Amazon introduced the Kindle last month, a wireless reading device whose future iterations may eliminate print books. You may disagree, but it wouldn’t be the first time that a new technology supplanted another. Who sends telegrams anymore? Or uses a ditto machine? Or for that matter, when was the last time you used a pay phone?

Here’s something to think about. Most communication majors are going to go into a career field where writing is a vital component of their job responsibilities. Unless you can understand how wireless technologies are going to affect the creation, delivery and reception of text, you’re going to be left out in the cold.

A Kindle will set you back $399 + tax, but don’t plan on getting this from Santa this year. As of today, they’re out of stock.