I completely agree. I would much rather have an Apple Touchbook than the Kindle (which I own). However, you’re forgetting one small detail. The device is only one-third the equation. iTunes is another third. So far so good. A seamless way to get content from the store onto the device. What Apple is missing is the RELATIONSHIPS. They don’t have any relationships with book publishers that enables them to get access to the content. (I know because I am the CEO of the Thomas Nelson. We are the sixth largest book publisher in the U.S.)

Could Apple develop these relationships? Sure. My point is that they haven’t started and this is where Amazon has a leg up. For most of us, they are one of our largest customers—and we trust them.

Thanks,

Mike

With the built-in, always on, FREE wireless broadband connection, not only is the bookstore always with you but the collective knowledge of the Internet is always with you. While reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book “Team of Rivals” last night, I came across a passage about Samuel Chase arguing an anti-slavery case in the Supreme Court called Jones v. Vanzandt. Wanting to know a bit more, I shifted over to the Kindle’s Internet browser and within a few clicks and hops from Google, found a copy of Chase’s Supreme Court brief. Reading history, it’s transformative to be able to flip to original sources and related material without getting up off the couch. You can also access free ebooks on the Internet. I have a copy of “Pride and Prejudice” found via Google and downloaded a few seconds later. And Amazon stores all your books and your notes “in the cloud” so everything is backed up and you can delete a purchase and re-download it anytime later. And, unlike iTunes, Amazon also has opened its Kindle publishing platform so anyone can upload a book, set a price and start selling to Kindle users. All of these features seem smart, useful and decidedly now.

In terms of the form factor and design, the e-ink screen allows loooong battery life and very crisp text in a font that’s especially easy to read. There is no noticeable eye strain or the feeling of tired eyes I get reading long documents on my laptop. The keyboard comes in handy when you want to search, use the Internet or take notes, but the keyboard is basically inactive while you’re reading a book, so you can put your fingers on that part of the device for comfort. Used in its little leather portfolio, the Kindle becomes very natural to hold comfortably for reading at several angles. It’s much more convenient that propping up a weighty hardcover. I also heartily endorse the decision to make it PC-free. Mac users, Linux users, all are welcome. Connect the Kindle via USB and it’s just a drive

And about Apple and Google, once the Kindle builds a sizable audience, as I think it will, the elephants will be dancing to Amazon’s tune. For example, why can I only download out-of-copyright books from Google in a PDF image format? How about HTML? The reason the record labels started to allow DRM-free music sales was because Apple had become so powerful and was never going to allow others to use its Fairplay DRM format. When Kindle users likewise dominate the world of ebooks, and sales of ebooks start rising faster than ever before, other companies will be pushed to change.

In terms of the iPod e-reader you hypothesize, how much would such a device cost? Isn’t the screen one of the most expensive elements in the iPod Touch? I think it’s going to be a lot more than $400. Plus, either you only have wifi or you have to pay for a monthly phone and data plan.

I guess your most powerful argument is whether the world wants a specialized ebook reader. That seems like somewhat of a philosophical debate. Frankly, I don’t want an iPhone to replace my iPod because the AT&T network around here stinks and it’s not compatible with my employer’s email system.