Amazon Kindle 2.0 rumors - price increase

[rixte]

Reading the amazon blogs, I noticed this post by Stephen Windwalker about how he understands Amazon will handle the backordered kindles and replacing them with 2.0.

http://kindlehomepage.blogspot.com/2...e-for-2nd.html

The big kicker for me was that his confidential sources say "The company's plan, it says here, is to contact these back-ordered customers in the next few weeks to offer them the chance to upgrade their order to a Kindle 2.0, at relatively small additional cost (about 10% of the existing Kindle price)."

So we're looking like the price might go back up closer to the 400 dollar mark, since I can't imagine them making that offer but having new buyers pay less.

That's helpful in a way, personally - I definitely don't want to spend 400 myself!

[Nate the great]

He says that there is a tremendous backlog. The shipping estimate is now 3 to 5 weeks. It used to be 13 weeks. How is this tremendous?

[rixte]

No idea!

Although I was under the (possibly mistaken) impression that nobody had received a Kindle since - November or so? Something like that. If that's the case, than it's 3-4 months of backlog!

[wallcraft]

Stephen Windwalker seems to actually have a Kindle 2:

Naturally, the contents of the Kindle 2.0 book are embargoed until the device is released.

He also says:

One thing that Amazon knows is that one of the biggest sources for Kindle 2.0 orders will be previous Kindle 1.0 buyers. That's the main reason the company is presently in the middle of a firmware upgrade (1.2) to streamline synchronicity between multiple Kindles assigned to a single customer account.

Anyone have a clue what this means in practice?

An introductory price of $399 is very likely. If it is $400 or above a signature will be required for delivery, which tends to increase non-delivery returns.

[lilac_jive]

If there is a price jump, I think it would be safe to assume that they're adding something good. Wonder what it is.

[CTH]

tremendous migth mean in numbers not in time... increased production or 3 a large warehouse full of kindle 2 could lower the expected delivery time.

They cant have a price higher than 400 but 399 could very well be possibe, I mean, 300-something is the standard price for a e-reader these days. If they go in to the 400s people will feel it much more expensive than sony ect but if they stay on 399 people will think it is about the same price.

Hopefully we will know on monday

[rixte]

I admit, I'm very surprised that the #1 target market are people that already have a Kindle - I can't imagine the changes that would make me want to upgrade within the space of a year. I know the first adopters have had theirs for about 15 months or so, but that still seems really fast.

[Alisa]

Yep. I bought right when it first came out and I doubt they can tempt me into upgrading yet. It would have to have a way better screen or be a larger format for me to consider it. The currently available hardware just isn't that compelling. Personally, I'd be really surprised if their next 6" device is more expensive.

[Nate the great]

Originally Posted by rixte

No idea!

Although I was under the (possibly mistaken) impression that nobody had received a Kindle since - November or so? Something like that. If that's the case, than it's 3-4 months of backlog!

I've heard back from several different sellers on Ebay. They reported receiving the device throughout December and January.

[Phogg]

Originally Posted by rixte

I admit, I'm very surprised that the #1 target market are people that already have a Kindle - I can't imagine the changes that would make me want to upgrade within the space of a year. I know the first adopters have had theirs for about 15 months or so, but that still seems really fast.

Often, early adopters buy up and equip their family and friends.

Like I bought bigger capacity RIOs back in the day and gave the old ones to my wife and son - who while not heavy music listeners - still got use from them.

I got Kimmy a PRS-505 but I am waiting on the next generation to get E-ink for me, probably the Wizpac txtr reader.

[bwaldron]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

He also says: Anyone have a clue what this means in practice?

Apparently the newer firmware (I don't have it yet) has a "go to last read location" feature that will take you to that position in a book across any Kindle on an account.

[Nate the great]

Originally Posted by rixte

I admit, I'm very surprised that the #1 target market are people that already have a Kindle - I can't imagine the changes that would make me want to upgrade within the space of a year. I know the first adopters have had theirs for about 15 months or so, but that still seems really fast.

At first I agreed with you, but then I remembered that most of us here at MobileRead are not mainstream customers. We bought an ebook reader because we like to read, not becuase it's the latest gadget.

The people who bought it not becuase they need it but because they want for one reason or another, those are the people who will rush out and order the new Kindle.

[pilotbob]

Just note at the beginning of this post he states:

"But my expectations about the company's long-awaited roll-out of the Kindle 2.0 have been firming up with the company's recent moves, and it is time to share them with you."

This is all just speculation. He doesn't KNOW anything.

BOb

[Penforhire]

Heck, I'm hoping Amazon will lure me with a new siren's sound. And we've got two PRS-505's at home now!

[desertgrandma]

this from the Amazon discussions forum.......I have no clue if they are just playing her, or even if its legit......

"""In reply to an earlier post on Jan 28, 2009 1:44 PM PST
prisrob says:
I emailed amazon to ask if I would have a choice of Kindle 1 or Kindle 2 since my order will ship after Feb 19- this is their response- whoopppeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Greetings from Amazon.com.

Thank you for contacting us in regards to when a new version of the Kindle will be released.

We've made no announcement about the next generation Kindle, so I can't answer your question. However, If I were you I would not cancel my order, and I suspect you'll be happy.

As a reminder, the Kindle now has over 210,000 books, magazines, and blogs available for wireless delivery, with no computer required.

Thank you for shopping with Amazon.com."""