After months of leaks, speculation, and zero inventory, Amazon’s second generation e-reader has arrived. The Kindle 2 ($359) is slimmer and sleeker than its predecessor and has implemented a mini five-way joystick for navigation. The refreshed screen now displays 16 shades of grey and supposedly turns pages 20% quicker - which hopefully improves the somewhat distracting redraw/blinking e-ink situation seen on v1. (Ars digs the new display.)
Much of the negative commentary I’ve heard or read today (still) centers on Kindle pricing - which many feel may be too expensive. However, keep in mind the initial hardware cost includes access to reasonably priced New York Times best sellers ($10/pop) and a lifetime of Sprint wireless data services (aka Amazon Whispernet). Having said that, TechRepublic figures you’d need to purchase over 50 books to come out ahead. (Not that these sorts of tech purchase decisions are based largely on value.)
Personally, I’m not interested in owning Kindle hardware - I don’t read enough books. Plus I’d prefer to limit the number of single function devices I need to charge and carry. Which is why I’m more excited by Amazon working to “make Kindle books available on a range of mobile phones.”
