You're right, it isn't the same. This analogy would make sense if Apple was exclusively selling the iPad through their retail stores alone (and maybe a partner, say Target) whereas all other stores (BestBuy, Staples, etc.) were selling Android tablets exclusively.

Google (and manufacturers) need to move with their tablets and get them at prices people feel comfortable purchasing them fast. Otherwise, iPads will become the next "iPod" where your average consumer associates tablet/slate pcs with an iPad.