In today's Ars Technica there is an article about Kindle 2.0 (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080421-unpacking-the-rumors-of-a-second-generation-kindle.html. According to the article:

Ars has heard that Amazon may be on the verge of announcing a Kindle 2.0, described by a source aware of the launch plans as "the device they wanted to release in the first place."

It is interesting reading.

They made some interesting points in this article, I agree. Looks more like a software upgrade to the Kindle right now, rather than replacing the hardware. That makes a lot more sense as the device has only been out a few months and to replace the hardware this soon would certainly anger a lot of early adopters.

There was an earlier thread on this topic: Kindle 2.0 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23041).

I agree that a software update is most likely, particularly since the current software version is 1.0.4.

However, in the longer term I expect to see Kindle's with a larger (8" or 9.7") screen and (perhaps) the Epson controller (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22850). This would be an expansion of the line up, rather than a direct replacement for the 6" screen device.

12" color screen and an integrated beverage holder

You could make one that attached to the Beer Hat for hands-free reading and drinking!

and to replace the hardware this soon would certainly anger a lot of early adopters.

I really don't see why anyone would be "angered" by it - they would still have the device that they paid for. I didn't feel outraged personally when Sony released the PRS-505 a few months after I'd bought the PRS-500.

The simple fact is that, in a market like this, there will always be new devices coming on to the market. Anyone who doesn't realise that should probably wait a few years before buying.

The simple fact is that, in a market like this, there will always be new devices coming on to the market. Anyone who doesn't realise that should probably wait a few years before buying.

And even then, there will be newer (and hopefully better) devices after they buy.

I think that all of us that have made electronics purchases over the past 25 years have gotten used to something "bigger and better" coming along virtually the next day! I am just glad that there are companies willing to take the risk to develop new hardware and software for a market that is not the hottest ticket in town.

This caught my eye
The scrolling LCD to the right of the E Ink screen allows simple dynamic displays, but it's used inconsistently

Anyone want to expand on what is meant by that?