Amazon has just introduced their new wireless reading device called Kindle. I had heard about it prior to the public announcement and had seen images of it but after watching the demo video Amazon had on their product page, I was very intrigued. Asthetically, the Kindle is comparable in size to a novel and weighs just 10.3 oz, yet has the capacity to hold hundreds of books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs. It’s the literary equivalent to the iPod (which is probably the reason why someone created e-book readers).

Now, my library is pretty small; I only have 17 books and it takes up one row on my bookshelf. However, with a Kindle, I’d be able to have the same 17 books in a small device and I’d be able to carry the books with me at all times. Granted, I wouldn’t need to carry all my books with me at all times (I’d just carry the book I’m reading at the moment), but it would be nice to have that option. Just like how I don’t listen to all the music I have on my iPod (probably just my five most recent albums), it’s nice to have it all there.

There are several things I like about Kindle. I like the ability to have all my books with me at any given time. This would be great for travel. I could load up on books I haven’t read and I wouldn’t have to think about which books I want to bring with me. I really like the wireless access Kindle has. Amazon has their own wireless system called Whispernet and you don’t have to pay anything to access it. It works on the same type of network as cell phones so there’s no need to hunt for WiFi spots. You can immediately get on their network and look for a book and buy it instantaneously (Whispernet keeps a log of your e-library so you don’t lose your books even if you lose or break your Kindle). You can also get newspapers and magazines this way, too. Kindle also has a built-in dictionary and free access to Wikipedia. Other features of Kindle include standard things you’d find on any e-book reader, such as bookmarking, annotations, and search. With the inclusion of a full keyboard, it makes searching and note-taking easier, at the added expense of a larger footprint for the unit. I haven’t seen this unit in real-life, but I think I’d welcome this trade. The price of books are also enticing. It looks like books cost no more than $9.99 (I browsed through the Kindle bookstore and I couldn’t see any book costing more than $9.99), including new releases and best-sellers. However, there are several things that potential buyers should be aware of.

Have you ever read a book and just loved it so much that you want other people to read it so you lend them your copy of the book? Say goodbye to that with Kindle. Unless you are fine with lending out your Kindle to someone, you’ll never be able to share books again. If Kindle had some kind of print option, that would appease some people. The other major roadblock is the cost of Kindle. At $399, that’s the equivalent of roughly 16 best-selling hard-covers (and that’s being generous). And $399 is without any books. Add the cost of said 16 hard-covers @ $9.99 a pop and you’re looking at over $550. Pretty expensive, if you ask me. If I bought an iPod for $399, I would not have to spend another $160 for the music because I can simply digitize my existing CDs. When there’s a way to digitize my books (for free) for Kindle, then it may be more attractive.

I also like a physical library. I don’t buy music online because I like to have something tangible that I can touch. There’s something about showing off the massive library you’ve accumulated, whether it’s books, music, or DVDs. You don’t get that with Kindle. And finally, Whispernet is lacking in the area of newspapers and magazines available. Currently, they only have eight of each. Granted, it just launched, but I’d wait for that area to expand before I consider Kindle.

Amazon has a great product in Kindle. If they can manage to improve on the price and selection, then I can see people buying it in droves. But until then, I’ll stick with my hardcovers and paperbacks.