Posted 10/11/2009 at 06:00:58pm

As a Kindle owner, There are many advantages to having a dedicated reading device.  Even one that costs $260.

1) The screen is so much better than trying to read on your PC/Laptop/Netbook.  So Ballmer is clueless.

2) You can carry it and read almost anywhere you can read a book.  Beach, subway, train, plane, poolside, Dr office, etc.  Try that with your netbook.

3) You do not need Amazon to subsidize your purchase.  By being a good shopper, you can save tons of money on your own.  I have "purchase" some 67ebooks since Christmas.  My average cost per ebook is just $1.46.  I have read 32 of them.  I have saved over $450.  That does not include shipping and taxes.  So my savings is actually higher.  Even if you do not shop, NY Times best sellers will save you $5 each time.

4) The battery life is amazing.  Two weeks on a single charge with the wireless turned off.  Even with the wireless turned on, a charge will last a few days or more.

Now if you don't read books, then there is no reason to own a Kindle or other such device.  But those of us who read, there is no comparison.  Being able to finish one book and immediately start another is great.  Or someone recommeding a book and being able to sample it in less than a minute is just unbelievable before the Kindle came along.

This is more than a passing fad.  The number of devices coming into the market is great to see.  That means Amazon has to keep innovating.  The problem many competitors have is that Amazon has a huge selection of ebooks and keeps adding to its lead.  The device is only part of the pucture.

<And no.  I do not work for Amazon.  I am just a very happy customer>

Posted 11/03/2008 at 11:17:04am

I was thinking the same thing.  You have 8 threads that can be used...