Anyone who tries to spell out doom and gloom for the Kindle in the post-iPad era should take a look at the fact that two new versions of Amazon’s reading device sold out just days after being introduced.
Last week, Amazon introduced a new version of its Kindle for $189, the lowest price ever for the online retailer, as well as a $139 model that stripped out the device’s persistent 3G mobile connectivity. That became the cheapest dedicated e-reading device on the market. Both quickly sold out.
“Due to strong customer demand, Kindle is temporarily sold out. Shipments will be prioritized on a first-come, first-serve basis,” wrote Amazon in a statement on its website.
Anyone who places a new Kindle order today from Amazon won’t get their device until September 4 at the earliest.
The closest competitor for the budget consumer is Borders’ Kobo, which costs $150 but also nets anyone who buys one a $20 Borders gift card and $10 in certificates for Borders Rewards members. Barnes & Noble also has a $150 version of the Nook, also without 3G connectivity.
This summer has spurred an epic price war between the Kindle, which previously enjoyed near monopolistic status in the e-reader market, and the iPad, Kobo, and Nook. Sony’s Reader device has remained just lingering in the background since it launched in 2007.
