The Kindle And iPod Generation
It’s wonderful to be on the go and have an iPod with you. You can listen to music, books, and podcasts. You can even play games. They are great for waiting rooms and breaks at work. Not to mention trips and bus rides.
When I purchased my first iPod I wasn’t sure how useful it was or if I would even use it. Once I figured out how to use iTunes and discovered free podcasts, I was hooked. I fell in love with my iPod and spent a large amount of time at work, explaining to my co-workers what they were missing out on.
Since then iPods have gotten better and better and cheaper and cheaper. What can easily be purchased now for a low price would of been the most amazing technology ever compared to my first iPod mini with its clunky size and shape and monochrome screen.
My point about the iPod compared to the Kindle is that what once started out as an expensive niche gadget, is now an affordable mainstream gadget that almost everyone has. From school kids who are lucky enough to have parents who buy them high tech toys, to just about all adults from young to old.
If you are in a group, try taking a casual poll and see how many iPod owners are present. Most people have one, and many are on their 3rd or 4th iPod. Even my Dad, who just discovered how to buy songs on iTunes, and makes CD’s for me with a mix of 50’s and 60’s music with some Motown and country thrown in, has decided he needs an iPod.
Currently the Kindle is still a fairly expensive niche gadget. It is already an amazing product and with each new addition are improvements. The price is still fairly high and it’s not completely main stream yet. But, everyone I show my Kindle to, does decide, that they want one as well. Including my Mother which shows that the Kindle encompasses all generations just like the iPod does.
It’s very likely that within the next 5 years the Kindle will be as ubiquitous as the iPod. They will get better and better, with improved features and a lower price point. Once Kindle text books become mainstream, the Kindle will become a part of everyday life just like how everyone has a cell phone or a computer.
I am not the only one to share these feelings today I was reading the Motley Fool and I stumbled across, The Kindle & iPod Correlation, which pretty much echoes my sentiments. Just like the iPod when the Kindle really takes off, there will be imitators and competitors. But the competition will only make the Kindle better.
Ask any school kid if they would like an iPod or a Zune and the vast majority will choose the iPod. Just the same way most will choose a Kindle over an Acme Reader. This begs the question, if Kindles will become better and less expensive should I hold off on purchasing one?
Many people will, many people won’t. It really depends on if you would benefit from owning one. I love knowledge and learning. There are so many great books out there, and shopping and browsing the Kindle store makes finding, previewing, and ultimately purchasing books, the easiest most convenient experience ever.
I’m also a tech person and like gadgets, so being an early Kindle owner suits me perfectly. My only regret with my Kindle is I don’t get to use it as much as I like. I don’t have a long commute because I now work at home. I also don’t have as much leisure time as one would think, for someone who works at home.
When I get a chance I will spend some leisure time with my Kindle. Plus it’s invaluable for trips and times when you have to wait. Such as flights, waiting rooms, DMV lines, or getting your vehicle serviced. I hope to soon, have those leisurely mornings in bed browsing the Kindle newspaper, or purchasing, reading, and finishing a Kindle novel while lying on a beach.
