Barnes and Noble Delivers Kindle Competition

Love it or hate it Amazon's Kindle has been in a one horse race since it's debut in November of 2007. Sure there are other eBook readers but none that integrate a bookstore that allows immediate wireless downloads. Now Barnes and Noble have thrown their hat in to the ring by launching their own eBook store. Even more interesting however is that they signed a deal with Plastic Logic who will produce a Kindle-esque device early in 2010. There is no word yet as to whether or not the device will include a wireless data card to allow instant downloading of books. It is clear however that the ebooks Barnes and Nobles will sell will not be compatible with Amazon's Kindle or Sony's eBook readers.

While I don't agree with this strategy I welcome any competition in this market. I have been holding off on buying an eBook reader due to closed standards and DRM. More competition can only mean more adoption, better prices and closer scrutiny of business practices.