When it comes to the launch of new and exciting techno-gadgets, I—and perhaps, we all—have been spoiled by Apple. Yes, they've gotten it wrong on occasion, but so often, they get it so right. They've repeatedly raised the bar, and our expectations. Perhaps that's why, when I first saw the unauthorized, leaked images of Amazon's first Kindle on the web all those years ago, I thought surely they were the creation of an internet ne'er-do-well. I laughed, because I thought I got the joke. "Yeah!" I said. "That DOES look like it's from 1980! Good one, you internet pranksters you."
The image of the original Kindle that was first leaked online. (I believe.)
But so it was.
In the days of high-speed streaming video, 5-second song downloads, 30" computer monitors, and a nation of media addicts, Amazon released this.
Amazon's Kindle (along with all the other faux-paper e-ink readers) ignores the fact that all media is evolving—books included. These e-ink readers are nothing more than a cautious step between the old and the new. They're too married to the formatting and failures of their paper predecessors to take full advantage of what's possible. They'll never be as good as paperbacks for quiet, un-powered reading. And they'll never be as good as computers for multimedia content. Why offer a device that offers a poor version of two experiences?
By releasing an e-reader so hopelessly tied to the paper, Amazon gave Apple an opening to provide something better. If the latest swirl of rumors is true and Apple plans to release a tablet computer, or iSlate, early next year, you can bet your life it will put the Kindle to shame when it comes to digital content delivery. Any e-ink device simply will not be able to compete. I'm not going to reveal any names, but I have it on very good authority, for example, that—unlike the Kindle—the new Apple tablet will, indeed, have a color screen. Might it also ... play video?! (Please pardon the sarcasm.)
Book publishers are feverishly searching for the best ways to pour their content into the new digital stream. And rightly so. I've argued here in the past that book publishers, as producers of a continuous stream of high-quality and edited content, are perfectly suited to capitalize on the new opportunities presented by the digital content revolution. Selling e-books has long been the most accepted method—and though I have my reservations—I wouldn't necessarily disagree. I would argue, however, that the best e-books are certainly not Kindle e-books.
Book content should no longer be imprisoned by the limitations of paper. Digital books should include author interviews, instructional videos, pop-up definitions of esoteric terms, instant foreign translations, optional soundtracks, links to helpful web sites, and anything else publishers and authors can dream up to increase the value and effectiveness of their content.
What the rumored Apple iSlate represents for publishers and e-book readers is the ability to break free from the limitations of paper—which were so dutifully copied by Amazon and Sony—and provide digital book content to readers on a portable device with a screen big enough to be reasonable for reading long-form content (as opposed to the small screens on the iPhone, netbooks, or similar devices that can deliver high-quality digital content).
I understand the arguments for the e-ink format: the non-back-lit screen is easy on the eyes, easy on battery life, etc. And since we spend upwards of ten hours a day staring at glaring screens—whether 30" wide or glowing in your pocket— I can understand the argument for not wanting to read the latest vampire novel off yet another backlit screen. When I desire such a quiet reading experience I pick up the paperback. It is still the best at what it does. No electronic reader could ever truly duplicate the experience of reading off paper. So why try? When building a digital reader, build something different. Build something that offers book readers new material—and publishers a new revenue stream. With the coming of the iSlate, it looks like Apple may have finally done just that.
You can talk all you like about the reasons for not using a Kindle. But the simple fact for me is this :
My wife and I both have Kindles. I am a techie, my wife is not. Both of us are lifelong avid readers. Both of use our Kindles constantly and instinctively. With our Kindles, we read more often, more enjoyably.
Those are our results. Make whatever theoretical arguments you will, but pratcial application by owners (not tech bloggers who get excited by shininess and multitasking rather than genuine usefulness) is the real test.
Hi Al,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, I am proud to be a blogger who gets excited about shininess and multitasking. I see nothing wrong with that. Please excuse the snarkiness of my post.
As a techie who is fascinated with the shifting landscape of content delivery, I'll be delighted to be proven wrong. I'm glad you enjoy your Kindles.
Best,
Jesse
"I thought I got the joke. That does look like it's from 1980." Hey. Your picture of the Kindle is wrong. At least show the new Kindle (also called Kindle 2) which came out in Feb 2009 (10 months ago)
"with a screen big enough to be reasonable for reading long term" Hello. Kindle screens are the size of paperback books which sell nicely. And the font size is adjustable too.
"the new Apple tablet will, indeed, have a color screen." Newsflash. Physical Books and e-book readers like the Kindle have something in common - black text.
"Might it also play video" What? The Kindle is an e-book reader.
"When I desire such a quiet reading experience I pick up a paperback." Ok try this experience. Pick up 1500 paperback books. That's how many digital books the Kindle can hold.
"Why try?" Check Kindle sales. Then check overall e-book reader sales.
Not mentioned - Kindle currently has a free basic web browser. Free text to speech feature for books and documents. Built in mp3 player. Also 2 games are included (Minesweeper and Gomoku)
Also not mentioned - Kindle current price 259 dollars. i-slate - rumored to cost 600 dollars or more. Just a guess but the i-slate could be double or triple the price of the Kindle.
Thank you for posting
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your comment. You make some good points. And I've made some clarifications in my post where I was vague.
First, you're right: the image I've shown is the original Kindle, of course. It is the image I referred to in the article, and I thought I'd include it here for reference. I've added a caption explaining why I've used the image of the original.
Second, I was comparing the iSlate's screen size to other devices that can deliver the high-quality digital content I mention—iPhones, BlackBerries, netbooks, etc. You're right, the Kindle has a well-sized screen.
Thanks again for your input. And the snarkiness of your comment is taken in good humor. I wrote a snarky post and had it coming.
Best,
Jesse
Hi
I am an apple nerd that has been waiting a while for the itablet/islate/iwhatever, but I just bought my wife a kindle (which she loves). When I first saw an e-ink tablet (a sony I think) I first thought I was looking at a cheesy store demo unit with a sticker where the display would be (like they have on cell phones in stores) -- I was shocked to find out that screen was 'real.' I don't care how good the apple products screen is, by the end of the day my eyes are tired of looking at a backlit screen. This is not to say I will be not be drooling at the apple tablet when it ships, and I expect I will own one within a short period of time, but I at $259, it is entirely possible that we may own a second kindle first. I think the kindle will thrive, regardless of the success of the apple product. I bought a kindle as an experiment (wondering if it would be obsolete when the Apple tablet came out), but I like it more than I thought I would!