On Monday, November 19th, Amazon.com unveiled their new handheld e-book reader (a.k.a, the "iPod of reading") in the form of the "Kindle".

Amazon is excited to introduce Kindle – a wireless, portable reading device with instants access to more than 90,000 books, blogs, newspapers, and magazines. Whether you're in bed or on the train, Kindle lets you think of a book, and get it in less than a minute.

According to RC Howe of /rc/etc blog! a better deal would be the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) computer as he asks the question; "Is a smaller form factor and more restricted functionality worth twice the price?" For the same US$399 you would pay for a Kindle, you can "Give One Get One" OLPC of which US$200 would be U.S. tax-deductible. Robert makes a great comparison chart showing both the pros and cons of both devices. The biggest negatives fall on the Kindle and its assorted subscription options.

The Kindle's biggest plus is the 600x800 electronic ink screen which maintains the image, even without power applied to it. This gives the device a runtime of about 48 hours or two weeks if it is run with its wireless functions deactivated.

Carl Howe at Blackfriars Marketing also made some interesting insights from a marketer's point of view:

Technology marketers, repeat after me: Ugly products, awkward user experiences, and restricted content don't sell consumer electronics gadgets. (ala Zune ed.)

Now that we're all on the same page, can someone explain to me how Amazon’s Kindle reader ever got released to the market when it has all three of the characteristics above that kill consumer gadgets?

•Hardware design screams "Blackberry" instead of book.
•Unclear purpose hobbles its software.
•Content restrictions pose future problems.
•Price doesn't add up

Amazon's Kindle is a great example of technology being pushed at consumers without a clear idea of its market or value. In some other market -- perhaps in enterprise software -- an ugly product with an awkward user interface and restricted content might succeed. But with the broad and unforgiving consumer market, it doesn't have a chance. The only surprise here is that Amazon thinks that it does.

Canadian Industrial Designer Thibaut Sailly (Portfolio/Bio in French) should have consulted about the design because the insights provided in "How the Kindle is ugly and feels wrong, let aside the subjectivity of beauty or taste." Sailly points out in the Bookishness review:

•There's a little styling going on here
•ASSymmetry
•Let's go random
•A little more visual noise, while we're at it

ON ERGONOMICS
•The comfort zones
•Established conventions

SOME IDEAS
• A screen needs protection.
• Get rid of the unnecessary elements.
• Match the color and finish.
• Make it waterproof.
• Here's a sketch of a possible scenario.

a : previous page button.
b : next page button.
c : insert bookmark button.
d : book index, library, notes & bookmarks, volume, shop and news buttons.
e : slide out keyboard for additional controls and input.
f : scroll wheel to navigate menus or flick through pages while reading.

The cover would act as a power button. When it's open, it's on.
The connection points (usb, power, sound) would be accessible when the keyboard is slid out.

With all this said maybe Amazon should go back to the drawing board and try again next year after a little more thought has been applied to the project.

If this rekindles any past insights then let us know what you think over in the comments and forums.