Last time out (release of Kindle 2), they actually shipped a day earlier than announced.
And now, while so many anticipated August would be the 'Summer' date, they're 'early' again.
The Pixel Qi may be the shove that did it. Now they can concentrate on heading that off at the pass. Did Bezos KNOW about it when he announced color Kindles would be a matter of 'multiple years' off ?
But, the Pixel Qi can't be put into devices, contracts gathered, and anything released until first part of 2010.
The interesting statement, for me, was that the new dual-mode screen (reflective and emissive) will be "well under $200."
The e-Ink one has been said to be $60 (and that was called expensive). But the difference is no more than about $100 and it's my prediction that people will value the dual-modes over wireless feature if a competitor comes out with it first. Amazon can still grab that technology for the next big model, continue with free wireless, continue to lead the field, but they'll have to get moving on it.
- Andrys
http://kindleworld.blogspot.com