The Kindle is a handheld electronic device for reading eBooks manufactured by Amazon, and has attracted a lot of attention lately. This is mainly because the device is not designed to be multipurpose, like the iPad or tablet computers, but is designed specifically for reading books. In particular, the screen is not a backlit screen like most other devices, and is easier on your eyes when reading. I've never used one, mainly because I'm too cheap to buy one and frankly don't read books often enough to justify buying one anyways, but I've seen a lot of them at school or on the bus, and I am impressed with them.
This technology could influence how we distribute print media in the future. A lot of print media has already been replaced by electronic media, with posters and billboards (and even restaurant menus) being replaced by large flatscreen displays, but the Kindle and other eReaders allow you to carry all your print media with you in one tiny package. And since print media is so compact in digital form, you can literally carry millions of books in your pocket. I think that there is a certain appeal to the physical book form still, in particular the action of flipping pages to quickly access information feels good to people, and is intuitive. At this point in time, I don't think that eReaders can match an old fashioned book in terms of feel and ease of use, but I also think that it's just a matter of improved software designed and touch screen interfaces before they reach that level.
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