Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Have you seen Amazon's new Kindle?

Uggh. That's all I can say for now. Illuminating, arousing, and starting an e-reading revolution? No, just a splendid example of great concept turned into poor product, that's what the kindle is. Maybe I'll have the stamina to comment further later. For now, I'm simply disgusted.

3 comments:

Jen said...

Oh, come on! It's bad, but it's not that bad.

Micah said...

there seem to be way too many people excited about this product. at first glance, i have to say it is devoid of any compelling design (like apple products) and totally destroys the romance of reading a book. also the technology in this device is reminiscent of the original palm devices. size and comfort while holding the device will be a major issue (which the kindle seems to have right), but a reader based on iphone/ipod touch technology is obviously a better route. instead of clicking and scrolling (which aren't book motions) you can flip, turn, and manipulate in many ways with your fingers. also, the look of the device (and the words on the device) are both pleasant, which is a significant factor in reading any book. the one thing that amazon does right is the advanced modem (EVDO modem) that provides library connection much like mobile phone coverage (without the cost of buying minutes). to my knowledge the kindle still has no analogue that is successful. with an ipod you purchase the device and the music but the music is yours to possess and transfer between media (with modest limitations). with the kindle you purchase the device and a copy of the book that exists only on your kindle and you are now unable to loan the text to your friend or co-worker unless you also loan your kindle.

my immediate impression still stands: this is the right idea, but the kindle totally destroys the romance of reading a book. (and this coming from a guy that would rather look at a graphic representation any day).

Micah said...

i should have said that the look and feel of the text on the iphone/ipod touch are pleasant while not so on the kindle