Is it me, or does this thing seem dated already: Kindl
So Amazon released this thing this week: "Kindle"


- A black and White screen? No Color?
- Seems like an over sized Palm v5...WTF is Amazon thinking? $399?
Am I wrong about this one? Is there a market for this type of device with all of the other options that make you look less dorky?
The form factor makes it look like something out of 1985....
I'm not knocking the idea - but the execution of it.. the FORM factor...who are the designers of this thing?
C'mon Amazon!!! $399??
Introducing Kindle™http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000FI73MA/ref=pd_sl_aw_manual-1_kindle1_40650458_1
Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle.
We designed Kindle to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both "lefties" and "righties" can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time.
We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read.
With Whispernet, you can be anywhere, think of a book, and get it in one minute. Similarly, your content automatically comes to you, wherever you are. Newspaper subscriptions are delivered wirelessly each morning. Most magazines arrive before they hit newsstands. Haven’t read the book for tomorrow night’s book club? Get it in a minute. Finished your book in the airport? Download the sequel while you board the plane. Whether you’re in the mood for something serious or hilarious, lighthearted or studious, Kindle delivers your spontaneous reading choices on demand.
And because we know you can't judge a book by its cover, Kindle lets you download and read the beginning of books for free. This way, you can try it out—if you like it, simply buy and download with 1-Click, right from your Kindle, and continue reading. Want to try a newspaper as well? All newspaper subscriptions start with a risk-free two-week trial.
Kindle’s paperback size and expandable memory let you travel light with your library. With the freedom to download what you want, when you want, we hope you’ll never again find yourself stuck without a great read.
We're very proud to introduce Amazon Kindle and we hope you like it as much as we do.
- The Amazon Kindle Team


- A black and White screen? No Color?
- Seems like an over sized Palm v5...WTF is Amazon thinking? $399?
Am I wrong about this one? Is there a market for this type of device with all of the other options that make you look less dorky?
The form factor makes it look like something out of 1985....
I'm not knocking the idea - but the execution of it.. the FORM factor...who are the designers of this thing?
C'mon Amazon!!! $399??
Comments
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It looks better than previous incarnations. Really.
And black and white is easier to read. The only downside is that one doesn't subscribe to magazines for the articles, but for the photographs as well. Text-only destroys the experience of reading a periodical.
I'm definitely waiting for a technology upgrade before buying in.
Or maybe I'll, I dunno, READ A BOOK! -
Subject: Re: Is it me, or does this thing seem dated already: "K
SevenOneEighty wrote: Am I wrong about this one? Is there a market for this type of device with all of the other options that make you look less dorky?
There's always a bit of dork in it for early adopters...
I'm sure that they went through several prototypes and found that this was about as good as they could do given physical and economical limitations. For instance, a hidden keyboard might look more slick, but it might also seriously compromise the lifespan... -
There was a great interview on Charlie Rose with the head of Amazon about this. It looks like they really thought this one through. It might make sense for someone who otherwise buys a lot of hardcovers (like someone who has to have the next Harry Potter book as soon as it comes out), since this is definitely smaller and lighter, and cheaper than a hardcover (NYT Best Sellers will all be $9.99 for the Kindle at a time when hardcovers are fast approaching the $30 mark). Also, in a NY apartment where you're running out of space for more books, this makes a lot of sense. The no color thing is a major problem, and I'm sure the next iteration of this will have color. The interface is supposed to actually work pretty well though. I agree that the design is kind of ugly, but it's supposed to be pretty ergonomic, comfortable in the hand, and the buttons are well-positioned and sized for easy one-handed page turning whether you're right or left-handed. The screen is also supposed to be very paper-like, to make it closer to a normal book-reading experience. I think they basically favored functionality over looks in designing this thing.
That said, I just don't see carrying something that expensive around when paper books are so cheap (to the point where I don't worry about leaving them in my unsecured bag at work, when I would never do that with a Kindle). For me, that's he fatal flaw. It's not that I mind paying that much for something that works well, it's just that I don't want to carry around something that expensive when there's such a great alternative (an actual book). This is inherently different from the music-player situation where there's no analog to the book. It's not like you could just carry around a cassette or a cd if you didn't have an mp3 player, but with a book, the media-player is built into anyone who knows how to read. -
I had similar issues with the Sony Reader. a co-worker has it and sure, it's sleek and pretty. but it's not backlit, it has very limited functionality, and it costs a lot of money. compared to that my undersized, printed-on-thin-paper UK version harry potter hardbacks are a breeze to carry - and if they get stolen I'm only out 15 pounds, not $400.
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I guess that enough people like the idea - they sold out their current stock in less than 6 hours.
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