The B&N Kindle?
Posted: April 9th, 2009 | Author: Paul Mayson |Filed under: Blog, Publishing | 2 Comments »
Engadget has a story up about the possibility of Barnes & Noble launching it’s own ebook reader. Here’s a snip:
Everyone else is doing it, so why not Barnes & Noble too? That’s the talk following last week’s CTIA at least, where mysterious “insiders” were reportedly abuzz about the possibility of a B&N e-book reader that, like the Kindle, would supposedly be tied to a cellular carrier for some Whispernet-like connectivity.
Original? Not really. But it is a good indicator for Amazon, writers, and the publishing industry.
People that like to read will spend money on a device like the Kindle. And, my little brain tells me people with an eBook reader read more than they did B.K. (before Kindle). Will producers work harder to supply this dedicated group of customers with low cost, high quality, and timely material?
Or, will the eBook format continue to be an after thought for the majority of publishers? Late or limited publication availability? Will they continue to hit readers with the same pricing structure based on a model that is not relevant to digital publishing? Is it possible to release eBooks 2 months before the print book comes out instead of 3 weeks after?
If done right, there’s a lot of money to be made, and all they have to do is think of the customer. Hopefully a lot was learned from when the music industry made this shift a few years ago.
It’s still early. But, “it gets late early out there.”
Posted: April 9th, 2009 | Author: Paul Mayson |
Filed under: Blog, Publishing | 2 Comments »
I wonder what the Kindle may do to libraries and our concept of the book. Will our children have a completely different understanding of the word “text.” I found a good discussion on the matter at pandalous. It’s here: http://www.pandalous.com/topic/is_the_world_ready_for
I always had a problem finding that sweet-spot when I’m reading. Staying comfortable, holding the book at the right angle and getting back to the same position after turning the page or answering a call. Don’t get me wrong, I strongly believe that nothing can replace the experience, smell of a real book. But the convenience, compactness, and the immersion experience the Kindle delivers is out of this world. I like meeting people in person, but I still use video chat, cellphone, emails just for the sake of convenience and mobility. Same goes with my new Kindle. So here are some of my thoughts about the Kindle 2 (this is my first Kindle btw):
1. The screen is phenomenal. No strain on the eyes whatsoever. Plus the 16 shades of gray makes the page pop out more. Even though I’d love a color screen/touchscreen (as an owner of an iPhone 3G), I wonder when was the last time I read a real book with colored pages in it (I am talking about paperbacks here). But it would be a nice addition, however, I am not too concerned about it.
2. I really like the screen-savers that start when your Kindle is idle or you put it in stand-by mode. Makes the Kindle look very cool!
3. The keyboard keys are a little too tiny for my fingers and so is the 5-way stick. But not a major problem.
4. Reading with just one hand is a breeze and I love the way is fits just right in my hand.
5. WHY IS THERE NO CASE INCLUDED????
6. Please put back the SD-card slot in the next version.
7. You guys really need to bump the price down a notch. Anything around even $250-$275 is very reasonable.
8. Finally, I absolutely love the highlight and note taking feature. I always hated writing on my books (especially with my chicken feet handwriting). But adding comments, notes and highlighting on the Kindle is very efficient and guilt-free!
Overall, I give Kindle 2 a very high 89/100!!!