Kindle Whispernet File Conversion Fees Increase

Amazon have announced changes to the types of documents their Kindle ebook reader will support, including a shift in pricing structure that will see users paying more per upload and conversion.  The Kindle's Whispernet wireless connection can be used to load non-Amazon documents onto the device: previously files were charged at $0.10 each, but Amazon have switched this to $0.15 per megabyte, rounded up to the nearest MB.

"Starting May 4, in addition to the existing list of supported file types (DOC, HTML, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TXT, AZW, MOBI, PRC), you can send RTF files to your Kindle email address for convenient wireless delivery. In addition to the existing experimental support of PDF, you can also send DOCX files for conversion. Some complex PDF and DOCX files might not format correctly on your Kindle.

We have also modified the fee associated with sending personal documents wirelessly to your Kindle. This fee is now based on the size of your file. The fee for Personal Document Service (via Whispernet) is 15 cents per megabyte rounded up to the next whole megabyte." Amazon

What that means is that even if you only send a small file – which previously would have cost you a $0.10 flat-fee – you will be charged $0.15.  Significantly larger documents will push that pricing up even further.  It's worth noting that ebooks bought from Amazon themselves are free to download, and if you use a wired USB connection to transfer files rather than Whispernet, you won't be charged.

As for the new file types supported, these are the RTF, DOCX and PDF formats.  PDF and DOCX are in "experimental support" stage, and Amazon warn that some formatting may not convert properly.  The Kindle already supports conversion from DOC, HTML, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TXT, AZW, MOBI and PRC formats.

[via Gear Diary]