Whatever your opinions on Kindle (I still think it’s fugly, but it is growing on me), you could do worse than to spend a little time looking at it on Amazon’s product page.
The most interesting thing?
We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read.
Okay…
Let’s process this.
Apple brought out a device with unlimited internet data plans in June.
Amazon are releasing theirs this month.
Google is bidding in the 700Mhz auction.
I like this. We’re going to see all sorts of competitive jiggery pokery. Based on what I’ve seen of Kindle it looks like around the size of the MessagePad 2100. Now if Apple released an iTablet using the iPhone’s OS and the same higher resolution screen (we’re talking 160-170 dpi for these devices) we could see some real competition in this space. (That’s not to say the iPhone screen isn’t readable!). This device will deliver RSS feeds, online magazines, books – and free wireless access to Wikipedia. It will also read Word documents and process pictures (you email them in for 10 cents a document and they’re stored on your unique Kindle email address.
Now there’s no sign of this working in the UK and it’s not yet for sale on Amazon’s UK site. And I can’t imagine they’ve worked out a roaming 3G deal with every provider? According to the guide it’s only working with Sprint’s EV-DO service. So, it’s US-based for now.
Looks good. Comments work too!