I was surfing Amazon the other day and I noticed that Amazon just released the Kindle 2. I never used the original Kindle or even put much thought into getting one. But after looking at all the features of the Kindle 2, I can see why there is so much fuss about it. The Kindle is a sweet piece of technology and the new version has some nice upgrades over the initial release. But is it worth the price?
I am not usually an early adopter of technology. There isn’t much out there that I feel I “need” right away. But the Kindle is giving me second thoughts. It’s basically an iPod for people who like to read books, magazines, newspapers, and blogs. Here are some of the features:
Amazon Kindle 2 Features
The Amazon Kindle 2 is a wireless reading device. It is like a small hand held computer that you can use to read books, magazines, newspapers, blogs, and other reading materials. The Kindle 2 has a lot of improved features over the previous version, including:
- Smaller – 1/3 of an inch, or about the thickness of a pencil
- Lighter – at 10 oz it weighs less than most paperbacks
- More storage – Store up to 1,500 books
- Less Expensive – List price of $259
- Improved display
- Longer battery life – 25% more
- Read out loud feature – not available on the previous model
- Larger library, and still growing – over 230,000 books, plus newspapers, magazines, and blogs
- Free 3G wireless anywhere in the US that there is cell phone service.
- Download a book in less than 60 seconds.
- Listen to MP3s
Those features really make me think about getting a Kindle. The size is great, and that would mean no more lugging a couple books on a flight or vacation, you can charge it via a USB cable, store over a thousand books, the battery lasts for days of reading, and you can access the internet with the free wireless connection. It’s basically a library that you can fit into your backpack, briefcase, or purse.
Is the Amazon Kindle 2 a Good value?
The Amazon Kindle 2 looks like it is a great product. At a list price of $359, it isn’t prohibitively expensive, and it offers a lot of great features for people who like to read often. I have no doubt that the Kindle 2 delivers on every promise it makes and I have no doubt that I would enjoy owning and using one. However, I’m not sure if I will get one or not. Why? The price.
As I mentioned earlier, the Kindle 2 is much like an iPod, but for reading. With the iPod you no longer need to carry around a stack of CD cases, or cassettes, or those large flat disks… what were those called? With the Kindle, you no longer need to carry around a stack of heavy books and magazines. But that is where the similarities end.
You see, with the iPod, I can transfer all of my current music into MP3 format and then onto my iPod. You can’t do that with books you currently own. I have a few favorites that I would hate to have to purchase again. The price of books also ins’t cheap. New releases cost about $10 each, but many older books are in the $15 range. This may be cheaper than some new hardcover releases, but I often borrow books from our library at no cost. Which brings up another point: the Kindle limits borrowing. In addition to borrowing books from our local library, I also lend books to friends and family and borrow from them in return. If you let someone borrow your Kindle, you just gave them your entire library – good luck getting that back!
To be fair there are a lot of free books available in Kindle format on the web – many of these are older books that are no longer covered by international copyright laws. You can download free books for the Amazon Kindle at Amazon and other websites.
The Kindle isn’t for me – yet
I understand the appeal of the Kindle, and actually think it delivers on the value it promises. If you are someone who reads a lot or travels a lot, then the Kindle may be an excellent value for you. It eliminates a lot of wasted space – both in your carry on luggage, and at home on your bookshelves. It’s not for me at this time, but I can see the value there. Maybe it’s just a matter of time.
If you think it might be for you, then check out the Kindle 2 on Amazon.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Do you know if the kindle has a subscription service where you pay a monthly fee and get unlimited downloads? My Microsoft Zune has that and it might make the kindle a better purchase.
Steve: Right now I don’t think they offer that feature. If they did I think people would download about a thousand books and never buy anything again. At least that is what I would do!
Nate: I feel the same way. If I were a traveling consultant for my job, or if I traveled often I would definitely get one.
Although price may be the factor for a lot of people, that is not why I don’t want a Kindle. I enjoy holding onto a real book and reading it. That’s something that cannot be taken away. Like you mention, it is similar to an ipod but for books. But songs take 4 mins to listen to and books can take 4 weeks to read. I am a reader but not hardcore that I can finish a book each week. I wouldn’t need it to hold 200 books, what does that do? I’m sure people love them. If you get one I would like to hear an updated review. I’m sure they will update the features for the future, but for now I have no need for one.
I like real books as well. I think the biggest market would be for frequent travelers and technology buffs. I think it is an excellent product and I may get one in the future.
I think Amazon needs to lower the prices of books to make it more viable.
At the end of the day, though, I’d still rather hold a book in my hands.
TStrump, the price for reading material is what holds me back from purchasing a Kindle. But there is certainly a market for it at this price range.