The blogosphere has been abuzz with Amazon’s ebook reader named ‘Kindle’.
I think this gadget is indeed disruptive if you consider the fact that, you can read magazines, newspapers, blogs, any textual content on Kindle downloaded straight from the internet for some cost. This totally eliminates the need of a middlemen like the publisher, distributor, retailer and also paper which can save a lot of money and trees. A creative writer can directly reach the masses thanks to the internet and get his due.
But will I buy a Kindle for myslef? The answer is NO.
Why?
1. Its not Open. Though a good thing about Kindle is that you do not need a Computer to use it, it soon turns out to be a disadvantage because, you cannot transfer your existing ebooks from your computer to the Kindle reader. I think this is a huge negative because you should given the freedom to use your device, the way you want it.
2. $400 price tag.
3. Doesn’t look ergonomic. I can’t imagine holding it while lying on my bed.
4. Why does it have a hardware keyboard? Didn’t the iPhone render it obsolete? Especially, for a e-book Reader where you’d expect one to read more than write, the keyboard doesn’t add much value and seems to add to the bulk. Touch screens cannot be done on e-Ink displays?
5. You cannot share your ebooks with your friends. Ofcourse, you can share the Kindle gadget itself 🙂
6. No color. Yet.
But even with these disadvantages, I think the e-reader, given its internet backend does have a future. How many young people read the paper-newspaper anyways? Most of my friends read their news from google.com/news.
Tags: ebook reader, kindle
Hello World 
November 27, 2007 at 9:27 pm |
I agree with you that the Kindle is a disruptive technology. For many of the reasons you suggested, the Kindle will have some market obstacles that will be challenging to overcome. However, here are some counter-points (in the spirit of good debate):
1) It’s not open – So, you don’t own an iPod either? I do agree that Amazon is leaving the door wide open for someone to come in and develop a completely open platform in the spirit of Google Android. (perhaps Adobe??).
2) $400 – no argument. I think this device should be at the $300 level (being realistic)
3) Many of the hands-on reviews say it looks and feels better in person than it does in photos. The over-sized next/last page buttons seem to be getting in the way however.
4) While a touch-screen would be ideal, e-ink technology has not yet unveiled a touch-screen without significant cost factors. I would look for this in version 2.0
5) Defeats the whole cost model if you could share a digital book with other Kindles. I do think there should be some form of social networking available. What’s on your friend’s Kindles?
6) Color requires back-lighting which causes eye-strain and serious battery depletion. e-ink is the best choice considering current technologies.
I ordered a Kindle and I will provide a first-hand review next week on my blog.
November 28, 2007 at 5:34 am |
1. The iPod still allows you to transfer your existing mp3’s. Kindle should have allowed to transfer your existing collection of ebooks or documents I want to read. Also, that device should have been open to applications which could have a good utility. It already has access to internet. Why not give email and chat to it?
I am waiting for your hands on review of the Kindle 🙂
December 5, 2007 at 4:08 pm |
My review is now posted:
http://interface.puhala.com/2007/12/05/hands-on-amazon-kindle-review/