Related Sections: Portable Gadgets
Amazon's Kindle unveiled: an ebook reader with free Internet access
Today, Amazon officially announced its Kindle ebook reader. Contrary to what we previously reported, the Kindle is notWi-Fi compatible. Instead, it's on its own EV-DO network, called Whispernet, which is affiliated with Sprint. Unlike any other EV-DO device we've ever heard of, the Kindle has no monthly fee. That doesn't make the Kindle a replacement tablet computer or Blackberry, however. The EVDO network is to be used pretty much exclusively for downloading books, newspaper and magazine content, and RSS feeds. It has a browser, but only a very basic one.
The Kindle's major competition right now is Sony's Digital eBook Reader. That device doesn't connect to the Internet at all, but converts Word documents into readable files for free (the Kindle will charge $.10 per document emailed), and makes it easy for you to read any pdf file. The Kindle is geared much more towards customers who want to buy books from Kindle's Amazon store, which has 90,000 books already, all under $10. Unlike with iTunes, any book that you download from Amazon onto the device is stored permanently on Amazon, in case your Kindle ever crashes.
The Kindle costs $400, weighs 10.3 ounces, and is available now.
via Amazon
By JMBell at 2:39 PM ON 11/19/07
As much as I want to be a greener reader, and as much as I love gadgets, $400.00 for a giant circa 1996 Palm Pilot is too much.
Sure, the book price is nice, but, when I go to the book store, I can spend 7.99 and have a book in my hand RIGHT NOW, as opposed to not buying books while I save up to buy something like this.
Aside from that, remove the "book" part of this and I can do everything else with my Blackberry.
It's too expensive. I'll wait a couple of years until I can get one for 35.00 on eBay.
By TheAdlerian at 8:02 PM ON 11/19/07
I want one, and almost bought the Sony version a few months ago. However, I checked out the book selection Sony offered and there was little quality.
The selection was what you might see in a drug store or something. I've found a variety of good SF titles from the reviews posted here and you could find none of it. I also like philosophy, and they had zero titles, and many of these books are public domain.
So, does anyone know if they plan on having a vastly expanded title selection?
By koshinyfish@gmail.com at 3:25 PM ON 03/24/08
To JMBELL; The kindle is a lot more advanced than "giant palm pilot". You should really research a product before you criticize it.
Unlike a palm pilot; the kindle has a special display that reads like paper, even outside in the sun.
It is also geared towards travelers. I actually have had situations where I didn't bring a book somewhere with me because of its size.
Another thing is that you can buy most books on the kindle for $10, even when they are new releases where you would have to pay $25 or more for in the store.
One last thing; your comment "remove the "book" part of this..." The kindle is made for reading books. Therefore, comparing it to your blackberry is ridiculous.
on your cellphone!
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To JMBELL; The kindle is a lot more advanced than "giant palm pilot". You should really research a product before y...More »