Kindle 2 Price Drops by $60

Just weeks after introducing their new 9’ Kindle DX, Amazon has reduced the price of the Kindle 2 from $359 to $299. Reports say the price reduction is the result of Prime View International’s acquisition of E-Ink. Prime View manufactures the Kindle, and now that they own E-Ink as well it’s only natural that the cost to make the device has dropped. Those savings are being passed on to the consumer. The DX, which is aimed at students and business people remains at its original price of $489.

Naturally some recent Kindle 2 owners are grumbling about the price reduction and wondering if they can get the difference refunded to them. The answer is no-Amazon discontinued that practice last year. Such grumbling isn’t new-when the Kindle 2 (recently rechristened to simply Kindle) was released in February many who purchased the original Kindle just a few months before were furious, accusing Amazon of knowingly deceiving customers and demanding refunds. The Kindle 2 is also not without its share of issues. Some owners reported poor contrast and faded print when the device was used in the sun; however Amazon has replaced the defective units with no questions asked.

I am a very happy original Kindle owner and I can tell the device is worth it at any price. The readers put out by Sony and other companies simply can not compare to its crisp screen, sheer volume of books available and free wireless downloads via the Whispernet service provided by Sprint. Kindle books are also available on the iPhone and iPod Touch via the free Kindle app available in the App store. I’ve used it on my Touch and it’s very very nice although reading for extended periods of time on the iPod Touch or iPhone screen is not really recommended as the backlighting tends to cause eyestrain. Still it’s convenient for accessing your library for a quick read.

While some feel the Kindle’s price is too high, it’s important to note that the new Kindle DX quickly sold out at its $489 price tag. Ebooks are definitely the wave of the future and the big box stores should take notice!