I recently read a review about the Kindle 2 and Kindle 1 that more or less compared the two. The reviewer is a self-proclaimed “early adopter,” but had a strange way of appreciating how Amazon had redesigned the second version of their reading device (the Kindle 2 reader).

Further in his review, he mentioned that a touch screen seemed like a good idea for the next generation of the popular Kindle reader. I can think of several ways to improve the Kindle, but I’m having trouble with seeing how a touchscreen would be desirable.

I’ve owned a Blackberry Storm for several months now and I really dig the touch screen. Typing emails and web addresses into the phone is a breeze. However, as anyone who has owned a Storm or iPhone can attest, fingerprints accumulate rather quickly. Wiping off the finger prints from my phone is a regular occurrence these days. I put up with the finger prints and the constant cleaning because my phone is a device that is intended for frequent input. The Kindle was not designed for frequent input, but for textual output. That’s why it is called a reader.

I understand that input is needed in order to tell the Kindle what to do. I’m not arguing against the necessity of inputting. In fact, I believe that the way we currently navigate within the Kindle 2 can be much improved; I just don’t think a touch screen is the answer. The thought of constantly wiping off the Kindle’s screen so that I can read my books, which is its purpose, makes me squirm.

What do you guys think? I’d love to hear your comments!