Word comes from Amazon that the Kindle 2 is just about ready for shipping and that they are taking orders now.The new version of the Kindle offers some pretty nice cosmetic changes to things like thickness and weight of the readers and the display is supposed to be considerably easier to read now. Battery life is said to be about 25% longer and book storage capacity about five times that of the original Kindle.
I do remember hearing that those who ordered the Kindle before Christmas will still be receiving Version 1, something that makes absolutely no sense to me as a business decision on Amazon's part. Both versions sell for the same price and I assume the profit margin must be about the same for both.
So if there were none of the old readers in Amazon's warehouse why would they want to build some of the old model and ship them at the same time the new ones are coming out? Wouldn't that make for some disgruntled customers?
Are you buying one of these?
If so, how do you plan to use it? Will it be primarily for travel and commuting, or will it be the usual way for you to read books - even at home? If you're not buying it, why not?
EDIT: I just went over to Amazon to read the presentation there and found that they will be shipping the Kindle 2 to everyone still waiting for a Kindle 1. That makes more sense.
I love the idea of Kindle. I go between wanting to have one but then thinking how much I love the feel of my books. I think it would be a great thing to have for traveling & getting different papers etc. Are you getting one?
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I have one of the Sony eReaders and I seldom use it anymore because my business travel is way, way down and I don't use public transportation for commuting anymore.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes bring it on vacation trips or to the doctor but I never use it at home.
As for the Kindle 2 - they're looking better and better. I like the size and weight and the longer battery life but I'd really like to see a color screen and right now the science isn't there.
I'm sticking with old fashioned books - the kind with pages! I have enough gadgets, I find them more burdensome than books. They are more expensive. Batteries need to be replaced or charged. You can break the screen or a button. I download all my professional article reading for papers I write, but unless I am just referring to a single sentence, I still print out the copies of the ones I read, make notes on them, and keep them in a folder or binder on the shelf. Frankly, it's just what I'm used to.
ReplyDeleteI still prefer real books. It will probably be years before I give in.
ReplyDeleteI ordered mine before the press conference was over and even sprung for next day shipping, hoping to get in on 2/25. I am a heavy reader. I will use it for most of my reading, even at home.
ReplyDeleteAloha!
ReplyDeleteI was on vacation in the fall and saw several people have kindles loaded with their favorite books. I got into a conversation with one person and she found out I was an author and she downloaded my novel right in front of me- that got me hooked right there - I live on a boat yet need to keep current on what's published but have no room for hardbacks- so I ordered a kindle in late January- they will be shipping me the kindle 2 in March.
Yes I love the feel of books but think maybe I can get used to this...
I am tempted to buy one but I worry about the battery issues. How long to charge them up, etc. And what about battery replacement? Like my Ipod, do you have to send the Kindle back for battery replacement when the life shortens?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Patricia, your book sounds interesting. I just put it into my audible cart. ;-)
Ted, I like that "old school" approach more and more these days. I already travel with a iPod, a netbook, and a Sony eReader - I need a special bag just for my electronic gear and all the connectors.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that I'll ever read electronic books at home - on the road and in queues is a different story.
Hang in there, Jeane - I suspect it will be a generational split for decades to come.
ReplyDeleteTinyJewelBox, I would be more inclined to use my eReader if the electronic books were cheaper. I read a book every 2 1/2 days or so and it all adds up - even at eBook prices.
ReplyDeleteHello, Patricia. I think this is a great thing for writers - anything to move books into the hands of readers is great by me.
ReplyDeleteFor someone living your lifestyle, this really has to be a great thing - 1500 books held in one hand, no bookshelves required!
Likely Story, I think that's correct on the battery. But I've gone through a couple of iPods without killing the battery on either of them. I'm not sure how big a problem this will turn out to be for the Kindle since, unlike the iPod, it's almost always used under battery power.
ReplyDeleteBTW, you'll love Patricia's book - buy it.
The Kindle is tempting. It appeals to my inner geek. But the price remains too high for me to just get one now. In a few years maybe if prices drop...
ReplyDeleteI've seen the Kindle described as the VHS tape of the electronic readers. Not bad for what it does, but there has to be something better coming down the line.
ReplyDeleteI don't see myself getting an electronic reader for a long time. All of the points already cited match mine. I'll wait it out, and I'll probably only get one when someone gives it to me as a gift.
I have a Kindle 1. I had to wait for it for a few weeks last year. Too bad I'm not still waiting, and then I'd get a Kindle 2! Anyway, I don't use it nearly as much as I thought I would, mostly because I haven't been traveling much. For my normal bedtime reading, I'm still doing the old-fashioned, paper thing :)
ReplyDeletePhil, I agree that the price seems very high on both the Kindle and the Sony Reader. I do own one of the Sony Readers but I still cringe at the thought of what I paid for the thing.
ReplyDeleteThat's the wild thing about electronics, Paul...impossible to stay current for more than a few months, at most. It's very frustrating (and ridiculously expensive) for someone like me who finds it hard to resist the latest gizmo.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you, Gentle Reader. I honestly thought I'd be using my Reader more than I actually do use it. It wasn't long after I got it that my business travel took a big hit and I just can't get used to using the Reader much at home.
ReplyDelete