Sprint and Barnes & Noble team up to battle Kindle

Seems like you can't open the newspaper (or an RSS newsfeed) without an eBook reader article slapping you in the face.

Here's another: According to buzz on TheStreet, a new partnership is forming to take on the Amazon Kindle's dominance. Barnes & Noble is reportedly clapping hands with cellular carrier Sprint, as well as a device manufacturer. That only spells one thing ? a new eBook reader.

The story goes that B&N had shopped the idea around, trying Verizon first, but then settled on Sprint, which is already a Kindle partner. As for AT&T, the company's cellular system is currently knee-deep in eBook downloads via Amazon's new iPhone app. Even so, it might still be looking to dig in deeper with a device of its own at some point.

As for B&N, it's no stranger to electronic book readers. Six years ago, after a failed endeavor with Microsoft and Adobe, the massive book retailer dumped the relationship and its poorly performing tablet gadget.

That was then. No doubt now that the bookseller is drooling over Amazon's success. Financial expectations put Kindle at approximately $63 million in gross profit (from $285 million in sales this year.)

In truth, B&N's intentions have been clear since it bought eBook distributor Fictionwise last month for $15.7 million. Now, equipped with what amounts to a huge digital book warehouse, the company's running the ?eBook Success for Dummies? playbook to the letter.

Frankly, I hope this takes off. As great as Kindle is (and I hear it's fantastic), I just think $359 is too much to spend on something that doesn't multitask. So, with all due respect to Sony's digital book reader, I think it's about time for a little competition.