Quote:
Originally Posted by lubberts
HUH?
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You list the reasons why there are so many people eager to buy Kindle. Go ahead and buy one. It looks like Amazon business model is tailor-made for you. I am really very glad we have another convert. You see, there are relatively very few people that read ebooks so most publishers do not care about us.
The thing is, people get burned by DRM now and again. Usually it is in situation when they lose access to their material much sooner that they think is fair or reasonable. So people are cautious when the re-use of the digital media they paid for (please notice I have avoided words bought or purchased) is solely in the hands of the third party. You never know what the corporation decides a year, or ten years from now. Of course, you can use your files again and again, without the need to contact Amazon, on that particular kindle device of yours, as long as back them up on the computer. But tell me, how long do you think your Kindle device will last when you use it every day, when you travel and comute with it? Five years? or perhaps even seven? In seven years there will be much, much better, larger and crisper displays.
What if you want to re-read your favourite book on a sparkling new Samsung ebook reader with color display with the size of A4 and resolution 300dpi five years from now? Tough luck.
Amazon HAS a record of discontinuing of support for DRMed books (I think it was some adobe format)
People are also very cautious when the third party has UNLIMITED access to their device, files, shopping habits ... . Just remember how people reacted to Windows Genuine Advantage when it was introduced. Just remember how people reacted to the SONY rootkit fiasco.
Mind you, Amazon has
total control over your device.
The ultimately total control. They can install anything they want. They can have a look at any file. If they wanted they could find out how often you read, or even where you read a book (it is possible to track your position using cellular network). It is impossible to have the EVDO connection switched off permanently. You have to switch it on at least from time to time, because the direct delivery of purchased books and newspapers to your kindle is the only way you can purchase media.
Amazon HAS a record of selling their customers data to third parties. There was a scandal quite a few years ago if I remember correctly.
Another thought. What would happen in a few years when EVDO connection is replaced by a next generation cellular network?
There are also people that would like to have a confirmation, or a password protection when buying books so they do not purchase book accidentally. That is impossible at the moment. You leave your Kindle unattended and a coworker makes a great practical joke of purchasing a few dozens of books in your name. Or somebody just browses and casually plays with your kindle without realizing that they are spending your money and actually buying books. Or a cat steps on your "buy now" button.
Yet another random thought. What happens when your kindle gets stolen?