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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

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Old 09-30-2009, 12:02 PM   #1
JeremyZ
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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.
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Old 09-30-2009, 12:06 PM   #2
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I wouldn't mind a pocket Kindle (5").
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Old 09-30-2009, 12:09 PM   #3
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I'd like to have a Kindle, but as a 'cheap charlie', I just can't justify the $ for one.
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Old 09-30-2009, 12:23 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnemicOak View Post
I wouldn't mind a pocket Kindle (5").
Yeah, a reduced screen size would also be a way to reduce cost. Since we can change the font size, it wouldn't be a huge deal.
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Old 09-30-2009, 12:42 PM   #5
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Yes, if it was truly pocket-sized and about $100USD. More than that, and it couldn't even compete with a PDA or cellphone.
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Old 09-30-2009, 03:00 PM   #6
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Yes, if it was truly pocket-sized and about $100USD. More than that, and it couldn't even compete with a PDA or cellphone.
I'm with you
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Old 10-01-2009, 09:56 AM   #7
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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.
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Old 10-01-2009, 10:49 AM   #8
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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.
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Old 10-03-2009, 07:55 AM   #9
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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.
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Old 10-03-2009, 12:32 PM   #10
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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!
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Old 10-03-2009, 01:35 PM   #11
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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.
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Old 10-03-2009, 07:24 PM   #12
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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!
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Old 10-03-2009, 08:34 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnemicOak View Post
I wouldn't mind a pocket Kindle (5").
With the keyboard, I don't think that's possible. My PRS-505 is about 2 inch shorter then my K2 for the same screen size.
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Old 10-03-2009, 10:35 PM   #14
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With the keyboard, I don't think that's possible. My PRS-505 is about 2 inch shorter then my K2 for the same screen size.
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.
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Old 10-04-2009, 01:06 AM   #15
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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.
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