The "ebook" idea has been kicked around for a while now. There have been some feeble attempts to get a viable ebook mass produced and adopted for popular use, but none have caught on in a big way... yet. But perhaps that's about to change. Have a look at this offering from Amazon.com:Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device
Product OverviewRevolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper. Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing. Wireless connectivity enables you to shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle—whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed. Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute. More than 90,000 books available, including more than 90 of 112 current New York Times® Best Sellers. New York Times® Best Sellers and all New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise. Free book samples. Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy. Top U.S. newspapers including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post; top magazines including TIME, Atlantic Monthly, and Forbes—all auto-delivered wirelessly. Top international newspapers from France, Germany, and Ireland; Le Monde, Frankfurter Allgemeine, and The Irish Times—all auto-delivered wirelessly. More than 250 top blogs from the worlds of business, technology, sports, entertainment, and politics, including BoingBoing, Slashdot, TechCrunch, ESPN's Bill Simmons, The Onion, Michelle Malkin, and The Huffington Post—all updated wirelessly throughout the day. Lighter and thinner than a typical paperback; weighs only 10.3 ounces. Holds over 200 titles. Long battery life. Leave wireless on and recharge approximately every other day. Turn wireless off and read for a week or more before recharging. Fully recharges in 2 hours. Unlike WiFi, Kindle utilizes the same high-speed data network (EVDO) as advanced cell phones—so you never have to locate a hotspot. No monthly wireless bills, service plans, or commitments—we take care of the wireless delivery so you can simply click, buy, and read. Includes free wireless access to the planet's most exhaustive and up-to-date encyclopedia—Wikipedia.org. Email your Word documents and pictures (.JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .PNG) to Kindle for easy on-the-go viewing. Included in the box: Kindle wireless reader, Book cover, Power adapter, USB 2.0 cable.
Now that's just a list of the devices functions. Follow the link above to see a full description, more photos, and a video by Amazon about the device.
It looks really nice, but at $399.00, it's too pricey for me. Yet I expect that the price will come down, if sales catch on, production of the units increases, and it starts to be used widely.
It's screen looks good, easy on the eyes, and it's wireless connectivity abilities also present multiple possibilities...
Amazon itself seems to be backing this financially, which is interesting seeing as they are in the book business, and this device could ultimately displace paper books, magazines and newspapers. I think we will be seeing more of the Kindle, and possibly other devices like it.
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5 comments:
Actually, I REALLY want one. I think it is perfect for my reading table which currently is stacked with books in various stages of completion. I'd rather have one kindle. I don't even want all these books around. Some I'll never go back to. True, some I want around for reference, but the vast majority just take up space.
If Kindle goes down to $200 I am going to buy it instantly.
Given you are not ready to spend $400 on a reader why not try a free alternative. http://www.booksinmyphone.com package up and give away books that can be read on regular 'dumb' cell phones. The screen is small but I soon forgot that and fell in love with the ultra portability. I carry my phone everywhere, now I carry the phone+books. You can install direct to the phone from the mobile version of their website or via a PC. Worth a look.
Walker,
If it goes down to $200, I'll be interested too!
Avagee,
That sounds like an interesting option. The more choices the better, I say.
It SHOULD go down to at least $200. Doesn't all technology? Or maybe Amazon should give them away to sell books. Better idea. Or maybe they should sell the kindle and give away the books.
Hmmm. Maybe I've had too much of Uncle Wendo's hooch tonight....
If the technology format catches on, and they mass produce more units, the price is certain to drop.
They really could even be free eventually, remember how expensive cell phones were in the beginning? Now many companies give them away when you sign up with them.
Oh brave new world, with such gadgets in it!
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