Friday, May 8, 2009

Kindle Goes "Big Time"

Think of it as the large print edition for the Kindle.

This past Wednesday at Pace University, Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos introduced the new Kindle DX (that's deluxe). Designed primarily for reading book pages, this latest version of the Kindle has a screen that's two and a half times larger than the regular Kindle. Bezos stated also gave limited information about deals with partnerships whose goal it is to put Kindles into the hands of more university students and newspaper readers.

Of course, this new Kindle comes with a new hefty price tag: $489.

According to an article in the New York Times, six colleges and universities -- Pace, Arizona State, Case Western Reserve, Princeton, Reed College and the University of Virginia -- would begin testing the "large print" Kindle with students later this year.

In another agreement, three major newspapers -- The New York Times, Boston Globe, and Washington Post -- offered the KDX at a reduced price in exchange for long-term subscriptions, but only in areas where the print editions were not available.

I can understand the goal of wanting to save the environment as well as being a convenience so that we don't have to carry around numerous tomes with us everywhere we go, but I believe that Amazon, as well as other companies who are pushing a "paperless society" with their e-readers are overlooking a very : There are MANY people who can't pay the large price. In a society that has sky high rates on essentials (such as health care and education), a high homeless population, and people who have to live check by check, these pricey e-readers are not accessible to the masses, unlike a newspaper or paperback book.

You've all heard my opinions on this before, so, what do you think about this whole Amazon/e-reader thing?

Anyone who leaves a comment will get the chance at a gift card from Barnes and Noble. I'll announce the winner within the next few days (or posts) from now.

(Sorry, I'm one of the masses who can't afford the Kindle DX to offer as a prize)

Apologies in advance if i don't answer right away. I'll be on the road for most of the day.

7 comments:

Michael A. Burstein said...

I think you're spot on with the problem of the cost of the e-readers. What companies need to do is provide the e-readers for a much lower price, and make their money back on the purchase of the e-books.

Bobby Mangahas said...

Michael ---

Thanks for stopping by.

I completely agree with you. The other thing too is that if the e-books were offered at a lower price too, more people would by them and more often.

Stephen D. Rogers said...

And if they're going after the youth market, small is in.

I think the publishers would have an easier time selling ebooks to people who could read them on all the handhelds they already own.

Michael A. Burstein said...

R.J.: I'm reminded of how Gillette sold their razors cheaply, but the cartridges would cost a lot.

Stephen: I downloaded the free Kindle app for the iPhone, and I agree that not needing to buy a reader makes it more likely that I'll purchase ebooks.

Bobby Mangahas said...

Stephen ---

good point about the youth market. I mean with iPods and cell phones that sometimes making it necessary to use a magnifying glass, small is definitely in.

"I think the publishers would have an easier time selling ebooks to people who could read them on all the handhelds they already own."

This is also a very big point. It's like I said before, we can't all just throw down money on the latest ereader, computer, etc.

And see you at CrimeBake in November.

davethemysteryguy said...

Definitely with you on that one. It seems like every time you get the latest device, a newer version comes out within a few months.

And for the record, I'm a paper book kinda guy.

Bobby Mangahas said...

Dave ---

I'm with you on the paper book thing :-]