Amazon's Kindle e-book reader coming next month?

We've seen past rumors of the Kindle's launch come and go, but The New York Times is now reporting that Amazon's less-than-secret e-book reader is coming for real this time, and soon. According to the paper, Amazon will officially take the wraps of the device sometime next month, with it to be priced between $400 and $500. As previously rumored, the Times is also reporting that the Kindle will let you wirelessly download e-books directly to the device from Amazon's e-book store, with a few offerings (like reference books) said to be included for free. The Times also apparently spoke to a few people "familiar with the Kindle," some of whom said that using the device's web browser was a "poor experience," with others also lamenting Amazon's choice to use a proprietary e-book format. From the sound of it, publishing execs are also pinning quite a bit of hope on Amazon and its device, with one even going so far as to tell the Times that "if these guys can't make it work, I see no hope."

[Via CNET News.com, thanks Brian M]

[toon @ Jul 24th 2008 1:31PM]

I was lucky enough to be a beta tester for the Kindle over the past several weeks. It's really a treat to use.

There are tons of comments here, both good and bad, so let me just focus on what it's like to open this up and use it:

1. You open the box, and throw away the manual (who reads manuals?)
2. While charging it up for the first time, you turn it on, it boots up in a few seconds, and you find the Kindle store. You find something you want to read, and you press "buy."
3. You immediately flip back to the home screen, and there is your book. You start reading.
4. The next morning, you wake up, and remember you have a new Kindle by the bedside. Without getting out of bed, you grab the Kindle, wake it up, and download the New York Times in a few seconds.

That's it. No wires, no cables, no cell phone contracts. This is really a super-simple device to use. Compared with the first time I fired up a digital camera, an iPod or a cellphone, it was a breeze (and I still haven't read the manual...).

For traveling, it's a no-brainer: you can always have something to read; you can download newspapers each morning from your hotel room; and you never have to remember which books you're currently engaged in...they are all right there, on your Kindle. Plus, you get to download free samples of books, so you can sample lots of new (and old) books without paying. The convenience of being able to move around easily with a whole shelf of books, magazines and papers in your backpack or carry-on bag -- and to seamlessly sample and buy more -- is fantastic.

I evaluate mobile devices on whether they allow me to do something important in a new and better way than I could before (not on whether the device allows me to throw away every other device I own). The Kindle succeeds for me on this front because it allows me to lighten my load, yet to carry more with me, and to keep acquiring new content as I go. It's uniquely good at what it does, and worth adding to the devices I own and use both at home and on the road.

It's a great tool for serious readers, and a lot of fun.


http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.amazon.kindle.ebook.reader-20

http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.amazon.kindle.ebook.reader-20/detail/B000FI73MA/104-5710937-7576754

[Chris Moroz @ Sep 6th 2007 3:48PM]

God that's ugly.

[Shane @ Sep 6th 2007 6:56PM]

Apple called...They want their Newton prototype back...

[RIFRAF @ Sep 6th 2007 7:57PM]

and they want 400 bucks for that thing? Sheez, I'll stick to used bookstores..

[wung @ Sep 6th 2007 3:49PM]

that's ugly ...

[Adel @ Sep 6th 2007 3:50PM]

They should work some more on the design...otherwise nice idea!

[Homeboy @ Sep 6th 2007 3:58PM]

Say hello to the 90s!!!


Does it come with a Vanilla Ice album and a Calvin Klein poster of Mark Wahlberg dressed in boxers?

[Colin Jensen @ Sep 6th 2007 3:57PM]

400-500 dollars? That'd buy me a whole lot of paper that I could share with friends.

[Neon Jebus @ Sep 6th 2007 3:57PM]

A Magna-Doodle has a better design than this thing.

[Rick @ Sep 6th 2007 4:01PM]

I wonder when Steve-O (Jobs that is) is going to fly in like a super hero and save the publishing industry? With OS X running on iPods now Apple could crank out a reader app so Apple already has hardware (That almost everyone likes.) Apple also has the distribution pipeline in place (iTunes.) This should really be a no-brainer! I bet Apple is just itching to make some money and have more products for their hardware!

Why aren't the heads of the NY publishing houses racing to Cupertino?

[LikesGadgetsWillTravel @ Sep 6th 2007 5:32PM]

You don't understand eBooks.

[chezzo @ Sep 6th 2007 5:47PM]

I've actually read quite a few books on my (SE K750i) phone using a Java application... and found it a perfectly acceptable experience.

Of course, it does tend to run down the battery, and I appreciate that not everyone's eyesight is up for the task, but still I at least don't feel the need for a $500 ebook reader (especially looking like that).

Plus... proprietary format??? Jesus, there's enough ebook formats already. Stick with lib or even txt for god's sake!

[hoyce @ Sep 7th 2007 2:03PM]

Indeed, why aren't they? Apple is the prime choice to build a one off based on their iPod Touch with a larger screen size.

[MeNotYou @ Sep 6th 2007 4:02PM]

Wow. Lets bring back the IBM Selectric while were at it.............

[phi @ Sep 6th 2007 4:04PM]

500 bucks? That's nuts. I know the Sony Reader isn't a big competitor but I just picked it up for 50 bucks and think that's the perfect price point. Publishers should be subsidizing this thing if they want people to use it and buy lots of books in the coming decades. I know they'll lose money on it initially but think of all the revenue generated if people actually got used to an eBook as their sole resource of books?

[Decel @ Sep 6th 2007 4:09PM]

50 Bucks? Where in blazes did you get it for so cheap?

[MackM @ Sep 6th 2007 4:16PM]

I really want to buy a reader from Sony but it's still very expensive to me. That's why when I saw this one from Amazon I came to take a look. But for 500 and being as ugly as it is in this photo, It is not for me and I'm not sure if they will be able to sell more than a dozen... We all know that a good book is made from the inside, but how many of us has never bought a book for having enjoyed its cover? BTW phi, where did you get your Sony Reader for only 50 bucks?

[phi @ Sep 6th 2007 4:21PM]

check fatwallet

there's a running deal that if you sign up for Sony's "Sony Rewards" credit card, you can buy the reader for 50 bucks + shipping from their site. deal is good til end of the year

[Skon @ Sep 9th 2007 4:24AM]

phi,

Do you still get the $50 deal if you get turned down for the card?

[Zoesch @ Sep 6th 2007 4:22PM]

I thought for a second amazon was bringing back the AT&T EO Communicator

[genoma @ Sep 6th 2007 4:24PM]

Ugly
Expensive
Poor browsing experience
And the nail in the coffin:
Proprietary e-book format

Fail.

[ch4s3r @ Sep 6th 2007 4:27PM]

It looks like there is some sorta dirty sticker residue on the back button, maybe from the 90s?

[Arthur Nonamiss @ Sep 6th 2007 4:26PM]

Why would an e-book reader need a keyboard? (And an ugly keyboard at that...)

[LikesGadgetsWillTravel @ Sep 6th 2007 5:32PM]

It's a mystery... until you read the article.

[LordJohnWhorfin @ Sep 6th 2007 4:35PM]

Looks like a Commodore PET gone through a hydraulic press.

[Bogdan @ Sep 6th 2007 4:38PM]

Back to the 80-s again. Is it so hard to hire a good designer? Even I, without any knowledge of CAD soft, would do a better job designing that ugly piece of hardware.
You probably should do the same thing Palm did with Foleo.

[Slvrgun @ Sep 6th 2007 4:43PM]

Paper > Ebook Readers

[Bizarroterl @ Sep 6th 2007 5:55PM]

Just what we need, another proprietary format that is incompatible with the others. What are these companies thinking? I guess they're not.

I forsee a warehouse full of these, waiting to go to recycling.

[Paul @ Sep 6th 2007 5:05PM]

Some other "popular" ebook options...

http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_Reader_Matrix

I just don't see how you can have a wifi enabled device and not have color. A "poor (web) experience" would be an understatement if you had to surf the web in mono.

It seems as though they're going backwards, at this rate, the next gen is going to have LED browsing...codename: Calculator Surfing.

[Paul @ Sep 6th 2007 5:13PM]

Which of course would only elicit one response...

8008135

;)

[hank @ Sep 6th 2007 8:56PM]

I love ebooks and have read quite a few over the last few years since the ms reader came about. I find them superior to paper for several reasons. Portability, back lighting and the option for large font. I use a pda with ms reader as you can get a used pda for pretty cheap and it can double as a mp3 player as well.

This one fails on every level and I can't believe anyone would pin the hopes of this format taking off on such a horrible design not to mention the outrageous price. $500 and you still have to pay 6 to 8 bucks for the books??? Not to mention that you can't trade them in or even share them with most people. How can anyone think that is a good idea?

Just buy a used pda for $50 and skip the dedicated readers with their proprietary formats that will die in a year or so.

[Alexis Bellido @ Sep 6th 2007 5:42PM]

If I correctly remember this is supposed to be a picture of the device when the rumors about it started to run some months ago. Maybe Amazon has improved the looks but anyway, if I can read ebooks on it, it provides a good user experience, competitive price and have access to lots of titles I wouldn't complain much about it looking ugly.

I could pay around US$ 400 if that would include a few good titles.

Mobipocket has a good selection of titles but allowing other formats, specially PDF, would be key for Kindle's success.

I understand the Kindle also uses E-Ink so the next question would be: when will we see Sony Reader 2?

[michael @ Sep 6th 2007 5:38PM]

This picture is one that they submitted to the FCC for approval some time back. I'm hoping that it is a pre-production unit and that the real one will be a bit less angular.

Meanwhile, don't automatically write this off. Consider the following:
1)Amazon has purchased mobipocket. I'm betting that their 'proprietary format' is the mobipocket format. It is proprietary, but it is one of the more open proprietary formats that exist. You can buy mobipocket formatted books from many different sources. And the files do not automatically have DRM in them. You can even download an application to create mobipocket files yourself if you have text or html source material.

2) One strength of this device is that it has a keyboard. For professional users, some of the alternatives are lacking since they don't have a keyboard. They want to be able to annotate and take notes on their ebooks.

3) It uses EV/DO communications. I hope this doesn't mean a monthly price plan as well. However, keyboard plus EV/DO might imply that it can also do email. It says the web browser is weak, but I guess that can improve. This could mean this is not just an ebook, but a blackberry-type device with a larger screen and ebook capabilities.

[Kaemon @ Sep 6th 2007 5:22PM]

Five.
Hundred.
Dollars.

No way. No way.

Its also ugly, super ugly. Also, I can't see why its so HUGE. I can read on my PSP just fine and all that, and its actually rather tiny. Heck, I've read a few things while on the DS, its just pointless to have something that big.

[hoyce @ Sep 6th 2007 6:23PM]

Whoooo boy that is ugly.

Perhaps Engadget needs to send an open letter to Amazon about this abomination, just as they did to Palm.

Others have it right. Amazon should have Apple build them an ebook reader. Built on OSX like the iPod Touch and iPhone.

If there was a market to own, a device by Apple would do it.

Heck if Apple built an 8x11 size iPod Touch, it would OWN this market period.

[L. Cyphre @ Sep 6th 2007 7:06PM]

Ugly, the interface looks bad, proprietary ebook format, 500$ (which means it'll prolly cost around £400 in real money).

Fail.

[Kiteless @ Sep 6th 2007 7:51PM]

Aww, come on guys this thing looks COOL. It looks like some kind of advanced tech from like Aliens or some other 80's Sci-Fi movie.

But seriously, as much as $500 is a slap in the face. Sony seems to be having trouble selling them at $300, let along 5 hundies.

Just my two cents as always,

- K

[simon.nutsy @ Sep 6th 2007 8:59PM]

Amazon marketing really got it wrong with this device... Ugly as hell more exspenive than all other e ink book readers. And heck they did it again totaly closed propriaty format.

When will they learn. There not going to sell any untill they open the formats allow multiple downloads options. And make a design thats nice to hold and plessent to the eye....

I hate sony i really do... But they know how to design there hardware.

Sonys ebook readers look really pleasing to use.

[George$ @ Sep 6th 2007 9:01PM]

Let's see....If a $500 dorky looking e-book reader with a propritary e-book interface can't sell - means the whole idea of e-book readers and e-books are hopeless??? Yes Toto, there ARE people stupider than (the late) Jack Valentini. They're called publishers......

[MYAT SU CHO @ Sep 7th 2007 12:47AM]

ONly Just for joke!!! :)

[Chris Taylor @ Sep 6th 2007 11:19PM]

Proprietary Format. GUARENTEED FAILURE. And they are pinning there hopes on a device with PROPRIETARY FORMAT ??? No wonder ebooks can not seem to take off.

The sony reader alas is the only one so far that does not suck and I am NOT a fan of sony. If sony can get it under $200 and allow folder access they will DOMINATE this market. Also go back to AAA usage like the original. Last thing I want is a dead ebook in 4 years because the non replaceable batter has had it.

In fact I could even live with the no folder access (I just bought 12 512mb Memsticks for $15 thans buy.com and googlecheckout and my multiple family members :-) hehehe

The only downfall thats a REAL killer to me is the lithium battery but I still bought one anyway in the hopes that its a normal rectangular pack that I can find something "close" to once it dies.

Sony got it almost right with the reader. In fact its pretty darned perfect. Add a higher resolution screen or more colors 16shades might do it) the size is perfect. so magazine PDF are legible AAA battery usage and FOLDER access on the memory cards and this thing would BE perfect. They could even leave it at the $250 price point. STOP TRYING to earn money on the books. No one likes being ANAL RAPED and that is what is happening when you buy an EBOOK. Authors are going to have to learn that it does not matter what THEY think there words are worth it ONLY matters what WE think there words are worth. As long as they charge the SAME as the print version and ELIMINATE all the rights associated with that print version (DRM) they are NOT going to take off. WHEN will they learn this. When ebooks are WIDE OPEN and 50 cents to $5 a pop THEN they will start to sell. A novel that I pay $7.99 for in the store (already $3 too much) I sure as hell will not pay that price for an E version. an $8 novel paperback is only worth about $2 to me in Ebook version. about 10 cents if its DRM'd

A Nice juicy novel? $3 or $4 maybe but thats pushing it. How about $4 to get it in the first 2 months then $2 after that. I think that would be VERY fair and make them more money (more sales with ZERO overhead how big is an ebook 400k?)

Ebooks should be means with which to sell REAL books NOT a replacement for real books.

When you buy a book at least 50% more like 90% of that cost is going to actually fabricating the physical book (UNLESS your making zillions of them then the numbers change big time) with an ebook 100% of that expense goes POOF yet they want to greedily keep all that money.

IF YOU WANT ME TO PAY THAT give me some VALUE for that. a restricted insubstantial nearly zero value DRM'd file does not give me good feelings when I purchase it.

They have to learn THEY do not make the rules WE DO as its OUR money. When you try to "force" us into your point of view you will always lose. HENCE why ebooks SUCK and why the sony reader ROCKS even with its failings.

[scottp22192 @ Sep 7th 2007 7:49AM]

Wow, amen.

[Bard @ Sep 7th 2007 1:55AM]

Want cheap ebooks? Go to ebay, get a Palm z22 (they're running aorund $50), then load up on all those nifty formats around for palm OS and the multitude of ebook readers and doc readers, and go nuts! 32MB can hold a few novels (QUITE a few), and yeah it's a tiny screen, but the battery is great, it's cheap, durable, touchscreen WITH other options for data input, and.....

It's not $500 freakin' dollars and doesn't lock you into a proprietary format!

The stuff is here. It's cheap. Check it out.

[THJahar @ Sep 7th 2007 11:37AM]

Here's the thing..... reading on a e-ink device is GREAT!
I know suprising isn't it?
I've had the Jinke V2 for over a year now, and as with anyone with a Sony will tell you, reading is so much more comfortable, as well as having the ability to carry hundreds of books around with you is a god send (I took mine on a tour of Asia for 4 months)
Now agreed the device is ugly but as it's been pointed out, this was the original image posted to the FCC well over a year ago and I've no doubt amazon took notice of the negative comments then.
So I would expect a 'beefed up' design for the unit.
Secondly there is another mobipocket device coming out this months too.
The Cybook3 from Bookeen (go have a look at www bookeen ) and start drooling at it's sleek thinness
OK maybe the bookeen hasn't got a keyboard for annotations etc. but Since annotating is for only a certain set of individuals using a device like that under specific situations the majority of users will be using it just as a reader, so it won't be a problem.
Otherwise it looks like this is going to be WIN for the ebook market as more e-book retailers will use mobipocket as the preferred DRM for e-books (Yes we all hate DRM but the publishing industry is not known for it's foresightedness)

[Andy K. @ Sep 7th 2007 4:17PM]

Looking at that device pisses me off, and knowing its price infuriates me.

What "publishing experts" should be basing all their hopes on is a ~$100 Sony eReader. A reader that cheap would sell like hotcakes. It could even be a "stocking stuffer" for those who consider iPods as such.

[Skon @ Sep 9th 2007 4:26AM]

1) Ugly as sin
2) To thick
3) Get rid of the keyboard. Just silkscreen a small area (like a Palm) and have that small area accept written input from a stylus.
3) Ugly as sin
4) What are they thinking of making a device that will be handled constantly with white/beige (whatever light color it is) plastic? It will look dirty within just a few hours of use.
5) Ugly as sin
6) Again; it's to thick and it's ugly as sin
7) DRM'd books? And they wonder why so many people d/l homemade/hacked/cracked/ripped books, music, software and video from dubious sources... if a customer can only afford "X" number of DRM'd files but would normaly view/read etc ten times as much what will be the outcome for thousands of customers? Given they read a lot on there eReader but can't afford to buy more books they will go elswhere to get they for free. The internet, newsgroups etc.
8) Can't they do anything about how this thing looks? It's ugly as sin!!!
9) Being as thick as it is you've got to wonder if it's real heavy to.
10) It looks like a rejected prop for the old TV SciFi show "Space 1999". (When it was on TV I never missed an episode. I remember it as being such a cool show!! Recently watched a video tape of one of the episodes.. now I am disalusioned. Did have that bad of taste when I was a kid? Man was that a low budget show!)
11) They could use a new design. The current on is not quite the bell of the ball.
12) This wireless connection only has one good use in an eBook as far as I can tell. News. For books, novels, magazines, referance material, manuals, the fully anotated, indexed and included commontary edition of the library of congress just get yourself one of those 4GB or 8GB SD cards. It will hold most of the above if it's all in a simple format like text or html and it's not that expensive anymore.
13) If I were to recive one of these for FREE I'd keep it and use it but before taking it out in public I would certainly disassemble it and paint the exterior black or some other dark color. I might even go so far as to make my own more stylish case before going out in public with it. God it's ugly.
14) I think I am going to wait for Booken's new unit to come out or maybe even settle for Sony's reader. May even buy one used from eBay.
15) The Kindle is kind of klunky. The kase has no klass, kolor or karma. I just have to say it's the most repellant design I've ever seen in an electronic device.

Regards,
Skon

[skonofvulcan @ Sep 9th 2007 4:30AM]

.