Since the release of the Amazon Kindle and my initial thoughts, there has been a lot more said about the device, from news sources to tech sites, to geeks on parade.

I think overall, my impressions have not changed one bit. It is still over priced, it is still locked into proprietary formats, and it is still not a book. That last one will never change. But a few items that I like about what Amazon has done.

• The auto-download of periodicals is nice. And yes, it is cheaper and more environmentally sound that the “dead tree” editions. BUT, you can get most , if not all, of the content on the respective periodicals websites for free.
• The download locker idea is great and something Amazon has always done. You download a book, and for some reason you erase it. No problem, Amazon keeps a record and you can redownload it right away, any time.

This could go one of two ways. It could be like the iPod. Prior to the iPod, with its tightly integrated software and store, MP3 players were around (like eBook readers) but they were very fringe and only had a small following. Apple introduces the complete package and the market blows up over time. Can the Kindle do the same thing? I am not sure. One difference that is apparent to me is that I can transfer my existing CDs to my iPod, can’t do that with my books. Plus, Apple has always been design kings and dealing with delivery of content was secondary (though integral) to the iPod success. Amazon has been masters of delivery but design of user interfaces or devices , well, they have never done that. And if their website is any indication of what usability is, we are in trouble.

The other direction is a very cool idea; that it will become a very expensive paper weight.

The one thing I could see happen is that Amazon would become the eBook provider for all of the next generation of eBook readers. They have always been a content deliverer, not the context. It is odd too, their take on music downloads is the complete opposite. MP3 ’s without DRM that will work on any portable or device out there, verses their book approach, which is locked and proprietary.

Of course the cost and tight integration would change and I think that one-click idea is what they are hoping makes this work.

Only time will tell. I still think eBooks are great for Textbooks and manuals. But for my novel of choice, I still like “dead trees”.

BTW - Amazon claims the Kindle sold out its intial run in 5.5 hours. I am not sure if that is demand (OMG I HAVE TO HAVE ONE) or supply ( we have 19 Kindles, - OOPS! SOLD OUT! - LOOK how awesome it is!)