Amazon has a device designed for mobile reading. The Kindle has been released with support from award winning authors like Guy Kawasaki, James Patterson and Toni Morrison. The idea for a mobile reading device has been around for a long time but we expensive and not scalable. Jeff Bezos has corrected these issues and made the Kindle a wireless book, blog and magazine reader that weighs less than most notebook computers.

Introducing Kindle™

Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle.

We designed Kindle to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both “lefties” and “righties” can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time.

We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read.

With Whispernet, you can be anywhere, think of a book, and get it in one minute. Similarly, your content automatically comes to you, wherever you are. Newspaper subscriptions are delivered wirelessly each morning. Most magazines arrive before they hit newsstands. Haven’t read the book for tomorrow night’s book club? Get it in a minute. Finished your book in the airport? Download the sequel while you board the plane. Whether you’re in the mood for something serious or hilarious, lighthearted or studious, Kindle delivers your spontaneous reading choices on demand.

And because we know you can’t judge a book by its cover, Kindle lets you download and read the beginning of books for free. This way, you can try it out—if you like it, simply buy and download with 1-Click, right from your Kindle, and continue reading. Want to try a newspaper as well? All newspaper subscriptions start with a risk-free two-week trial.

Kindle’s paperback size and expandable memory let you travel light with your library. With the freedom to download what you want, when you want, we hope you’ll never again find yourself stuck without a great read.

Based on the Amazon Kindle review minus all the marketing fluff, you should expect to have a quality device that is durable and will have new books and magazines added to the reading list on a regular basis. There is no need to sync data to a computer since you can download new books right on the device.

I think the consumer implications of this device are great. Since this is the first generation of the device I am sure that there is a color version in the works. But what I am more interested in is the next generation of bookless reading that is on the frontier.

Let me explain this in a classroom setting. I remember having to lug around about 20 pounds of books in high school and college. Being that my high school locker was on the other side of the campus, I had to keep most of my books in my backpack and haul them around like a caveman. There have been reports by doctors as well as academia that this is is a growing problem for children during their developmental years. All that added weight is not good and the books are getting bigger and heavier.

Now enter the Kindle and the soon to be announced competitive products that will spin off from this. If a school district were to adopt these reading devices the way that some cutting edge schools have adopted laptops you could put all of a students books and assignments on one device and kids dont have to walk around like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. And as an even better and more eco-friendly reason, think of all the trees you will be saving. Greenhouse gasses will plummet and the world will be a better place for all. Well…ok. I’m stepping into a fantasy world but you get the idea.

Amazon moving into this market is a huge play and if they market the Kindle device right it will revolutionize the way we read.

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