Kindle: Lower Price, World Access
Posted in This Just In... on October 7th, 2009 by gkrakow
I have to admit that I’m not a big Kindle fan. I think it’s an OK device for reading books and stuff – if you read books and stuff.
My problem with it is that they charge you too much to purchase the device in addition to continously paying them to buy your software (books, subscriptions) through the Amazon purchasing system. It’s a closed system.
I used to feel the same way about Polaroid cameras and film when there was a Polaroid. Companies like Amazon should be nearly giving the hardware away for all the profit they’re going to make selling your reading material.
Which brings me to this morning’s announcement. Amazon.com has lowered the price of their best-selling Kindle book reader. That’s the model which was less expensive to begin with.
Amazon lowered the price of its “#1 bestseller Kindle” from $299 down to $259. Not earth-shattering news or a huge price slashing but a step in the right direction especially considering renewed competition from Sony and others (cheaper hardware) as well as the book-reading abilities of nearly every new smartphone hitting the marketplace (free software).
But, there was an even more interesting announcement from Amazon.com today: a Kindle with U.S. & International Wireless access.
The newest Kindle now enables readers to wirelessly download content in more than 100 countries and territories.
Both versions of this Kindle with a 6-inch (diagonal) screen are 8 by 5.3 by 0.36 inch devices and hold up to 1,500 book titles.
The only difference is the built-in modem. Unlike the U.S.-only version which works on Sprint’s high-speed EV-DO data network, the International version uses AT&T’s worldwide, GSM/3G Whispernet system. That also means Kindle users could find themselves competing with Apple iPhone users on the same 3G network.
This International version should be a really big deal for Amazon. Europeans actually read books. Not only in the privacy of their own homes but on buses, trains, in parks, standing in line (everywhere) and even sitting in sidewalk cafes. Book stores can be found on nearly every street corner (not just in regional shopping malls).
The new International Kindle is being released in English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese editions. They should all be huge hits.
In early trading following the announcement Amazon.com stock (AMZN) is a big gainer. Investors understand what a great deal this is.
Amazon wants you to know that you can pre-order the new Kindle with U.S. & International Wireless starting today for $279.