The e-reader wars have begun in earnest (well, in the US anyway) as some of the biggest selling devices in the market went beneath the $200 mark. Amazon’s Kindle and the Nook from US book giant, Barnes & Noble have both dropped prices significantly, with the former falling by a huge $70 to $189 (€154). Barnes & Noble meanwhile lowered the price on its 3G compatible Nook to $199 (€162) from $259 (€211).
A Reuters report notes that shares in both companies fell about 3% as investors feared intense competition (hello iPad) could lure away buyers of e-books. Profit margins on Barnes & Noble’s Nook and Amazon’s Kindle are estimated by analysts to be relatively modest, but the devices are important to attracting book buyers.
