Amazon.com is about to launch a new e-gadget and service called the Kindle, an electronic book reader that might be good for the environment - but clearly could be even better. Newsweek and CNET have stories on it. Here are some details.
The Kindle has the dimensions of a paperback it weights only 10.3 ounces. It uses “e-ink” technology said to mimic the clarity of a printed book, on a s six-inch screen posts readable pages. The Kindle’s long-lasting battery allows up to 30 hours of reading on a single charge, and recharges in two hours. Unlike books on paper, you can change the font size of text in books on Kindle - and unlike paper books, the Kindle can hold about 200 books a time, and more on removable memory cards.
Unlike previous e-book devices, the Kindle will connect to Amazon’s e-book catalog via a wireless service run on Sprint’s EVDO wireless broadband network allowing users to purchase and download new books. In addition the Kindle can receive automatic downloads from major newspapers, magazines and other publications.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos hopes the Kindle is to books what the iPod is to music - a big question mark given the device’s starting $399 price tag. But if the Kindle does catch on, it could save a lot of trees. On the other hand, powering the Kindle takes electricity, which generally comes from burning coal or other fossil fuels. It doesn’t take electricity to open an old-fashioned book.
The Kindle debuts Monday at a media event in New York.
I’m going to wait for Amazon to bring out a solar-powered version.
