Amazon Kindle - Hit or Flop?

Amazon Kindle, the wireless eBook reading device has taken the conventional method of book reading to a whole new level.  The Kindle was released late in 2007 and to the amazement of everyone was completely sold out soon thereafter.  Debuting at a price point of $399, Amazon just couldn’t make enough of them.  I will describe the pros and cons of the device and let you decide if it suits your needs.

POSITIVES
1- Wireless connectivity with automatic delivery of newspapers and blogs from around the world.
2- Instant download of more than 140,000 books.
3- Small, light weight form factor that easy to carry around.
4- Email documents and images to the device.
5- Integrated memory that stores approximately 200 books.
6- Rechargeable battery that is user replaceable and lasts on average for a week.
7- Free book samples that you can download and read the first chapter before deciding to buy it.
8- Built-in keyboard for notes, email and searching.

NEGATIVES
1- Wireless Internet connection limited to the United States.
2- Books, newspapers and even blogs cost money.  Most of the books run between $5-$10, which is a savings compared to buying a paperback or hard cover.
3- No back light for the screen.  You must have ample light just as if you were reading a regular book.
4- Awkward design results in various buttons being pressed while reading.
5- Price! Extremely expensive for a device that has a grayscale display.

The Amazon Kindle would be best suited for people that read a lot and want a quick and effective way to store and download a vast array of reading materials, with no need for a computer.  Travelers would also be likely to enjoy the product if they wanted to fork out the dough.  Amazon has recently dropped the price of the Kindle to $359 since it was released.

Weighing in on all the advantages and disadvantages makes me wonder how long this technology will last.  I think it is too soon to decide if the Amazon Kindle and other eBook readers will survive.  For this device to become mainstream, the price must plummet to about $100 and then I still don’t know if this would become a product every household will have or even want.  With the explosion of the Internet, the iPhone and Ultra Mobile PC’s, I would predict this device is headed for extinction.  Only time and demand will tell.