Amazon Kindle now available outside US, plus price drop(amazon.com)
amazon.com
Amazon Kindle now available outside US, plus price drop
http://www.amazon.com/kindle-store-ebooks-newspapers-blogs/b/ref=topnav_storetab_kinh?ie=UTF8&node=133141011
15 comments
Sadly, Canada isn't included.. again. List of countries/coverage/etc here:
http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/international-release-of-kindl...
http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/international-release-of-kindl...
Guatemala, Iceland, Kenya, Mongolia: Check.
Canada: ack pfft.
Canada: ack pfft.
Canada: nak
But they say they'll have it soon. I wonder what the hold up is there.
But they say they'll have it soon. I wonder what the hold up is there.
I'm going to guess it's our awful wireless operators, who charge higher data rates than any other place I know of in the world (a few years ago it was 3 to 10 times as much as the second most expensive location).
I don't know... I am still bothered by the idea that Amazon can remotely delete content that is already in my Kindle. I am not completely comfortable with a device that can be remotely controlled by somebody whose interests may not always coincide with mine. What if decides to erase my (legally acquired) PDF magazine collection? I have backups, but, still, it's a major nuisance.
I am also not too happy with the idea of the wireless data connection contract being between my local telco and Amazon. I would be perfectly happy to pay my connection fees in proportion with my consumption.
I also want the DX, not the II.
On the other hand, I am happy they finally made HDSPA/EDGE/GPRS available. It seemed to me a completely stupid move to use a mostly US-only technology.
That also should prompt a move from Sony. I think I will wait for now. Interesting developments will come.
I am also not too happy with the idea of the wireless data connection contract being between my local telco and Amazon. I would be perfectly happy to pay my connection fees in proportion with my consumption.
I also want the DX, not the II.
On the other hand, I am happy they finally made HDSPA/EDGE/GPRS available. It seemed to me a completely stupid move to use a mostly US-only technology.
That also should prompt a move from Sony. I think I will wait for now. Interesting developments will come.
I have the DX and have been very happy with it, so far.
Amazon has no control over content you add on to it yourself; they never know about your own PDFs. This is the major reason why I bought the device and what I mostly use it for. I seldom buy Kindle books, and I get those on the Kindle that I just want to read and don't particularly care what happens in the long run.
On the remote erasing feature, I really, sincerely doubt they would ever try that shit again. The amount of bad publicity this earned them, it'd be ridiculous for them to even imply doing it. Bezos personally apologized for it and if they do it again, it would cost him his credibility.
Amazon has no control over content you add on to it yourself; they never know about your own PDFs. This is the major reason why I bought the device and what I mostly use it for. I seldom buy Kindle books, and I get those on the Kindle that I just want to read and don't particularly care what happens in the long run.
On the remote erasing feature, I really, sincerely doubt they would ever try that shit again. The amount of bad publicity this earned them, it'd be ridiculous for them to even imply doing it. Bezos personally apologized for it and if they do it again, it would cost him his credibility.
They've definitely changed their policy. This is an e-mail I received from Amazon a while back:
Hello,
We are writing to inform you that we need to refund your purchase of the book 'The Little Prince or Le Petit Prince ILLUSTRATED (mobi).'. This book was added to our catalog by a third-party who we now believe did not have the rights to make the book available for sale. We will be removing the book from our servers, making it unavailable for re-downloading from your archived items. Any copies you already have on your Kindle devices will not be removed, but you may choose to remove any such copies yourself.
The total refund amount of $0.99 will be credited to your account in 3-5 business days.
Hello,
We are writing to inform you that we need to refund your purchase of the book 'The Little Prince or Le Petit Prince ILLUSTRATED (mobi).'. This book was added to our catalog by a third-party who we now believe did not have the rights to make the book available for sale. We will be removing the book from our servers, making it unavailable for re-downloading from your archived items. Any copies you already have on your Kindle devices will not be removed, but you may choose to remove any such copies yourself.
The total refund amount of $0.99 will be credited to your account in 3-5 business days.
The fact they didn't remove it this time has no relationship whatsoever with their ability or willingness to do so in the future. You may call it yours, but, in the end, they control every aspect of it.
That's based on nothing. Turn off wireless on your kindle; it's 100% your device that as far as they're concerned, no longer exists.
And what happens to pending orders when the network is activated for, say, web browsing?
The device obeys orders from Amazon, period. It also obeys your orders unless they conflict with what Amazon ordered.
So much for your gadget.
The device obeys orders from Amazon, period. It also obeys your orders unless they conflict with what Amazon ordered.
So much for your gadget.
"Amazon has no control over content you add on to it yourself; they never know about your own PDFs"
I see no reason to believe they have no way to examine the contents of your device.
I see no reason to believe they have no way to examine the contents of your device.
I suppose the person who downvoted this has a reason to believe Amazon will play nice after deleting books without user consent, so, please, share your reasons.
Charlie Stross dislikes the Amazon monopsony:
http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2009/10/news_fro...
Excerpt:
* They're using their monopsony position to fuck over their suppliers (i.e. the publishers) in a manner that threatens a catastrophic crash in author royalties in the medium term (up to 5 years). NB: as a reader, you may enjoy the short term price benefit, but you'll pay for it in the long term in reduction of choice.
* Their actions may start a trans-Atlantic price war between publishers, to the detriment of authors (again, in the medium term).
http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2009/10/news_fro...
Excerpt:
* They're using their monopsony position to fuck over their suppliers (i.e. the publishers) in a manner that threatens a catastrophic crash in author royalties in the medium term (up to 5 years). NB: as a reader, you may enjoy the short term price benefit, but you'll pay for it in the long term in reduction of choice.
* Their actions may start a trans-Atlantic price war between publishers, to the detriment of authors (again, in the medium term).
Totally unexpected for me. I thought they were going with countries that have local Amazon stores. No, my country is listed! Now I don't have to wait for two weeks for paper books to be delivered. Very nice move, Amazon!
The biggest gating factor in making Kindle available internationally is having to partner with local wireless operator for connectivity. Availability of country-specific Amazon stores have little to do with it IMHO.
The thing is, they ship even to countries without wireless connectivity (e.g. Belarus). You have to use your computer to make purchases there.
The reason I though why local Amazon stores are deciding factor is that they already know the market there, have presence, etc.
The reason I though why local Amazon stores are deciding factor is that they already know the market there, have presence, etc.
I and many other people I suspect will be waiting on the sideline a few more months to see whether Apple's tablet offering really does provide a serious alternative...
Or the eBook reader form Asus:
http://www.liliputing.com/2009/09/more-details-on-the-asus-e...
They are different though: e-Ink is way better than LCD for reading outside, in bright light settings. I bought a Sony reader couple of months ago, never expected such a move from Amazon. They must have negotiated with hundreds of mobile operators around the world.
They are different though: e-Ink is way better than LCD for reading outside, in bright light settings. I bought a Sony reader couple of months ago, never expected such a move from Amazon. They must have negotiated with hundreds of mobile operators around the world.
It sounds like they just negotiated with AT&T since they already have agreements with operators all over the world.
And I agree that the e-Ink screen is much better for reading than a tablet ever could be. I can use the Kindle anywhere I could read a normal book, including out in the sun, without having to worry about the fatigue you get when using monitors or other backlit screens.
And I agree that the e-Ink screen is much better for reading than a tablet ever could be. I can use the Kindle anywhere I could read a normal book, including out in the sun, without having to worry about the fatigue you get when using monitors or other backlit screens.
Yes, and then there were rumours that Microsoft, as well as Asus are working on something too.
My biggest blocking factor is actually the price of the kindle books. When a typical books costs $15, and kindle version is $9.99, it seems to me a bit overpriced. (but of course, maybe it's not Amazons fault, but the author's guild).
My biggest blocking factor is actually the price of the kindle books. When a typical books costs $15, and kindle version is $9.99, it seems to me a bit overpriced. (but of course, maybe it's not Amazons fault, but the author's guild).
Its too expensive outside US though... if I get it shipped to India - it'll cost me $405! And it won't come with the ability to read blogs and online news...
Yes but it works just fine as a book reader though - a little time away from blogs and "news sites" might be good for all our souls.
Still - you are right the price is steep given that you are then going to be buying more product from Amazon over the lifetime of the device (I wonder what this is likely to be).
Could be interesting to see what Apple have on offer later in the year with their new device - could do some interesting things to both the device and content price points.
Still - you are right the price is steep given that you are then going to be buying more product from Amazon over the lifetime of the device (I wonder what this is likely to be).
Could be interesting to see what Apple have on offer later in the year with their new device - could do some interesting things to both the device and content price points.
Unfortunatelly, besides blogs and online news, this means that wikipedia won't be accessible also in most countries.
The wikipedia feature was the one only thing that was going to make me buy kinde instead of sony readers.
The text to speech feature was also pretty attractive. But I ended up with a sony prs 600 though, and I'm really happy with it. So while I guess I might take a closer look if I was getting an ebook reader now, it probably would not have changed my mind.
no price drop for the dx :(
After UK import and sales tax, the price-drop will mean nothing:
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/ar...
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/ar...
Not available in China :(
Can't say it surprises me though... I'll get the txtr instead http://reader.txtr.com/
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That's it, I've placed my order
So Kindle for the UK and free 3G access....wow very tempting
Read the fine print though -- it seems like the 3G access can only be used for books outside of US (I checked UK and Denmark, and both say "Blogs and the experimental web browser are currently not available for your country"). Not sure about e.g. Wikipedia.
Also "Service fees for transferring personal documents via Whispernet are currently $.99 per megabyte." -- but I think that might already be the case for the US Kindle. That's similar to the fee I pay for basic wireless data service.
Also "Service fees for transferring personal documents via Whispernet are currently $.99 per megabyte." -- but I think that might already be the case for the US Kindle. That's similar to the fee I pay for basic wireless data service.
From http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=2... :
"Kindle (U.S. Wireless) user: We'll send personal documents to your Kindle via Whispernet while inside the U.S. wireless coverage area for a fee of $.15 per megabyte.
Kindle (U.S. & International Wireless) user living in the United States: If you transfer personal documents to your Kindle via Whispernet while inside the United States, the fee is $ .15 per megabyte. When travelling outside the United States, a fee of $.99 per megabyte will apply.
Kindle (U.S. & International Wireless) user living outside the United States: We'll send personal files to your Kindle via Whispernet for a fee of $ .99 (USD) per megabyte anywhere in the world you access Whispernet service."
"Kindle (U.S. Wireless) user: We'll send personal documents to your Kindle via Whispernet while inside the U.S. wireless coverage area for a fee of $.15 per megabyte.
Kindle (U.S. & International Wireless) user living in the United States: If you transfer personal documents to your Kindle via Whispernet while inside the United States, the fee is $ .15 per megabyte. When travelling outside the United States, a fee of $.99 per megabyte will apply.
Kindle (U.S. & International Wireless) user living outside the United States: We'll send personal files to your Kindle via Whispernet for a fee of $ .99 (USD) per megabyte anywhere in the world you access Whispernet service."
So, I will have free wireless as long as I am only browsing the book store... How tempting...
Give me one I can insert a SIM card into and browse on my dime. And while they are at it, please, give me one that has no backdoors.
Give me one I can insert a SIM card into and browse on my dime. And while they are at it, please, give me one that has no backdoors.
this is a dupe by the way:
http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=866005
http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=866005
No DX internationally? I need that, since I want to read work documents and code.
I still want a Kindle, but hesitate... the FUD from Apple and Pixel Qi is working on me. :-)
I still want a Kindle, but hesitate... the FUD from Apple and Pixel Qi is working on me. :-)
DX isn't great for reading code. There is significant lag when trying to go through multiple pages in quick succession. It is however, great for normal reading as after you view a page for some time, it loads the next page relatively quick.
Just thought I'd throw this out there, I'm a Kindle 1 owner, and have brought/read over 80 books on mine in the past 2 years. The only regret I have is buying a technical manual for it. It made sense in my head, but the inability to use the index correctly (You can't jump to page numbers) makes it hard to use as a reference.
I have other tech books as PDF's that I've brought (Not from the amazon store) which work well on the machine I'm coding on, just doesn't translate well when viewing on the Kindle. So if you are thinking of trying it out, don't buy from the Amazon store, as you will want to view them on your local machine.
I have other tech books as PDF's that I've brought (Not from the amazon store) which work well on the machine I'm coding on, just doesn't translate well when viewing on the Kindle. So if you are thinking of trying it out, don't buy from the Amazon store, as you will want to view them on your local machine.
It is also on the front page of amazon.co.jp right now, where I hoped to order it from (I get free shipping from them). They have a wonderful letter from Jeff Bezos (translated into Japanese -- some nice touches by the translator, incidentally) and if you click anywhere in it you get directed to the page on amazon.com to buy.
That is, needless to say, written totally in English. And which won't support the payment methods used by most of the customers of amazon.co.jp. (Credit card penetration is pretty low here -- most people I know use bank transfer or payment at the convenience store.)
I mention this just to point out that Internationalization Is Hard, even for big billion dollar companies. I'll be ordering mine by the end of the day.