Its not a bad size market over here - I guess ?
Apple did raise the bar on the Kindle and e-readers , so they either can catch up or lose out . With that said maybe Apple can grow this book market in Euro as well ?

Pricing is great. Couldn't be better!
However, I like my portable 'Touch', and for more heavy 'lifting', there's my MacBook.
At this time, I can't see a need for one.

But for those who are Touch-less and MacBook-less, it's a winner.

The Kindle has been a big success AFAIK. I know a lot of people with them.

I don't know that iPad will kill it however. The kindle does many things well that the iPad is going to struggle with. For instance, it's screen is like reading on paper, there's no glare and you can read out in bright direct sunlight. 3G access is FREE, and the battery lasts an entire week before a recharge. Of course, you can also replace the battery if you need.

Also, if you subscribe to newspapers they will wirelessly deliver to the Kindle before the physical copies reach newsstands.

I suspect the kindle prices will sharply drop, and Amazon will still make plenty of money on the device.

I think the market is for those who want to do more than their smart phone is capable of but don't want to have to lug a laptop around ...

The iPad does have GPS (although you'll need wireless/3G connectivity for it to work, like the iPhones), and telephony could be handled by Skype or some other voip app ...

For an opening shot, I think this device is pretty nicely done -- we'll probably see other stuff like cameras for videoconferencing in later revs ... I doubt Apple will add a phone on this device, though.

I can't see holding it up to my ear for a phone call.

Yeah, I really don't see where this was designed with making phone calls in mind ...

but you could plug in the apple earphones for the phone part.

??? The most expensive one lists at about €590. Would taxes add *that* much?!?

I'm not saying they *couldn't* add a phone capability; I just don't think that's in Apple's mind for what they want this device to do ... and I really don't think there would be tons of demand for that functionality (and for paying a higher cost to get it) given you could do essentially the same thing with the existing hardware and features ...