Based on an article at techcrunch.com, Kindle will be replaced by IPad.

The article listed 10 reasons and here’re my 2 cents:

1. The multi-functional capability – IPad wins. Kindle should just provide a good web browser though to make Kindle more useful sometimes.
2. The screen – it’s really different usage pattern. E-Ink wins for book reading purpose. This is probably THE reason that IPad won’t put Kindle out of business.
3. The compatibility – Kindle should support ePub!
4. The iBooks store – don’t really see any winner.
5. The experience – Reading is really nice on Kindle, which is lighter and way less distraction from internet surfing.
6. The economics – Book pricing will converge eventually. Kindle is more expensive as it’s dedicated device but it has free 3G. Will Amazon provide free 3G forever for web browsing?
7. The apps – IPad wins. Kindle apps are really limited.
8. The marketplace – IPad may have bigger user base, but not sure that’s the same for book buying user base.
9. The price – Kindle is cheaper if one does not need another tablet computer.
10. The Apple factor (a.k.a. “sexy”) – for book readers, it’s not that big factor any way.

I don’t think IPad can put Kindle out of business. Kindle’s competitions are with other e-readers and its improvement on user experience on Kindle apps such as web browser and UI.

Here’re the reasons I bought a Kindle 3G – I’d like to read any time and anywhere. I don’t like to charge it every day or every a few hours. I’d like to be able to check my emails too. And most of all, I don’t want to pay a monthly contract on 3G!