I came across the Kindle reader today, a new e-book reading device from Amazon. I was first introduced to these types of readers back in high school with a device from a Chicago based company (I forget the name). Years later, it still has not yet become widespread. Amazon is aiming to change all of this with Kindle.
Despite its out of the 80's look, the Kindle is probably the best model out there at the moment, topping the Sony Reader. Kindle comes with free internet connectivity through Sprint's EV-DO network. Amazon has developed something called 'whisper-net' within Sprint's network, so that it can absorb users' wireless costs. Books supposedly download within a minute.
I have yet to actually try the Kindle. I'm shying away from it because of the steep price - $399. Amazon claims to currently have over 88,000 titles available with bestsellers and new releases priced at $9.99. Most other books will cost less.
As an active reader and and speed reading instructor, I am anxious to see if this does revolutionize the printed word. I will continue posting relevant links to this blog on everything I find regarding Kindle and other e-readers for myself and others to refer back to.
In the meantime, here are some relevant links for those interested:
- The Future of Reading - Newsweek's cover story article on Amazon's Kindle
- Amazon Unveils Kindle E-Book Reader - Video from MarketWatch.com about Kindle
- How to Use Amazon Kindle - Video Demonstration on how to use Kindle
- Amazon.com Launches E-Book Device - MarketWatch.com Article
- Kindle Video & Product Page on Amazon
- Amazon Sells Own Gadget to Boost E-Books - Yahoo News Article
- Can Amazon Kindle Digital Book Fever? - BusinessWeek Article
