My take on the backordered battery fiasco

KlondikeGeoff · 02-12-2009, 03:14 PM

As my Kindle is more than a year old now, I decided to order an extra battery just in case, even though have had no problems with the original. It shocks me to realize if the battery dies, the K can't be used. I will have just an expensive door stop. More shocking is that Amazon totally ignores the large base of K1 owners and refuses to even give an explanation of the situation.

For what it is worth, and expect it is worth nothing, here is the email I sent to them regarding this:

"I realize there must be some reason for the backorders of this Kindle battery, but from what I can see on the forums, it has been an exceptionally long time that this has not been available.

As one of the large group of loyal Kindle1 owners, all of whom love the device, it seems extraordinary that it is still impossible to estimate a date when they will be ready. Amazon should at least be forthcoming and explain exactly what the situation is. Where is the battery made, why in the world can not some other battery manufacturer make these, and so forth.

If a battery fails, the valuable Kindle will not be usable, and yet we are left in the dark about any expected date. Some have suggested that this is an Amazon plot to make K1 owners buy the Kindle2. I choose to believe this is not true, but I and others would be more at ease about Amazon's motives if a reasonable explanation of the situation were made to current owners. Otherwise, many will lose faith with the Kindle group, and it will not be to the advantage of Amazon."

JSWolf · 02-12-2009, 03:24 PM

You can order a K1 battery at BatteryShip.com. The cost is $18.95 + shipping. They say they are backordered but will ship by February 28, 2009. My guess would be that the back order there is due to the back order on Amazon.

http://www.batteryship.com/htmlos/ht...0&model=Kindle

Ervserver · 02-12-2009, 03:39 PM

Amazon's way of pressuring you into buying the Kindle II

bwaldron · 02-12-2009, 03:47 PM

There is also this one at Radio Shack -- it comes in and out of stock.

I don't see any conspiracy here, just limited supply for an item that is a bit of a niche product.

KlondikeGeoff · 02-12-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You can order a K1 battery at BatteryShip.com. The cost is $18.95 + shipping. They say they are backordered but will ship by February 28, 2009. My guess would be that the back order there is due to the back order on Amazon.

http://www.batteryship.com/htmlos/ht...0&model=Kindle

Thanks, Wolf. I heard of this and Radio Shack, but assumed they were not going to get any before Amazon, but if the 2/28 ship date is true, that is a good deal. Just ordered one. If they get it to me first, will cancel the Amazon order.

bwaldron, I don't really think it is a conspiracy, that was just tongue-in-cheek, and something to maybe scare Amazon into playing fair with customers. But, on the other hand...

We will see.

AuPhinger · 02-12-2009, 04:04 PM

And here's a site that does not mention a backorder, same price ($18.98 + S & H).

Gene

http://cgi.ebay.com/eBook-Reader-Bat...efaultDomain_0

Nate the great · 02-12-2009, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ervserver

Amazon's way of pressuring you into buying the Kindle II

[sarcasm]I agree. Amazon is evil, after all. [/sarcasm]

JSWolf · 02-12-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AuPhinger

And here's a site that does not mention a backorder, same price ($18.98 + S & H).

Gene

http://cgi.ebay.com/eBook-Reader-Bat...efaultDomain_0

Actually, it does mention a backorder. And this is wrong. Either they have the item they are selling or they don't and if they don't, they should not be selling it until they have it in hand.

Quote:

BATTERY SHIPS FEB 28TH

PLEASE NOTE: BATTERY SHIPS FEBRUARY 28TH

DUE TO THE HEAVY DEMAND FOR THIS BATTERY, ORDERS WILL NOT BE SHIPPING UNTIL FEB 28TH

bwaldron · 02-12-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AuPhinger

And here's a site that does not mention a backorder, same price ($18.98 + S & H).

Heh. Buying from Vegas via eBay...

do I feel lucky today?

KindleKat · 02-12-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwaldron

Heh. Buying from Vegas via eBay...

do I feel lucky today?

It's not a super high dollar item, i think you'll be fine.

daffy4u · 02-12-2009, 04:25 PM

There are at least 20 Kindle batteries for sale on eBay spread across 2 BIN auctions. I posted this on the Amazon forums yesterday, so if you need a battery, you should jump on it now!

I ordered 2 batteries at the end of November because my psychic duck powers foretold the shortage. I received my batteries last week so they seem to be coming in a little at a time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daffy4u

I think you're right but that was why I said I think eBay prices for 1.0 will go up. If 2.0 is not superior to 1.0, those who can will look to purchase 1.0 from other sources because they will still be able to change the battery and use an SD card.

BTW, 1.0 owners may want to purchase that replacement battery before they become rare (with lack of support for 1.0). I'm placing my order today.

Ervserver · 02-12-2009, 05:40 PM

You folks are making the Mrs nervous, she wants me to order a battery now. Thanks

MonaLS · 02-12-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You can order a K1 battery at BatteryShip.com. The cost is $18.95 + shipping. They say they are backordered but will ship by February 28, 2009. My guess would be that the back order there is due to the back order on Amazon.

http://www.batteryship.com/htmlos/ht...0&model=Kindle

Thank you for the link to BatteryShip! I will add it to my collection.

KimmyA · 02-17-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KlondikeGeoff

It shocks me to realize if the battery dies, the K can't be used.

Will you be able to plug it in and read it or when the battery is dead, your kindle is dead?

crionox · 02-18-2009, 06:38 PM

To others who may be waiting on kindle 1 batteries to get back in stock, here's my update (a la daffy): Mine finally shipped today, and was ordered on 12/3. Yeah, not exactly speedy... but looks like they are finally getting out.

02-12-2009, 03:14 PM	#1
KlondikeGeoff Wombat Aficionado Posts: 481 Karma: 733 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Arizona Device: Fire, Kindle1, Sony PRS-500 Reader, Rocket 1100 eBook	My take on the backordered battery fiasco As my Kindle is more than a year old now, I decided to order an extra battery just in case, even though have had no problems with the original. It shocks me to realize if the battery dies, the K can't be used. I will have just an expensive door stop. More shocking is that Amazon totally ignores the large base of K1 owners and refuses to even give an explanation of the situation. For what it is worth, and expect it is worth nothing, here is the email I sent to them regarding this: "I realize there must be some reason for the backorders of this Kindle battery, but from what I can see on the forums, it has been an exceptionally long time that this has not been available. As one of the large group of loyal Kindle1 owners, all of whom love the device, it seems extraordinary that it is still impossible to estimate a date when they will be ready. Amazon should at least be forthcoming and explain exactly what the situation is. Where is the battery made, why in the world can not some other battery manufacturer make these, and so forth. If a battery fails, the valuable Kindle will not be usable, and yet we are left in the dark about any expected date. Some have suggested that this is an Amazon plot to make K1 owners buy the Kindle2. I choose to believe this is not true, but I and others would be more at ease about Amazon's motives if a reasonable explanation of the situation were made to current owners. Otherwise, many will lose faith with the Kindle group, and it will not be to the advantage of Amazon."

02-18-2009, 06:38 PM	#15
crionox Enthusiast Posts: 31 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nashville, TN Device: Kindle 3 wifi, iPhone, iPad	mine finally shipped To others who may be waiting on kindle 1 batteries to get back in stock, here's my update (a la daffy): Mine finally shipped today, and was ordered on 12/3. Yeah, not exactly speedy... but looks like they are finally getting out.

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02-12-2009, 03:24 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,986 Karma: 128903378 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	You can order a K1 battery at BatteryShip.com. The cost is $18.95 + shipping. They say they are backordered but will ship by February 28, 2009. My guess would be that the back order there is due to the back order on Amazon. http://www.batteryship.com/htmlos/ht...0&model=Kindle

02-12-2009, 03:39 PM	#3
Ervserver Wizard Posts: 2,624 Karma: 1008294 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Iowa, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch	Amazon's way of pressuring you into buying the Kindle II

02-12-2009, 03:47 PM	#4
bwaldron Wizard Posts: 1,229 Karma: 543210 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Device: Kindles: Paperwhite Signature Ed., Oasis 2, Voyage	There is also this one at Radio Shack -- it comes in and out of stock. I don't see any conspiracy here, just limited supply for an item that is a bit of a niche product.

02-12-2009, 04:04 PM	#6
AuPhinger Aficionado Posts: 36 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Elgin, Illinois; just west of Chicago Device: Rags to Riches - K1, K2, 500	And here's a site that does not mention a backorder, same price ($18.98 + S & H). Gene http://cgi.ebay.com/eBook-Reader-Bat...efaultDomain_0

02-12-2009, 05:40 PM	#12
Ervserver Wizard Posts: 2,624 Karma: 1008294 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Iowa, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch	You folks are making the Mrs nervous, she wants me to order a battery now. Thanks

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