting E-book Sales, Oprah Jumps Ship?

Many die hard e-reader fans are still holding out when it comes to giving the iPad a chance. But that has not stopped Apple from selling thousands of units in a very short period of time. Experts believe that the e-reader will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Considering that Apple iPad can get more people to switch to e-books (from paper books), it has had a positive effect on the e-book industry.

Apple’s not just interested in developing shiny products. It pays a lot of attention to the quality of the devices it makes. That’s why its purchase of Intrinsity, whose chips are used in smartphones and handhelds, could give Apple even more control over the technologies used in its products. The iPad has generated so much buzz that even Oprah couldn’t resist it. If you remember, Oprah partnered with Amazon to push Kindle a while back. Coupons were distributed and a whole new set of people were introduced to the concept of e-book readers through Oprah’s highly popular show. While Oprah has not officially endorsed the iPad, she did not exactly hold back when praising the device. Amazon can not be happy with this development.

Let’s face it. Amazon needs Oprah and famous people to push its products more than Apple does. Apple has perfected the art of generating buzz for its products. Its marketing machine is almost capable of selling anything to anyone. While Oprah has not jumped ship completely, it is not clear whether she will work with Amazon to push Kindle 3. Of course, there needs to be a Kindle 3 before people start talking about it.