Amazon hopes its Kindle will replace books, but its impact hasn't been felt here yet
Garrad Mathews and Danielle Wolf
Issue date: 7/31/09 Section: News
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Books may be the latest victims of technology.
With Amazon.com's Kindle, some people are trading the age old book for a sleek electronic device, but Warrensburg has yet to feel direct consequences of this shift in technology.
"I don't think in the near term it will have impact, not as early as fall 2009 at least," said Charlie Rutt, director of the University book store.
Only five classes will be using e-books in the fall, Rutt said.
Originally launched in 2007, the Kindle became Amazon's latest instrument to bring ease and convenience to the digital age. The device allows users to download books electronically and read them through the slim design and 6-inch display screen.
In May, Amazon announced the Kindle DX. This version of the device boasts a larger 9.7-inch display and the ability to purchase and read newspapers.
George McVay, a sales clerk for the Corner Book Exchange in Warrensburg, said the Kindle will soon grow in popularity.
"I think electronic medium will take over," McVay said. "Once a certain percentage is penetrated by the Kindle, books will come to an end very rapidly."
The Corner Book Exchange has had a slight decrease in sales, McVay said, but he doesn't think that it has been due to the latest trend in technology.
"Our sales are slightly lower," he said, "but not by much."
Different factors play into the sale of books. Technology is one, the economy is another.
"Customers have to be aware of (whether they are downloading a pleasure book or text book) once you download it, there is no residual value of that book," Rutt said.
There are savings to be had by e-books, however, according to Rutt. Often, they have a 30-4- percent discount over the print version.
"On our current rental booklist, they have many titles costing more than $200, so if we look at that extreme, at the 200 retail for new books, and take 40 percent off of it - it still gives you a cost of 120 and I'm renting the book for 38."
Charlie Fitzgerel , the store manager of Hastings, said the Kindle will soon decrease the sales of books, but that it hasn't happened yet.
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