Many were skeptical that it could compete with the conventional paperback.
However, the Kindle has emerged as Amazon’s all-time best-selling product, with an estimated eight million units sold this year.
This device enables users to download and read digital versions of books and newspapers, posing a significant threat to the future of printed literature.
It attracts consumers who prioritize convenience and portability, reminiscent of the success experienced by the Apple iPod, which allows users to carry their entire music library in a compact format.
Skeptics argued that replicating this experience with books would be impossible, as many readers enjoy the tactile pleasure of flipping through the pages of their cherished tomes.
Nonetheless, the Kindle has proven to be immensely popular, solidifying its position as Amazon’s best-selling item ever. Additionally, Sony has found success with its eReader, and Apple’s widely used iPad offers electronic book applications and downloads.
Prior to the Kindle, the best-selling product on Amazon was JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, which was released in July 2007.
The third-generation Kindle, which debuted five months ago at a price of $280, can store up to 3,500 books in a sleek design that weighs only 247g—less than a single paperback.
Utilizing the device’s internet connectivity through wi-fi or the 3G mobile network, users can download ebooks in merely 60 seconds.
On Christmas Day, there was a record number of new Kindle activations, application downloads, and ebook purchases, surpassing any previous day.
This surge in sales may have been enhanced by a recommendation from Which?, which labeled the Kindle as one of the ‘must-have’ gadgets for the year. Despite the Kindle’s rapid growth in popularity, there are still divided opinions on whether ebooks will truly replace traditional paper and ink books.
One common criticism is that the bright screen can strain the eyes, making reading feel burdensome.
However, the Kindle features ‘E Ink’ technology that manufacturers claim minimizes glare and provides a reading experience similar to that of a printed book, even in bright sunlight.
Traditionalists argue that a physical book never requires a battery.
Amazon states that the Kindle 3 can last up to one month on a single charge with the wireless internet turned off, and approximately ten days with the wireless always on.
For many travelers, perusing books in airport shops to find a captivating novel or mystery for the beach is part of the holiday excitement.
Kindle addresses this by enabling downloads via wi-fi from around 100 countries and territories globally.
Amazon’s online store provides digital access to 500,000 books, including top sellers, new releases, and a variety of international newspapers and magazines.
Additionally, over one million books are available for free. The Kindle can even read text aloud for those who tire of scrolling through the electronic pages.
By selling virtual books online, the platform eliminates costs linked with production, transport, and excess inventory.
In theory, this should result in Kindle editions being significantly cheaper than their physical counterparts.
Yet, this does not always hold true. For instance, Stephen Fry’s The Fry Chronicles is priced at $20 for the Kindle edition on Amazon, while the hardback is available for $15 on the same site.
These figures indicate that the rise of ebooks is proving to be a lucrative opportunity for Amazon, publishers, and potentially, authors.
Other top-selling items on Amazon in 2010 included the DVD of Toy Story 3, Stieg Larsson’s novels The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire.
The game Call of Duty: Black Ops performed well, along with Jamie Oliver’s ‘Jamie’s 30-Minute Meals’ and the Take That album ‘Progress’.
by Sasha Dubronitz
