Ivan Makarov Blog

I finally convinced myself I need an eReader. I read at least one book a month. I think having an eReader in my bag would actually help me read more. I know I don’t need an iPad – it does too much and it is too expensive for how it performs. I don’t like the prices for data plan either, and I know I’d want one so I could use Google Maps or whatever else. I just need something to read books that is not backlit. After spending all day long on a computer, the last thing I want is to spend couple more hours staring at another screen.

I decided to order Amazon’s Kindle. The price on it dropped to $139, and from all eReaders I tested, it has the best screen for what I want to use it for.

So I go to Amazon to order one, and what does the web-site says?

Temporarily Sold Out. Order now to reserve your place in line. Due to strong customer demand, Kindle is temporarily sold out. Order now to reserve your place in line. Orders are prioritized on a first come, first served basis. Orders placed today are expected to ship on or before September 8th.

That’s actually kind of irritating. Here is the biggest issue – Amazon releases new version of Kindle at least twice a year. I don’t want to wait a whole month to get one just to have them release a new model for Christmas.

I can’t imagine Apple dropping the ball like this with a release of a new iPhone or iPad or MacBook Pro. Yes there are long lines on the day they release their product, but not a month long.

Get your act together Amazon. You’ve released a great product but clearly dropped the ball on sales forecast.