Quote:
Originally Posted by rhadin
Sony, however, is not tied to the Sony Connect store and when determining availability, you should count alll the books available at all the stores that sell content readable on the Sony.
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I don't like making gross analogies, but from a marketing and customer perspective I think it is apt to compare the Kindle to the iPod.
Yes, there are lots of sources of content for the Sony Reader. But everyone already 'knows' Amazon, so the limitation of only being able to purchase content at Amazon.com is insignificant for the general consumer. It actually removes some of the headache about worrying about formats, DRM, etc. You get an Amazon Kindle, you go to Amazon.com (the world's most popular book store) to look for books. You don't have to go to some specific ebook store, you search for what you want and whatever formats are available will be listed for you- whether it's hardback, paperback, used, or Kindle eBook. Or you buy straight from your Kindle, that's a great option too.
I'm not saying the Kindle is the best reader, but they did a good job thinking through the overall user experience IMO. Regardless of who wins out in the long run, someone had to put together a product like the Kindle before ebooks were to ever break into the mainstream (which still remains to be seen.)