Media: Will the Kindle 2 Take On Audio books?

It seems expensive audio books may be getting a run for their money as Amazon and Jeff Bezos launch Kindle 2 today with a new text-to-speech function:

Amazon introduced several new features for the Kindle. A new text-to-speech function allows readers to switch between reading words on the device and having the words read to them by a computerized voice. That technology was provided by Nuance, a speech-recognition company based in Burlington, Mass.

Over at Motley Fool, Munarriz says the "text-to-speech" feature that allows the Kindle to read aloud any book, magazine, blog, or newspaper is a "huge point":

Style freaks may love the ergonomic enhancements, but I think the "read-to-me" option will really push the Kindle into the mainstream.I'm not saying that we're all audiobook junkies who hate physical reading. I also realize that speech synthesizers are a joke compared to rich human voices. However, the real sticking point with many potential Kindle owners is that they don't always have a lot of time to read. A Kindle may work for mass-transit commuters on the bus, trains, or subways, but what about the majority of us who actually drive, bike, or walk to work? We can't afford to stare at a screen. There's a reason why Sirius XM Radio has roughly 19 million subscribers. It's no surprise to see more cars adding audio jacks for Apple iPods. Even Cracker Barrel stocks audiobooks at its general stores. In short, drivers love audio. So while the new Kindle's "read-to-me" feature may be experimental, I think it'll prove a major selling point.

If you are a book slut who works for a living then audio books, in addition to the printed page, are the only way to make a dent in your reading list. Or like me, you will be faced with a situation where your reading lists start having lists. Audio books, however, are exorbitantly priced and, yes, some of us will like to see Amazon pull an Itunes on the audio book market. Below are thoughts towards the kindle 3:

1. Awkward: You can't take your Kindle out for a jog.
2. Entry point: What used to be a month's rent is still a lot to drop on a kindle
3. The Reader: Some of us love books so much that we really don't give a rat's ass who reads it to us on our way to work -- KITT or James Earl Jones, it's all the same to me. But i'm sure others will beg to differ.
4. Technology: Until a 3rd party device comes along that will allow those $7 books on the kindle to be downloaded and read out loud on an Ipod, I doubt audio books have anything to fear.
5. Rights: Aren't the rights to the book and the rights to the audio reading 2 separate things?