After browsing through a bookstore several months ago, I made the declaration that no matter where technology takes us, “I still love books.” There is just something about the smell of a fresh book, the sense of accomplishment you feel while watching your bookmark move deeper into the pages, the ability to share the experience by passing a favorite story along to a friend. You can browse shelves of your collection and be reminded of inspirational lessons and adventures gone by. There is just something special about a book.
Thus, you can see why I have nicknamed Amazon’s Kindle as iPod’s ugly stepsister.
Amazon appears to be capitalizing on the same digital appeal that makes Apple so successful — innovation, value and convenience. For book publishers, it’s another revenue stream that will allow them to keep producing the material we want to read. I will admit all of this is good business, even if the product is not for me.
People are certainly buying in. According to its Wikipedia entry, the Kindle sold out within six hours of its November launch, and Amazon.com is still having trouble keeping them in stock (even at the $400 premium). Sony’s version appears to be on back order as well.
It’s not on my Christmas list, though. I would rather escape with a book that I can still read despite the sun’s glare. Technology, hands off my books. Who’s with me?