Ever since Amazon first launched its Kindle e-book reader and serviceback in November of 2007, the Web retailer has been out-of-stock. Today, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos took the unusual step of apologizing for the Kindle's ongoing massive shipping delays. The apology and status update was contained in a lengthy letter to Amazon customers, posted on the site's front page.
That the Kindle sold out in a hurry--in its first five and a half hours of existence, to be precise--was not surprising to read. After all, Amazon launched the Kindle amid right in time for the holidays. Stories of shipping delays persisted well beyond the holidays, and this note confirms that some Kindle customers have been waiting six weeks for their device.
So is this a case like the Nintendo Wii, where demand simply overshadowed (and continues to overshadow) supply? Or, is there something else that's preventing the company from a more speedy production ramp-up?
Given that Amazon hasn't discussed the number of Kindles sold, it's hard to gauge this. Meanwhile, in his open letter, Bezos says Amazon "didn't expect the demand that actually materialized" and it has "been scrambling" to increase its Kindle manufacturing capacity. He also notes that the company will continue to fulfill orders on a first come, first served basis. Amazon says it expects to have the Kindle back in stock "within the next few weeks."
If you try to order the $399 Kindle today, you get a message noting it's temporarily out of stock due to heavy customer demand. Amazon's sales page says the company will e-mail an estimated delivery date as soon as they have more information.
Anyone else out there still waiting for their Kindle? Those of you who've gotten one--is it worth the wait?
Yes - I agree with all of the PC Readers Above - NINTENDO Wii technology is evil!
Seriously - this is not exactly a tech savvy bunch! Gesture recognition is the future - lets get rid of the mouse already!
I ordered a Kindle 2 1/2 weeks ago and have still not heard anything regarding a ship date. Not even when I got one of Amazon's Costumer Service reps on the phone was I able to get any useful information. I find it very annoying that I can't even get an estimate of how back ordered they are.
It seem the attitude is (almost) that this is soooo good, you should be satisfied with whatever delay is involved, just be glad you got one. I'll tire of this wait fairly soon and cancel my order...