When first e-books appeared at the market

their success was really immense. The idea in general was not that extraordinary or something out of the common as people had already got PCs and laptops to read from the screen. The device which should be used just to satisfy only the reading passion seemed stylish and fashionable. It managed to preserve the natural form of a standard book we have got used to during the last millennia but provided an indispensable modern filling which was in line with the swiftly developing surrounding world.

Folded in leather and decorated with precious stones (at some customers’ requests) e-books turned to look like ancient manuscripts concealing all the wisdom of the passing centuries. And the fashion is quite quick to follow especially when it is stimulated by manufacturers delivering to the market sleek and stylish gadgets which are so nice to look at and to feel.

Barnes & Noble and Amazon were that kind as to deliver their own branded devices Nook and Kindle which turned to be to consumers' liking. Both devices distinguished from other gadgets due to a special air of uniqueness and style surrounding them. Unfortunately, everything has its own time of glory and it is an extremely passing moment. The same happened to the both e-readers. The advent of the iPad made them a bit obsolete. Apple’s gadget can provide far more functionalities and the price for the device was not much higher. So, both Amazon and Barnes& Noble had to think of something extraordinary to keep old clients and lure new ones.

What’s funny, both companies have thought in a very similar way deciding to deliver a kind of a tablet to the market. A kind of a tablet means that the potential tablet will not provide all the functionalities a modern tablet consumer is ready to find in it. Barnes&Noble called its device, delivered to the market some time ago, an e-reading tablet, stressing its main ability. The device which, by the way, is color also provides users with an in-built browser and audio player. The company has already begun shipping the color Nook which so far enjoys quite a stable interest from consumers. Maybe some people just need a tablet to read books and that’s all.

Amazon’s plans are more breathtaking. The company is rumored to deliver its own full-fledged tablet with all the functionalities a satiated consumer is eager to have in a tablet. In addition, the company is going to organize its own online repository for Android apps which some market watchers perceive as one of side evidences of a tablet development.

Whether these ambitious plans will be a success it will become evident already at the beginning of next year. So far, buying an e-reader for Christmas is not the best present one can think about. At least, buying a tablet is a better alternative.