I get your point, but as a counterpoint let me mention that I did not pay hundreds of dollars up front for my copy of iTunes. Nor can I purchase individual articles, columnists, etc. at a fraction of the cost of a subscription to the whole paper (because I don't give a hot fudge about Sports, Entertainment, Style, etc.).

Many people paid hundreds of dollars for their iPod.

I use itunes and don't own an ipod. I burn CDs with it to use in my car.

That isn't an option with kindle.