It's too fragile and the content model isn't there for libraries yet. But for individuals, it is a knock-em-dead way to read the morning paper, news magazines, books, work documents and even the occasional blog. Travels exceptionally well - not just on airplanes, but throughout one's day.

Hey, the Oprah show at least doubled sales. She had to have one on stage and one of the assistants had to have one to do the research/write up the script.

;).

Underlying it all is the question of how often do you buy books versus borrow books. The common refrain is, "

I don't have one of these things, but I think you're being unfair. Why compare the Kindle to the iPhone, something that is a late-generation version of two familiar devices, the cellphone and the iPod? The comparison isn't valid enough to harp on like you have. Instead, you should at least compare the Kindle to the first generation of iPods or Palm Pilots--back when people needed to be convinced that they would find a use for the device in the first place.

Second, I think you're overlooking the fact that some books are now available through the usual not-so-legal means. Nothing like the scale of music and movie downloads, of course. I'm not condoning this, just pointing out that the iPod took off at least in part as a result of music being available in the right format for free. If enough people buy Kindles to create a similar "market" of ebooks, that will induce more people to buy them--there is a critical mass issue here.

I agree with you about the design. If I bought one it would be the Sony version.

Emily, you raise some important points, although I would argue with you about how "early" a market e-book readers actually are. E-book readers were first introduced a number of years ago. They failed miserably, which lead to a multi-year hiatus of no reasonable product on the market. So this is at least the second attempt at the market. I agree it is unfair (as I pointed out in my post) to compare what might be considered a niche product (although virtually everyone who uses a cellphone reads) with a ubiquitous one. Still, I stand behind my criticisms.

Hey Roy. The issue of the economy of the Kindle hit slashdot yesterday, on Nov 16.

Can't speak for the broader population, only for personal use. I use my Kindle regularly every day and have done so since I purchased it in July. I currently subscribe to the Wall Street Journal on the Kindle and I am also using it for fiction reading and the Bible. Since July, I have seen two people using Kindles on my commuter train, and one using the Sony Reader. The Kindle has features I like, and features I don't. I definitely like the easy downloading (books and stories from $10 to free) and the portability. It's great for text (instant large print when needed!), but still weak for illustrations (too small, black & white, and unable to be enlarged). The Kindle also can't directly handle PDF's, although they can be converted to Kindle format (including the RDA draft) via the free Mobipocket reader. Kindle certainly has a "first generation" feel to it, but I enjoy using it and plan to continue to do so until, regrettfully, I have to upgrade to the next version.

Hi Roy,
I'll probably never buy a Kindle because I like the total library experience of browsing online catalogs, placing holds, walking to a branch library, and reading books made of paper. But my siblings and I are giving my dad a Kindle for his 80th birthday. He's an avid reader and book buyer; and his limited mobility and declining vision call for a "book" he can reload from his easy chair, with font sizes he can adjust. After I see whether he uses the thing or not, I'll withhold half my vote on your referendum. -Jimmy

TRY AND BUY ONE NEW OR USED ON EBAY. NO REAL DISCOUNT ON PRICE-- THAT SAYS IT ALL.

how bout now bitch?

I have stopped reading books just using my kindle. Just returned from Europe loved only having to carry 1 book instead of the 4-5 I usually packl