So, Amazon has launched their new E-Reader. Color us unimpressed.

We’ve been this way before. As yet, no ebook reader has been anything like a smashing success. We’ve mentioned what we think a successful (we’re talking iPod levels of success, here) ebook reader might look like, and we stand by our suggestions. Which are:

1. It must be priced at, or close to, $100 — or less.
2. It must be able to display any book from any publisher ever, in the entire history of the written word. And the digital copies must be cheap and unlocked (that is, no DRM).
3. The batteries must last a really long time.
4. It has to be available before really good smart phones that are actually useful are available.

Those first three features would probably entice people to buy this hypothetical device. But, we hasten to add, we suspect that those three conditions will never be met before the forth one comes into play. Oh well.

As for the Kindle, I don’t think anyone will be willing to waste their money on it.