Amazon Kindle DX 1st Generation Handheld

Amazon's Kindle is far from the first ebook reader, but the design and the timing was right, and they have been able to solve the chicken and egg by providing plenty of good e-book content and slick distribution. Amazon had better have some new tricks up their sleeve, as the newly-announced Apple iPad is about to come a leapfrog the Kindle.

I do not own a Kindle, but have tried them, and, like my first iPod or iPhone experience, it has that "wow" factor - looks and feels cool, works well, and does not try to be all things to all people. Book-lovers love it. The screen is actually readable. It has a good heft, while weighing a lot less than carrying 2 or 3 books around (never mind the 100's it can hold).

But Apple just announced the Apple iPad. Priced (effectively) from about $500 - $800 (less that many people expected), and with an amazingly vivid OLED screen, docking station with full keyboard, and running Apple iWorks and all iPhone Apps - giving it an installed base right out of the gate, you have to expect many, many people will now hold off on buying a Kindle until they at least try an iPad.  I'd expect Amazon to cut Kindle prices in early 2010 when Apple's iPad is released. I can't wait to write a full review of the iPad. Check back soon!