There’s a lot of talk and buzz lately on ebook prices, especially since Apple announced their iPad tablet. What’s interesting to me, is that the iPad isn’t really billed or marketed as a digital reader. Yet, it’s already forcing changes in the ebook reader space.

Unbelievable!

Or maybe not. They have a force and sheer network no one can compete with. Not even Amazon. Not too mention a legion of high-income crazed fans, who will literally pay ANY price Apple places on  any of their products.

What is the latest in the Amazon versus Apple war? Another big publisher Hachette Books has withdrawn from the $9.99 price point for NYT best sellers. An absolute blow to Amazon and it’s low price ebook model. And this is before the iPad has even launched. It seems Apple is out to monopolize the ebook reader space as it has done with digital music and iTunes.

It’s clear now that those who complained the Kindle is too pricey and why buy an ebook at $9.99 when you can’t loan it, sell it or place it in your book shelf – will have to shell out ALOT more for both an ebook reader and ebooks. Well, assuming you just can’t live without another highly hyped Apple product. And c’mon, let’s face it – Apple iPad sales (come March) will be through the roof.

Higher priced ebooks suck for small book publishers, independent book shops, and of course avid book readers.

But the question remains, what will ebook prices cost when the iPad launches in March?

via Gizmodo