[Totenkopf]

Hi,

I use an iPhone, with Kindle Reader, to read my ebooks: I’ve heard that’s not a particularly popular method of reading ebooks, but it works fine for me (in part because I got sick and tired of carrying around numerous gadgets: I decided to consolidate, and I have been very happy with the iPhone as my consolidation solution). I’ve spent a few hundred dollars on Amazon ebooks, and have really enjoyed their portability. However, after the glut of new ereaders showcased at CES, I am second-guessing my commitment to Amazon. Don’t get me wrong, I am completely happy with Amazon as an on-line vendor, and I buy lots of different kinds of things from them, from shoes to blu-ray discs. However, I am concerned that Amazon won’t survive the competition and that, one day, I won’t be able to read the books that I buy from Amazon (VHS vs Beta, Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD, etc). I am not concerned about hardware: I have no intention of purchasing a Kindle or any other device that would mean more gadgets to lug around. I am concerned about format convergence, which I presume is inevitable, and the likelihood that some current ebook formats won’t make the cut, perhaps even a currently popular format like Amazons.

What are the odds that Amazon’s current format will be supported when the format wars are over? Are all formats basically in the same boat? (I mean formats that will allow me to purchase popular non-fiction books).

Thanks