I’m not sure why I’m so excited by the Kindle, especially given Sony’s eBook snorefest. Perhaps, I’ve just been a fan of Amazon since the early days and I enjoy seeing them push into digital media (Unbox, DRM-free MP3s, S3). Or maybe it’s rooting for the little guy with no hardware experience. However, I’m pretty sure most of my enthusiasm is due to the inclusion of “free” EVDO service, dubbed Whispernet, which changes the rules for media players. That wireless connectivity includes all publication downloads and Wikipedia access. Some more highlights:
- Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing.
- Wireless connectivity enables you to shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle—whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed.
- Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute.
- More than 88,000 books available, including 100 of 112 current New York Times® Best Sellers.
- New York Times® Best Sellers and all New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise.
- Free book samples. Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy.
- Top U.S. newspapers including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post; top magazines including TIME, Atlantic Monthly, and Forbes—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
- Email your Word documents and pictures (.JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .PNG) to Kindle for easy on-the-go viewing.
The NYC press conference doesn’t start for another few minutes, but Amazon’s already launched their page with text and videos. Check it out!