Kindle 2: Is the e-book finally here?

10 Reasons why Kindle 2 might represent the arrival of the e-book:

1) 250,000 books available.
2) Commitment by Amazon to bring its entire library to the Kindle.
3) Cellular data connectivity allowing for a stand alone device not requiring a computer.
4) Cost of wireless connectivity built into the cost of the device to cover downloading non-periodical content.
5) Design is no longer so horrendous as to be detrimental.
6) Amazon allowing you to re-download any of your purchases, and sync across multiple devices providing greater security for your investment.
7) 2nd generation e-ink display, slightly less annoying page transitions, same great sunlight visible goodness.
8) Excellent cost improvement to new release material vrs current Hardback costs.
9) Comparable cost for paperback material.
10) 2gb of storage may not sound like much but a 1500 book capacity should keep most in good shape.

5 Reasons why Kindle 2 might not represent the arrival of the e-book

1) Proprietary format e-books you can't lend to a friend
2) Supplier lock in, only Amazon can provide books barring translatable version from other sources
3) User unable to replace battery
4) 1500 book capacity is a lot but why not keep the memory card slot?
5) Expensive up front device cost with limited content cost savings.


As for whether 10 is greater than 5 or the other way around remains to be seen but from what I can tell version 2 is a clear step up from version 1. It is improved enough that I am currently awaiting delivery of my slice of future tech tomorrow. The content lock in worries me. However, the lure of a svelte portable device carrying plenty of books and able to download more most anywhere proved ALMOST irresistible. The fact Amazon finally got publishers to agree to e-book prices lower in some cases and equal in most others put me over the top. They still cost to much but at least they don't cost more... for now I'll survive with having to pay the old early adopter tax.