Not Kindling My Flames

Instapundit links to a critique of the Amazon Kindle’s design–or lack thereof.

Worse than the design though, is that screen. One of the reasons ebooks have yet to take off is, they just aren’t comfortable. And I mean to read, not to hold. (Although there’s certainly nothing about the Kindle that makes you want to reach out and hold it, either.) The problem is DPI. A good book is printed at about 300 dots per inch. At that level, letters are sharp and contrasty and easy on the eyes. Kindle’s screen runs about 160 DPI — easy to read for short periods, but not good enough for a late night page turning session.

My take is, until ebooks can “print” at least 240 DPI, they’ll remain novelties.

UPDATE: I oughta start reading my own blog. Ed Christie (just below) already beat me to the Kindle pile-on.