I'm guessing the Kindle has one more generation left before an ultraportable netbook/PDA with the same screen size (not a mobile phone) takes over this functionality as its own. There may still be a market for a separate ebook reader, but it will get marginalized as future technology takes over.
So the real issue to those who want to buy this is the long-term viability of Amazon's ebook DRM. I don't think Amazon is going anywhere, but what will their software department look like in 5-10 years?
agreed, i think amazon has greatly improved the design from kindle 1, thumbs up. but the market in general still doesn't make sense to me, especially at that price. when netbooks are booming and are priced lower then this thing, i think problem. Amazon should look for ways to lower that price. and why are ebooks, publications more expensive the real thing?
For now the battery life and e-ink screen gives the kindle the win, but when we see dual screen mode netbooks with competive battery life, then whats the use for the kindle- and with rumors of amazon making their ebooks available to others.... I'm all for the one portable device to rule them all...
I'm surprised and a little disappointed it doesn't support color now.
Many textbooks have color illustrations and therfore the Kindle would not be usable for such textbooks.
When the kindle has a color display I suspect it will proliferate rapidly in the textbook market. Especially for college and post grad students.
Actually, you do understand that the Kindle and others like the Sony eReader do not use a typical LCD display, correct? What makes these devices easy on the eyes is the use of e-Ink technology that relies on passive/reflective light vs. laptop screens which must emit the light. That is, eReaders rely on you sitting somewhere that light shines on the surface and the light bounces off that surface into your eyes, compared to having a light shined into your eyes. So eReaders, unlike laptops, can easily be used in broad daylight. It's the closest you're likely to get to reading paper.
There's a decent explanation of this technology here:
At this point, e-Ink does not allow for color. Sure, it would be awesome if it existed, but as that technology does not yet exist, the only way for an eReader to offer color would be to fall back to the same screen technology as laptops, and that simply doesn't compare for reading purposes.
If you've never physically seen an eReader, you can find them at places like Target, etc. Well worth a look to understand how their screens differ from other devices like laptops, iPhones, etc.
At this point, e-Ink does not allow for color. Sure, it would be awesome if it existed, but as that technology does not yet exist, the only way for an eReader to offer color would be to fall back to the same screen technology as laptops, and that simply doesn't compare for reading purposes.
Great summary. I have the Kindle now and enjoy it, but still see some weak spots. I've already ordered the Kindle 2. Kindle 1 is nice, but I live off of my macbook air and dabble occasionally with the Kindle.
Color e-ink is under development but could be 2-3 years away. Faster refresh is also important as this limits its usefulness for taking notes (there is a lag between typing and response of the key on the screen).
Once they get a good refresh rate, it also makes touch screen easier, which in turn shrinks the size as you can kill the keyboard or gives you space for a bigger screen (my preference).
Amazon/Kindle is reportedly looking at a textbook version later this year with a bigger screen. That WILL revolutionize the textbook business as you can carry all your textbooks on this easily. It really does hold hundreds of books - and the option to download an entire book in 30 seconds really helps when you are stuck in an airport.
I find the screen is still too small (too little text at larger font settings). I use a 13inch MBA. If you don't mind using an Asus, then the current one is good for you.
Unlimited free internet via Sprint is great via its simple browser and before I went iphone, this saved me a lot of money (only works in U.S. though).
E-ink in general is great as it uses almost no power and so these things last forever.
Also, you can email .pdf articles to read at leisure, which is also handy if you ordinarily have to travel with a lot of work documents. (I also downloaded a lot of old free books - Sherlock Holmes, history stuff - from the free ebook sights out there.)
Curious to see what kind of note taking features you have on the new one to see if it will work for meetings...
Only downside to me is the inability to share the book with someone else when you are done or copy a page or two you wanted to share.
A long time ago, an article (in another printed publication) provided a more realistic perspective or explanation as to why the goal of a "paperless society" remains a dream rather than reality, in spite of all the advances and variations of electronic and recorded literature and images.
Incompatibility and Obsolescence
If you have been a user of technology for several years (or even just the past few years), you will realize how fast technologies evolve. In terms of disk storage in computers alone, floppy disked 7"(?) were replaced by the more portable 3.5"(?), later on to higher density disks, like those of Iomega, or alternative technologies, like write only or read-read CDs, to portable (even pocket size) external disk drives (now up to TB storage).
Each of these devices come with their own "reader" devices. and softwares, as well as connectors and sometimes requisite Operating Systems compatibility as you upgrade your computer or your latest OS. Even within the same company for example, the next more advanced product could be rendered incompatible and thereby obsolete either by any of the aforementioned peripherals, softwares, OS required to decipher the stored material.
The physical (and biochemical) composition and structure of the storage devices also contribute to a defined lifetime.
Moreover, the accelerated pace of advancement in technology does not always lend itself to standardization creating a tower of Babel of competing technologies.
At best therefore, devices like the Kindle, or iPhone, or iPods, as well as other related storage devices for electronic litersture and images must be appreciated mainly for their portability and the ability to store vast amount of literature and images, in a very compact device convenient enough to place in your pocket or bag.
Whether they will serve us a few years from now is another story.
agreed, i think amazon has greatly improved the design from kindle 1, thumbs up. but the market in general still doesn't make sense to me, especially at that price. when netbooks are booming and are priced lower then this thing, i think problem. Amazon should look for ways to lower that price. and why are ebooks, publications more expensive the real thing?
For now the battery life and e-ink screen gives the kindle the win, but when we see dual screen mode netbooks with competive battery life, then whats the use for the kindle- and with rumors of amazon making their ebooks available to others.... I'm all for the one portable device to rule them all...
"when we see dual screen mode netbooks with competive battery life, then whats the use for the kindle"
Those netbooks don't exist right now. What is the point of criticizing a product that CURRENTLY has no competition? What may come in the future is irrelevant now. That's like people who keep putting off upgrading their Mac because there are constantly rumors about something new. At some point, you just have to make your move. This is a niche market that clearly has momentum, otherwise Amazon wouldn't have bothered with a Kindle 2. It's an iPod for books. People WIDELY poo-pooed the iPod when it came out - and it was coming into an already established market. This is a good product for people who want an ebook reader NOW, not sometime in the future. Of course, there will be better products down the road, but right now, this is the best product. If it doesn't provide a compelling feature for you to buy, that's fine. It doesn't make it a bad or lacking product for others.
Agreed. Sometimes, you just need to stop and live in the present instead of making something obsolete by a another product that doesn't even exist yet.
Expanding on my earlier post, I think the future of ebooks will lie in the content licensing, not the dedicated hardware. I suspect that Amazon sells these things at a loss (given the R&D costs) and makes it up in ebook sales. So at some point, having proven the concept, they may solicit other platform manufacturers to adopt the idea so they can get out of the hardware business. (It's a bit similar to Netflix licensing their streaming content to Roku and others.)
The logical platform will be any and all tablet makers, as well as efficient 'netbook'-grade vendors. Of course there would be no reason you couldn't also access the same content on a full-fledged notebook or desktop computer, assuming the DRM is flexible enough to support multiple machines per account.
For some people the Kindle makes sense now, and there is no reason to wait. Personally, I don't have a significant enough need for one, and I'm just too leery of having my personal library be at the mercy of Amazon's DRM policy.
I like this feature of kindle. I wonder if there is alteady a similar Apple Apps developed for the iPhone or iPod Touch? Such an application would address the "small screen" of the aforementioned devices, as well as extend their use to other segments of the population such as the blind as well as those with sight impairment (for example, as a result of aging).
It is true that the "electronic voice" currently available is rudimentary but there are ongoing improvements here also. Perhaps the day will come when there will be "electronic voice" good enough to speak proper American or UK English, or even its variations from all over the world.
An Apple Response to Kindle
A single purpose electronic device however is too overpriced, at $359 or even as low as $200 considering that multipurpose devices like iPod Touch are already available.
My fondest hope is that Apple would develop a variation of the device that would be more like a Jumbo iPod touch around (5-6") x (6-8") -- that would include as one of its features, as an electronic reader..
At the same time, there is no reason why it cannot serve also as a music player and all the features of the iPod Touch, and more as developed by third party developers through the Apple Apps, e.g., artist electronic template. In fact, with the advances in internet telephony, there is no reason why it cannot serve as a telephone device too, perhaps with a remote ear and mouth piece -- to distinguish this a more practical use of this device, as a telephone communication system in contrast to that of the iPhone, or what is possible with that of the iPod Touch. This is not meant for this device though to be a replacement of the iPhone; instead it may have applications beyond the phone as we use it today.
Having stated the aforementioned possible features, such a device must not be meant as a substitute for the iPhone or the iPod Touch but rather address functions that cannot be done as effectively or conveniently by the latter devices.
Some possible applications for example would be as an "all-in-one electronic assistant" for delivery and inventory personnel; for medical personnel or information rich services -- so that the device could record or retrieve information, or have at hand portable "references" in case internet connection is not possible.
Also, it can be the all in one device for the techno-student of the future. No more buying of costly printed books, but instead rented *at a fraction of a price", that can be electronically updated or hyperlinked to other internet resources -- something that cannot be done with current reference books. In fact, with the competition created by the Apple Apps, it may be even possible to make avaiable to students (or other professions), choices of lower-cost and competing reference books from competing sources or even the use of "non-copyrighted" or open-source or freely available materials (e.g., from Apple University or other open sources).
Unlike the iPhone and iPod Touch, my preference also would be a full OS for these portable electronic devices -- enough to serve as subcompact computers. This will allow more flexible future expansion as to its future applications -- e.g., more sophisticated gaming devices, virtual stand alone reference libraries, artist electronic template, etc.
Unlike the predictions by many prognosticators, it is best when Apple launches such a device when there is more improvement in the economy, e.g., 2010 or later. Moreover, by then, not only would the compactness and memory sizes of storage devices improve, there will be more efficient battery technologies, or even perhaps solar powered computing devices. There are expected to be improvements also in computing technology (including those developed in-house by Apple through PA Semi) and operating systems, including a more stable Snow Leopard and perhaps its equivalent for portable devices.
The Kindle looks like such a great device and if I read a lot of books I would get one. Here is hoping that Apple makes their own version, which would basically be a larger ipod touch.
Actually, you do understand that the Kindle and others like the Sony eReader do not use a typical LCD display, correct? What makes these devices easy on the eyes is the use of e-Ink technology that relies on passive/reflective light vs. laptop screens which must emit the light. That is, eReaders rely on you sitting somewhere that light shines on the surface and the light bounces off that surface into your eyes, compared to having a light shined into your eyes. So eReaders, unlike laptops, can easily be used in broad daylight. It's the closest you're likely to get to reading paper.
There's a decent explanation of this technology here:
At this point, e-Ink does not allow for color. Sure, it would be awesome if it existed, but as that technology does not yet exist, the only way for an eReader to offer color would be to fall back to the same screen technology as laptops, and that simply doesn't compare for reading purposes.
If you've never physically seen an eReader, you can find them at places like Target, etc. Well worth a look to understand how their screens differ from other devices like laptops, iPhones, etc.
I don't know the e ink technology as well as you do. Nice linkage.
Still until the Kindle can display color illustrations it'll be locked out of the textbook market. And that's where it makes the most sense IMO.
The Kindle looks like such a great device and if I read a lot of books I would get one. Here is hoping that Apple makes their own version, which would basically be a larger ipod touch.
The key distinguishing feature of the kindle is e-ink. Despite the fact that most of us spend hours in front of a computer screen, the problem of eyestrain and readability is a real one. With a Kindle, you can truly read for hours and hours.
So I'd love an Apple book reader, but e-ink is a totally different world with lots of different issues.
Amazon also said that Kindle 2 covers will be sold by Patagonia, Cole Haan and Belkin.
So we have two shoe makers getting into making covers for electronic devices?
Looking at the video, the new version still has some of that flash to black effect for changing pages that people complained about on the first one. The new text to speech has that Hawkings effect. It's better sounding than Steven Hawkings, but it's still not very natural sounding.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dlux
I think Amazon is doing a credible job of developing this into a workable device. (Earlier attempts by others have obviously failed, by virtue of never seeing them reach critical marketshare.) But this strikes me as similar to a stand-alone calculator, electronic dictionary, chess-player, and even a GPS device. In their day, they solve a new class of problems and utilize the best technology available. But eventually, a single general-purpose device of a similar form-factor will displace the single-purpose devices.
In all fairness, Kindle isn't completely a single function device. It can be used as a web browser, can be used to play audio books from Audible, plays MP3s, and displays several document and image formats too. It's not necessarily as flexible as a notebook computer, but notebook computers generally have very poor battery life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by caliminius
The price also pays for a wireless connection, so it's just not hardware that is driving that price. I doubt Sprint is providing the network connection for free.
No, not for free, but then, it seems that some cut of the paid book downloads would have to figure into that.
Comments
Does it come in black?
Any color you like http://www.humbrol.com/paints/all-paints/
Does it display pages in color for magazines- like Zinnio reader?
No but the Zinio Reader is for computer only, they don't offer any handheld device.
There is no comparison between the two at all.
No but the Zinio Reader is for computer only, they don't offer any handheld device.
There is no comparison between the two at all.
They both display text- no?
Would you think a color display would be a feature for a Kindle 3?
Would you think a color display would be a feature for a Kindle 3?
I'm surprised and a little disappointed it doesn't support color now.
Many textbooks have color illustrations and therfore the Kindle would not be usable for such textbooks.
When the kindle has a color display I suspect it will proliferate rapidly in the textbook market. Especially for college and post grad students.
I'm guessing the Kindle has one more generation left before an ultraportable netbook/PDA with the same screen size (not a mobile phone) takes over this functionality as its own. There may still be a market for a separate ebook reader, but it will get marginalized as future technology takes over.
So the real issue to those who want to buy this is the long-term viability of Amazon's ebook DRM. I don't think Amazon is going anywhere, but what will their software department look like in 5-10 years?
agreed, i think amazon has greatly improved the design from kindle 1, thumbs up. but the market in general still doesn't make sense to me, especially at that price. when netbooks are booming and are priced lower then this thing, i think problem. Amazon should look for ways to lower that price. and why are ebooks, publications more expensive the real thing?
For now the battery life and e-ink screen gives the kindle the win, but when we see dual screen mode netbooks with competive battery life, then whats the use for the kindle- and with rumors of amazon making their ebooks available to others.... I'm all for the one portable device to rule them all...
I'm surprised and a little disappointed it doesn't support color now.
Many textbooks have color illustrations and therfore the Kindle would not be usable for such textbooks.
When the kindle has a color display I suspect it will proliferate rapidly in the textbook market. Especially for college and post grad students.
Actually, you do understand that the Kindle and others like the Sony eReader do not use a typical LCD display, correct? What makes these devices easy on the eyes is the use of e-Ink technology that relies on passive/reflective light vs. laptop screens which must emit the light. That is, eReaders rely on you sitting somewhere that light shines on the surface and the light bounces off that surface into your eyes, compared to having a light shined into your eyes. So eReaders, unlike laptops, can easily be used in broad daylight. It's the closest you're likely to get to reading paper.
There's a decent explanation of this technology here:
http://www.eink.com/technology/howitworks.html
At this point, e-Ink does not allow for color. Sure, it would be awesome if it existed, but as that technology does not yet exist, the only way for an eReader to offer color would be to fall back to the same screen technology as laptops, and that simply doesn't compare for reading purposes.
If you've never physically seen an eReader, you can find them at places like Target, etc. Well worth a look to understand how their screens differ from other devices like laptops, iPhones, etc.
Does it come in black?
Yes. Just for $100 more like the old macbooks.
At this point, e-Ink does not allow for color. Sure, it would be awesome if it existed, but as that technology does not yet exist, the only way for an eReader to offer color would be to fall back to the same screen technology as laptops, and that simply doesn't compare for reading purposes.
Great summary. I have the Kindle now and enjoy it, but still see some weak spots. I've already ordered the Kindle 2. Kindle 1 is nice, but I live off of my macbook air and dabble occasionally with the Kindle.
Color e-ink is under development but could be 2-3 years away. Faster refresh is also important as this limits its usefulness for taking notes (there is a lag between typing and response of the key on the screen).
Once they get a good refresh rate, it also makes touch screen easier, which in turn shrinks the size as you can kill the keyboard or gives you space for a bigger screen (my preference).
Amazon/Kindle is reportedly looking at a textbook version later this year with a bigger screen. That WILL revolutionize the textbook business as you can carry all your textbooks on this easily. It really does hold hundreds of books - and the option to download an entire book in 30 seconds really helps when you are stuck in an airport.
I find the screen is still too small (too little text at larger font settings). I use a 13inch MBA. If you don't mind using an Asus, then the current one is good for you.
Unlimited free internet via Sprint is great via its simple browser and before I went iphone, this saved me a lot of money (only works in U.S. though).
E-ink in general is great as it uses almost no power and so these things last forever.
Also, you can email .pdf articles to read at leisure, which is also handy if you ordinarily have to travel with a lot of work documents. (I also downloaded a lot of old free books - Sherlock Holmes, history stuff - from the free ebook sights out there.)
Curious to see what kind of note taking features you have on the new one to see if it will work for meetings...
Only downside to me is the inability to share the book with someone else when you are done or copy a page or two you wanted to share.
Brittle is the first thought that comes to mind. The larger the top view the faster it reaches a limitation of stress/strain and failure.
Incompatibility and Obsolescence
If you have been a user of technology for several years (or even just the past few years), you will realize how fast technologies evolve. In terms of disk storage in computers alone, floppy disked 7"(?) were replaced by the more portable 3.5"(?), later on to higher density disks, like those of Iomega, or alternative technologies, like write only or read-read CDs, to portable (even pocket size) external disk drives (now up to TB storage).
Each of these devices come with their own "reader" devices. and softwares, as well as connectors and sometimes requisite Operating Systems compatibility as you upgrade your computer or your latest OS. Even within the same company for example, the next more advanced product could be rendered incompatible and thereby obsolete either by any of the aforementioned peripherals, softwares, OS required to decipher the stored material.
The physical (and biochemical) composition and structure of the storage devices also contribute to a defined lifetime.
Moreover, the accelerated pace of advancement in technology does not always lend itself to standardization creating a tower of Babel of competing technologies.
At best therefore, devices like the Kindle, or iPhone, or iPods, as well as other related storage devices for electronic litersture and images must be appreciated mainly for their portability and the ability to store vast amount of literature and images, in a very compact device convenient enough to place in your pocket or bag.
Whether they will serve us a few years from now is another story.
agreed, i think amazon has greatly improved the design from kindle 1, thumbs up. but the market in general still doesn't make sense to me, especially at that price. when netbooks are booming and are priced lower then this thing, i think problem. Amazon should look for ways to lower that price. and why are ebooks, publications more expensive the real thing?
For now the battery life and e-ink screen gives the kindle the win, but when we see dual screen mode netbooks with competive battery life, then whats the use for the kindle- and with rumors of amazon making their ebooks available to others.... I'm all for the one portable device to rule them all...
"when we see dual screen mode netbooks with competive battery life, then whats the use for the kindle"
Those netbooks don't exist right now. What is the point of criticizing a product that CURRENTLY has no competition? What may come in the future is irrelevant now. That's like people who keep putting off upgrading their Mac because there are constantly rumors about something new. At some point, you just have to make your move. This is a niche market that clearly has momentum, otherwise Amazon wouldn't have bothered with a Kindle 2. It's an iPod for books. People WIDELY poo-pooed the iPod when it came out - and it was coming into an already established market. This is a good product for people who want an ebook reader NOW, not sometime in the future. Of course, there will be better products down the road, but right now, this is the best product. If it doesn't provide a compelling feature for you to buy, that's fine. It doesn't make it a bad or lacking product for others.
The logical platform will be any and all tablet makers, as well as efficient 'netbook'-grade vendors. Of course there would be no reason you couldn't also access the same content on a full-fledged notebook or desktop computer, assuming the DRM is flexible enough to support multiple machines per account.
For some people the Kindle makes sense now, and there is no reason to wait. Personally, I don't have a significant enough need for one, and I'm just too leery of having my personal library be at the mercy of Amazon's DRM policy.
I like this feature of kindle. I wonder if there is alteady a similar Apple Apps developed for the iPhone or iPod Touch? Such an application would address the "small screen" of the aforementioned devices, as well as extend their use to other segments of the population such as the blind as well as those with sight impairment (for example, as a result of aging).
It is true that the "electronic voice" currently available is rudimentary but there are ongoing improvements here also. Perhaps the day will come when there will be "electronic voice" good enough to speak proper American or UK English, or even its variations from all over the world.
An Apple Response to Kindle
A single purpose electronic device however is too overpriced, at $359 or even as low as $200 considering that multipurpose devices like iPod Touch are already available.
My fondest hope is that Apple would develop a variation of the device that would be more like a Jumbo iPod touch around (5-6") x (6-8") -- that would include as one of its features, as an electronic reader..
At the same time, there is no reason why it cannot serve also as a music player and all the features of the iPod Touch, and more as developed by third party developers through the Apple Apps, e.g., artist electronic template. In fact, with the advances in internet telephony, there is no reason why it cannot serve as a telephone device too, perhaps with a remote ear and mouth piece -- to distinguish this a more practical use of this device, as a telephone communication system in contrast to that of the iPhone, or what is possible with that of the iPod Touch. This is not meant for this device though to be a replacement of the iPhone; instead it may have applications beyond the phone as we use it today.
Having stated the aforementioned possible features, such a device must not be meant as a substitute for the iPhone or the iPod Touch but rather address functions that cannot be done as effectively or conveniently by the latter devices.
Some possible applications for example would be as an "all-in-one electronic assistant" for delivery and inventory personnel; for medical personnel or information rich services -- so that the device could record or retrieve information, or have at hand portable "references" in case internet connection is not possible.
Also, it can be the all in one device for the techno-student of the future. No more buying of costly printed books, but instead rented *at a fraction of a price", that can be electronically updated or hyperlinked to other internet resources -- something that cannot be done with current reference books. In fact, with the competition created by the Apple Apps, it may be even possible to make avaiable to students (or other professions), choices of lower-cost and competing reference books from competing sources or even the use of "non-copyrighted" or open-source or freely available materials (e.g., from Apple University or other open sources).
Unlike the iPhone and iPod Touch, my preference also would be a full OS for these portable electronic devices -- enough to serve as subcompact computers. This will allow more flexible future expansion as to its future applications -- e.g., more sophisticated gaming devices, virtual stand alone reference libraries, artist electronic template, etc.
Unlike the predictions by many prognosticators, it is best when Apple launches such a device when there is more improvement in the economy, e.g., 2010 or later. Moreover, by then, not only would the compactness and memory sizes of storage devices improve, there will be more efficient battery technologies, or even perhaps solar powered computing devices. There are expected to be improvements also in computing technology (including those developed in-house by Apple through PA Semi) and operating systems, including a more stable Snow Leopard and perhaps its equivalent for portable devices.
Actually, you do understand that the Kindle and others like the Sony eReader do not use a typical LCD display, correct? What makes these devices easy on the eyes is the use of e-Ink technology that relies on passive/reflective light vs. laptop screens which must emit the light. That is, eReaders rely on you sitting somewhere that light shines on the surface and the light bounces off that surface into your eyes, compared to having a light shined into your eyes. So eReaders, unlike laptops, can easily be used in broad daylight. It's the closest you're likely to get to reading paper.
There's a decent explanation of this technology here:
http://www.eink.com/technology/howitworks.html
At this point, e-Ink does not allow for color. Sure, it would be awesome if it existed, but as that technology does not yet exist, the only way for an eReader to offer color would be to fall back to the same screen technology as laptops, and that simply doesn't compare for reading purposes.
If you've never physically seen an eReader, you can find them at places like Target, etc. Well worth a look to understand how their screens differ from other devices like laptops, iPhones, etc.
I don't know the e ink technology as well as you do. Nice linkage.
Still until the Kindle can display color illustrations it'll be locked out of the textbook market. And that's where it makes the most sense IMO.
The Kindle looks like such a great device and if I read a lot of books I would get one. Here is hoping that Apple makes their own version, which would basically be a larger ipod touch.
The key distinguishing feature of the kindle is e-ink. Despite the fact that most of us spend hours in front of a computer screen, the problem of eyestrain and readability is a real one. With a Kindle, you can truly read for hours and hours.
So I'd love an Apple book reader, but e-ink is a totally different world with lots of different issues.
Amazon also said that Kindle 2 covers will be sold by Patagonia, Cole Haan and Belkin.
So we have two shoe makers getting into making covers for electronic devices?
Looking at the video, the new version still has some of that flash to black effect for changing pages that people complained about on the first one. The new text to speech has that Hawkings effect. It's better sounding than Steven Hawkings, but it's still not very natural sounding.
I think Amazon is doing a credible job of developing this into a workable device. (Earlier attempts by others have obviously failed, by virtue of never seeing them reach critical marketshare.) But this strikes me as similar to a stand-alone calculator, electronic dictionary, chess-player, and even a GPS device. In their day, they solve a new class of problems and utilize the best technology available. But eventually, a single general-purpose device of a similar form-factor will displace the single-purpose devices.
In all fairness, Kindle isn't completely a single function device. It can be used as a web browser, can be used to play audio books from Audible, plays MP3s, and displays several document and image formats too. It's not necessarily as flexible as a notebook computer, but notebook computers generally have very poor battery life.
The price also pays for a wireless connection, so it's just not hardware that is driving that price. I doubt Sprint is providing the network connection for free.
No, not for free, but then, it seems that some cut of the paid book downloads would have to figure into that.