I've been wanting a Kindle electronic reader for some time but didn't want
to spend the money. But when the new, slimmer, sexier-looking Kindle 2 was
announced recently I started looking into the economics again and noticed something
pretty interesting. The thing could pay for itself.
How? I’ll tell you.
Home delivery of the New York Times costs me $45.93 per month. Instead, I could get the Times delivered electronically to my Kindle for $13.99 per month -- a savings of $31.94. So my annual savings would be $383.32. A new Kindle 2 costs $359.00. Hmmmm.
Not only that, but the paper doesn't always arrive as early in the morning as I would like, and I often have to go outside in the cold, rain or snow to get it. And then there are all those messy piles of newsprint laying around waiting to be recycled.
On top of all that, I would personally be saving one tree per year. Now, that may not sound like a lot, but it adds up. And even though most newsprint comes from trees that are farmed, there are still serious downsides to the practice, like increased erosion and water quality issues. Also, making paper produces significant amounts pollution. Then there is the energy used trucking the trees to the paper mill, shipping the paper to the printer, running the printing presses, shipping the finished newspapers to distributors, newsstands, my driveway, etc. The Kindle is starting to look like a pretty good deal to me.
You can click here if you want to know more, or order one from Amazon.com.
