[Alexander Turcic]

Don't place your bets just yet, but rumors are beginning to swirl about the imminent release of the Amazon Kindle. The New York Times reported yesterday that Amazon will be launching their long awaited e-reader device next month at a price of between US$400-500.

Amazon has been showing the Kindle to book publishers for the last year and has delayed its introduction several times. Last fall, a photograph of the device, and some of its specifications, leaked onto the Web when the company filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to get approval for its wireless modem, which will operate over a high-speed EVDO network.

People familiar with the Kindle also have a few complaints. The device has a Web browser, but using it is a poor experience, because the Kindle’s screen, also from E Ink, does not display animation or color.

Some also complain about the fact that Amazon is using a proprietary e-book format from Mobipocket, a French company that Amazon bought in 2005, instead of supporting the open e-book standard backed by most major publishers and high-tech companies like Adobe. That means owners of other digital book devices, like the Sony Reader, will not be able to use books purchased on Amazon.com.

We invite you to visit this thread to join our ongoing-discussion.

External news coverage:

• Kindle to debut in October…costing $400-500 (and what about the Cybook?) (TeleRead)
• Amazon eBook reader due next month: why I won't touch it (jkOnTheRun)
• Amazon.com To Launch Wireless eBook Reader (paidContent.org)
• Amazon’s Kindle and Google’s Book Thing: More eBook Readers (CrunchGear)
• Amazon's Kindle e-book reader coming next month? (Engadget)

Related: Amazon Kindle "this spring" for "above $400", Will the Amazon Kindle cost US$50?, Amazon E Ink reader?

Thanks to Rachael, 13xforever, lee1234, Jim, TadW, Mallory, and everyone else who sent in the news!