by Malle
We in the publishing industry have been waiting for quite some time for Amazon to launch their eBook device and store and today they they did just that with the launch of the Kindle. You can read all about it on the homepage of Amazon. There is also a ton of press and blog attention about it, some of the most interesting links include: Newsweek, Dear Author and Silicon Alley Insider.
As you most likely know if you’ve been reading this blog for a while, Harlequin publishes all of its books as eBooks and Harlequin Presents novels are among the bestselling eBook titles. We have over 1592 titles available as eBooks, whether you want to buy them at our eHarlequin.com eBook boutique or at Amazon.
What do you think? I find the Kindle to be incredibly cool and will probably get one as soon as they are available in Canada. And by that time, I hope there is a fuschia version! (Clearly design was not Amazon’s concern — one blogger thought it looked like a prop from Battlestar Galactica which pays homage to bad 70s technology and I have to agree.)
Are you interested in buying a Kindle to read eBooks? What color do you want it in?
This is what it looks like.
9 Responses to “Amazon Kindle Launches Today”
- 1 Trackback on Jul 3rd, 2008 at 2:09 am
I work with computers all day, I write my books on my laptop and I’m a total techy, so the very last thing I want to do is read my novels on a techie device. I NEED to feel the pages beneath my fingers. What can I say I’m old-fashioned that way.
I have to admit, I won’t be buying a Kindle anytime soon. I like books that bend. Computer screens hurt my eyes after awhile, and I associate computers with work. So… paperbacks all the way for me!
Kate H.
I understand what you’re saying, but reading on a device like the Kindle isn’t like reading on a computer screen. I have to admit I’m a bit of an eBook advocate (I read on my mobile and I have a Sony Reader), but because of the eInk technology it’s a real reading experience. And I get to carry lots and lots of books with me. When I went to France two weeks ago I loaded up my Sony Reader with over 20 titles so I had lots of reading choice when I sat in a Paris cafe over a glass of red wine.
I don’t see the Kindle or eBooks replacing print books, but being another format choice.
Hi Malle.
Funny, I was just asked about the Kindle over on the eHarlequin.com eBook thread.
Personally I use a pda for my alternative format books, and so I’m not currently in the market for another device (although I am something of a gadget girl so I’m really very tempted).
I do like the look and features of the Kindle, particularily the keyboard. I love that it’s wireless, (a huge plus in my eyes) it’s really light weight-wise and yet it holds up to 200 books, and I understand it also has some shock protection… not that I drop my devices often, but it does happen.
If I were to get one, I’d need it to be easily useable in the dark, because most of my reading is done in bed, while my hubby’s sleeping. It’s about the only quiet time I get…lol. I had to laugh when I saw you wishing for a fuschia option, because I’d probably opt for that as well, or candy apple red, if I couldn’t have the pink.
I thought I’d touch on the eBook vs paperback thing. It’s not one or the other for me. I still read paperbacks. I probably always will because I too love that tactile quality of a book in my hands, but I adore eBooks, as well as audio, for the freedom of mobility and instant access they give me.
I am on the computer all day long, literally, but I find that eReaders are more like reading a paperback than a computer screen. Because you hold it in your hands, you can read where ever you like, curled up in a chair, stretched out in bed, on the train, in line at the grocery store… the possibilities are endless. I’m told that some folks even put their readers into ziplock bags and take them into the tub (not a bath reader myself, and I’m not sure I’m graceful enough to brave trying it).
I too love that when I’m travelling I can load 20 or more books onto my reader and toss it into my purse. I love that it’s really quick to load/transfer them, so when the trip is last minute I can still have a ton of great reads with me, without an extra suitcase… Also, when I finish one book, I don’t have move, or go hunt for another, I just open the next one and I’m good to go.
I love that I can read in bed at night without needing a lamp. I love that I can shop for eBooks whenever I want, regardless of the time, weather, ill health, or my sometimes frightening appearance. I love that the variety of titles and genres is always expanding and offered to me.
Sound like I’m fond of them?
I think it’s a great thing to have if you travel a lot. I’m definitely interested in getting one. I probably would only use it when traveling as I too prefer to have a book in hand.
I’d want to try one of these before buying. I’d like to see one on display in a shop and be able to handle it and get a feel for it.
I like the idea of being able to store lots of books on it. I’m fast running out of book storage space in my house.
And as it looks like a prop from Battlestar Galactica I’d want one in silver or black to add to that SF feel.
Can the size of the text be altered or is it fixed?
Hi Janet.
Yes, the text size is adjustable.
Ooh, I just read how long the battery lasts, without using the wireless feature, up to a week. How cool is that?
ZOMG! I totally love the idea of kindle. I will definitely buy one. hmmm. I would definitely want it in pink or green *total loser*. How much memory space though? and interface? OS used? Linux or windows? I mean the idea is great but for me everything depends on how much I could trust the device… especially with the price of about 400 dollars.