|
View Poll Results: Is the "econo-Kindle" a good idea? | |||
Yes. | 19 | 63.33% | |
No, see post for reasoning. | 11 | 36.67% | |
Voters: 30. You may not vote on this poll |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
09-30-2009, 12:02 PM | #1 |
Addict
Posts: 303
Karma: 1000702
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Chicago
Device: Nook ST, Kindle 2, Samsung Galaxy Stellar phone
|
Would there be demand for an "econo-Kindle?"
This would be the size of a K1, with a screen that only displays 4 shades of gray, and without any of the experimental features of the K2. Kind of a refined K1, and sold for $200. It would have wireless to buy from the Kindle Store. It would support PDF, so that ALL public domain books could be read.
I was just thinking that if this were available when I bought my K2, I would have bought it. Then, maybe a ruggedized version of the same thing for an extra $25. |
09-30-2009, 12:06 PM | #2 |
Bookaholic
Posts: 14,391
Karma: 54969924
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Minnesota
Device: iPad Mini 4, AuraHD, iPhone XR +
|
I wouldn't mind a pocket Kindle (5").
|
Advert | |
|
09-30-2009, 12:09 PM | #3 |
Cocoa & Toast...mmmmmm...
Posts: 275
Karma: 1000
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Ohio
Device: Sony PRS-700, iPhone
|
I'd like to have a Kindle, but as a 'cheap charlie', I just can't justify the $ for one.
|
09-30-2009, 12:23 PM | #4 |
Addict
Posts: 303
Karma: 1000702
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Chicago
Device: Nook ST, Kindle 2, Samsung Galaxy Stellar phone
|
|
09-30-2009, 12:42 PM | #5 |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 8,478
Karma: 5171130
Join Date: Jan 2006
Device: none
|
Yes, if it was truly pocket-sized and about $100USD. More than that, and it couldn't even compete with a PDA or cellphone.
|
Advert | |
|
09-30-2009, 03:00 PM | #6 |
I eat books
Posts: 601
Karma: 5124
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Milan, Italy
Device: Gen3 PRS-505 PRS-600 PB360 PB302 K2 Opus BebookMini OnyxBoox K3 KDXG
|
|
10-01-2009, 09:56 AM | #7 |
Grand Arbiter
Posts: 447
Karma: 1574837
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Arizona
Device: iPod Touch, Amazon Kindle, Motorola Droid
|
I can't really see it taking off. Sony is still fighting an uphill battle against Amazon in spite of having cheaper readers. I know that none of Sony's readers have wireless yet but I think a wireless reader for $200 is unrealistic. The readers need to incorporate the cost of the wireless service, which is provided with no monthly fee. I think, generally speaking, Americans who would be interested in paying that much money for a Kindle to begin with, would probably go with all the bells-and-whistles for $100 more.
|
10-01-2009, 10:49 AM | #8 |
Resident Curmudgeon
Posts: 73,645
Karma: 127837858
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts
Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3
|
The reason an eco-Kindle is no good is that it's still from Amazon and we know it won't support ePub. So we won't have eBooks that will be interoperable with most readers.
|
10-03-2009, 07:55 AM | #9 |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 44,711
Karma: 55613375
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Peru
Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One
|
I see the "econo-Kindle" as a good idea.
More and more players are releasing Readers (or what I call an "ebookieuse" [an "ebook I use"]) with a 5" display. Ebookieuses are, indeed, coming down in price - perhaps not your price and with the speed you want - but nevertheless a little bit cheaper in the marketplace. The marketplace for ebookieuses and the reading material that goes on them is increasing. Find the right form factor (5"), offer a variety of sizes (think "televisions"); then, offer variety (think cell phones), and the market will continue to grow and diversify and become more competitive - as is already happening, in my opinion. A virtual keyboard on a 5" econo-Kindle may be the next choice of three choices from Amazon. Don Last edited by Dr. Drib; 10-03-2009 at 08:03 AM. |
10-03-2009, 12:32 PM | #10 |
Literacy = Understanding
Posts: 4,833
Karma: 59674358
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The World of Books
Device: Nook, Nook Tablet
|
No. I can't imagine letting Amazon not only have it's "hand" in my Kindle but also in my pocket. From the Kindle Amazon would only pull books; who knows what it would try to pull from my pocket!
|
10-03-2009, 01:35 PM | #11 |
Wizard
Posts: 2,251
Karma: 3720310
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: USA
Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)
|
I'm sure that if Amazon thought there was sufficient demand for it, that they'd be selling one. What you described is a K1, plus PDF support, anyway. Ruggedized versions usually cost way more than a $25 premium. In this case, ruggedizing the e-ink screen would be very difficult at this stage of the technology.
|
10-03-2009, 07:24 PM | #12 |
Wizard
Posts: 1,305
Karma: 1958
Join Date: Jan 2009
Device: iPod Touch
|
I already have a pocket kindle, it's called an iPhone. But a cheaper version of Kindle would be a great one for kids especially. Sometimes you don't want to give super expensive readers to children. The lower cost would mitigate risk a bit!
I just bought a bunch of refurbished K1s for family, in a way that's like the cheaper kindle, as long as they keep a supply of those coming! |
10-03-2009, 08:34 PM | #13 |
Guru
Posts: 688
Karma: 2090
Join Date: Dec 2007
Device: Sony PRS-505, PRS-900 & PRS-950, Amazon Kindle2
|
|
10-03-2009, 10:35 PM | #14 |
Bookaholic
Posts: 14,391
Karma: 54969924
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Minnesota
Device: iPad Mini 4, AuraHD, iPhone XR +
|
No, something the size of the Opus or PocketPro. A soft keyboard would be fine if it's necessary at all. Or make it a bit thicker and give it a slide out keyboard if it's really needed.
|
10-04-2009, 01:06 AM | #15 |
Addict
Posts: 224
Karma: 25122
Join Date: Mar 2009
Device: Kindle 1/2/3/4/Touch/DX/Fire|PRS-600/350|Nook(color)|iPad|iPad2|EVO 4G
|
It looks that refurbished K1 fills this niche at the moment.
It's possible that Amazon is working on something like this and will release it shortly. Or maybe they are not. Introducing a new model is an expensive feat - you have to develop it, set up manufacturing etc. If returns are not going to be that large - it may not be worth it. eReader prices are coming down anyway. So soon "regular" Kindles may get "econo" price tag. |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
"Settings," then "311" - Int'l Kindle searches for wireless providers in the area | Dr. Drib | Amazon Kindle | 2 | 08-28-2011 10:27 AM |
Firmware Update No "Update your Kindle" option in "Settings" | shimoncellos | Amazon Kindle | 4 | 05-26-2010 05:37 PM |
So überholt das "Kindle" Sonys "E-Reader" | Marc_liest | Amazon Kindle | 6 | 10-23-2009 02:08 AM |
Amazon Kindle "this spring" for "above $400" | Alexander Turcic | Amazon Kindle | 24 | 04-20-2007 04:19 AM |
Longhorn DRM Will Demand "Approved" Display Devices | Bob Russell | News | 7 | 07-15-2005 08:35 PM |