Bites Out Of The Apple

First was the Kindle, a tablet device that did nothing more than act like a book.

Then came Apple's engineers with a tablet that was much more like a netbook, but it also could be a book if you had the right app.

Not to be outdone, Amazon is about to introduce their version of the iPad.

What's going to be so special about Amazon's product? What will set it apart from Apple's offering?

Price, for one.

Amazon is famous for their deep discounts, and the word on the street has the Amazon pad device retailing at around $300. Cheaper than the competition, yes, but does it do as much?

If you're a fan of streaming video and the television offerings of Fox, you'd be quick to buy Amazon's tablet rather than an iPad. Amazon Prime thrown in to the deal, so if you're a huge Amazon user, it could be a plus.

Still not enough to get you to stop considering Apple products?

The upgraded Kindle will maintain its function as an e-reader, which is what Amazon's devices do better than the rest. Whether or not it will match the variety of apps available for the iPad remains to be seen.

Then there's the current economic climate to consider, and it isn't pretty.

If you need a tablet device and don't have much money, you might consider Barnes & Noble's Nook, which allows for Internet surfing at a lower price. If you're desperate for a tablet, you might consider Amazon's cheaper alternative to the iPad, but much will depend on the style points that will set the two devices apart. If Apple is seen as far superior, not everyone will settle based on cost.

If you're really looking to save money, however, you might consider buying a netbook.

While it's a bit more expensive than a tablet device, it does so much more that there's no comparison. It just doesn't look as cool.

But when you want functionality and a bigger return on your investment, is 'cool' worth anything?