Despite the rise of the iPad, dedicated eBook readers won't roll over and die.

The iPad might be a jack-of-all-trades device, but it's certainly outclassed as an eBook reader by the likes of Amazon's Kindle (pictured). The 6-inch Kindle outguns the iPad in terms of size, weight, battery life, screen technology, price and range of books (especially if you live in Australia, where Apple's iBookstore only features public domain titles).

Amazon has just slashed the price of the 6-inch Kindle to $US189 - making it an even more attractive alternative to Apple's wunderslate. The price drop came after Barnes & Noble cut the price of its Nook eBook reader to $US199 (or $US149 for the wifi only model). Meanwhile Borders sells the wifi-only Kobo in Australia for $AU199.

The iPad is an amazing device *if* you can find a good use for it. If you think that use might be as an eBook reader, I certainly recommend you consider the alternatives before handing over your money.