Kindle - Ebook Zombies - Erk!

I rarely blog about tech predictions; simply because the chances of being ridiculed a year later are so high. But, I feel rather comfortable taking a shot and rant at the new Amazon - Kindle - another of the e-book ilk. I would have thought that five generations of IPod would have taught device companies a thing or two about great design, workable business models, and market analysis. Apparently, Amazon has learnt all the wrong lessons. I base my rant on a few feature assumptions available on the web (ridicule disclaimer), namely;

1. The Kindle will cost between 400-500$
2. Amazon will only support its MobiPocket E-book format
3. It looks absolutely and totally hideous.
4. You can connect and download books at Amazon.com in e-book format at the publisher's price.
5. It has Wifi (and other cool connection stuff), but with the use of e-ink (an amazing technology to look out for), will not be able to show animations, graphics, movies.

Right.... so let's look at the lessons we learned from Apple.

1. Create an amazing looking device with a great UI - Nope
2. Be compatible with the most widely used format (Mp3 for music, Adobe E-book for books) - Nope
3. Have a dedicated store with an impulse buy price point - Dedicated yes, price point - nope.
4. Bring the device at an acceptable price point - for 400$ you can buy an Iphone or a small laptop and read Adobe-Ebook.

Do you really want to be seen with this no matter how nerdy you are?

Features of a great e-book reader

1. Costs 100-150 USD – Not yet there.
2. Paper Back Size-E-Ink - Kinda, sorta, maybe.
3. Small form factor that is portable and can be abused - Small, breakable.
4. Great UI design and features - No.
5. Large collection of books that can be exchanged with others - Large, but stuck.
6. Cheaper books with savings on the distribution costs. - No.
7. Long Battery Life - Yes.

Come on people, we are so close! We should be there already!!! Is it really that hard? Do we have to wait for Apple to do everything?

Random Tech Prediction: Google Library + Iphone / Ipod Touch– You know it’s going to happen.

P.S. Amazon.com, there are hundreds of hardware companies out there...you are a great online bookstore...why can't you just partner with a few? Sony for example has quite a decent E-book product, and Panasonic has some decent things as well, not to mention good ol' Franklin.

P.P.S Why do companies do things that only lead to great HBS case studies, and nothing else?

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