Amazon’s Kindle

As discussed in class, Amazon has just released the Kindle, its Web 2.0 version of the book.

This article in Newsweek was an interesting look into the Kindle’s revolutionary technology and Amazon’s commitment to make it’s product as true to a real book as possible.  For example, its size, weight, display of text and battery life were all major aspects that were specially designed to make it more recognizable for users.  I liked that the article was not just a review, but an in-depth report from Jeff Bezos (CEO of Amazon.com).

Not everyone is excited about the Kindle.  This article talks about Steve Jobs response, “It doesn’t matter how good or bad the product is, the fact is that people don’t read anymore. Forty percent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year. The whole conception is flawed at the top because people don’t read anymore.”  According to the author (who was upset by the ignorance of Jobs’ comment), Jobs was reacting as a business man – why make an ebook when you could make an iPod and have a greater revenue?

Even with its high price ($399) it looks like the Kindle may be a hit with book lovers both young and old.  Amazon’s website proclaims, “This is the future of book reading. It will be everywhere.” Michael Lewis, author of Moneyball and Liar’s Poker.  I think that I will play it safe and stick to “traditional” books for a while….