Jeff Bezos would like all authors to use the Kindle platform. While we have not discussed the internet as a distribution medium, it should be noted that distibution is one area where the Internet has really been transformative. This move by Amazon should decrease the cost of the books, save some trees and put more money back in the hands of the authors. It almost seems like the only thing missing is world peace.

Personally, I cannot wait till we are done with carrying around boxes of paper and paying insane amounts of money for textbooks. Will the college students agree to this model if textbooks are made available via the Kindle? Time will tell.

Amazon introduced Kindle in 2007. This portable, electronic reading device that allows you to have up to 1,500 books in a slim and lightweight screen is becoming more and more popular, especially around the holiday season. In general, the new market is expected to double in 2010.

However, some argue that Kindle's poor design has lead Apple to create its own version of a portable reading device that is to be released at the beginning of 2010. Rumor has it that Apple's new iSlate will consist of a 10.1-inch touchscreen with webcam, wireless access to the internet, web browser, email software, etc. The iSlate will cost between $800 and $1000, more expensive than Amazon's Kindle.