The Amazon Kindle, the grandaddy of all e-readers, is now available in Canada, though with a few missing bits.
It’ll cost $259 USD plus a $31 USD import fee surcharge. Though it will be able to wirelessly download ebooks, the details about the cellular connectors (Rogers and Telus) in Canada have yet to be revealed.
Amazon Kindle E-Reader
The Canuck version will lack a web browser and blog subscription service but the nifty Kindle can hold over 1500 books so it’ll more than do the job as an ebook reader. It just won’t act like a mini computer.
Kindle’s VP said:
“We know that Canadians are passionate about books and reading, and we’re excited to make Kindle available to our customers there,” said Ian Freed, vice-president of Kindle, in a statement. “Kindle enables customers around the world including Canada to think of a book and start reading it in under 60 seconds.”
Read more about this announcement here.
It’s still a pretty pricey gadget but also very tempting.
(And thanks to the Kindle Blog for the pic.)
Tags: amazon, ebook, Electronic / Digital Publishing, kindle
If you are thinking about buying a Kindle stop debating and just do it. I thought about buying an eBook reader for a few months and had thought i would go with the B
Appreciate the comment. The Kindle is on my wish list…
I was very hesitant to pay 390 dollars (including cover) for the Amazon Kindle 2. As soon as I ripped open the package, pulled out the device, and turned it on, I was hesitant no more. (First of all I am glad all new devices these days come with a charged battery), I had already purchased a book the day I ordered my kindle, as well as purchasing (for 0 dollars, ie. free) about 30 public domain (out of copyright) books for the Kindle through Amazon. I am very glad that Amazon does not include a service\whispernet fee for these free, but good reads that I have now been able to catch up on.
I’ve only had to contact customer support once (via email), I accidentally purchased a book (a Harlequin romance novel at that) and I was instantly refunded the charge, excellent customer service. I actually bought this device a lot for the Web Browser. Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, my local newspaper, all available, usually in 3G access, even on the beach where I go to school in Southern Maine.
One thing I absolutely recommended subscribing to is the The New York Times – Latest News, only 1.99 a month, and it updates about 2-3 times a day on your kindle (with 10 or so stories, usually with Images). Perfect for when I go to the dining hall to have breakfast, I just pull out the Kindle, weighs less than pound so I can stand in line with my plate waiting for my daily eggs, and at the same time I have the news from all over the world.
Best purchase I have ever made.
Hey Jan Van,
Thank you for your interesting and uplifting comments. It’s so cool to hear from someone who has actually held a Kindle. Unfortunately, here in Canada we’re only just getting them and in a reduced capacity so I’m still waiting. BTW, I love the image of you standing in line reading while your eggs cook!
Cheers, my best to you in Maine this holiday season and please keep me up to date on your new gadget.