Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (0)

Amazon Kindle

November 19, 2007 Things might be about to change for e-books. Just over a year ago, I wrote a post on the AASL blog debunking five misconceptions about e-books, but even with the release of a number of e-reader tools little had changed. Until today. Today, Amazon got into the e-book reader market with their new Kindle.

I can't wait to get my hands on one of these, but the specs and description are encouraging. Instead of synchronizing to a computer or via wifi, books are delivered via mobile phone networks. This could be a problem in rural areas, but is a great idea for those who have coverage. As Amazon puts it, they want us to focus on the reading part of the e-reader and forget all that other tech stuff. This worked for Apple and the iPod, but the iPod was also rather sexy looking. The Kindle's design leaves much to be desired, but if the device works as advertised it won't matter.

Great battery life, high contrast e-ink display, wireless shopping for low-priced books, no monthly service fees...all of these might combine to make for a device that will actually give e-books a fighting chance.

Posted by Chris Harris on November 19, 2007 | Comments (0)