Thursday, September 17, 2009

Ebook Reader: Why Kindle 2 is the best

By Joseph W. Rusinko

My Predictions/Wishes:Kindle as a standard for newspaper/magazine delivery: I think Amazon will either buy a newspaper or a big Newspaper publisher will invest heavily in Kindle or their own ebook readers. I buy all my books on amazon anyways so the kindle 2 is a logical method of ebook delivery. I was able to check my Yahoo email, Twitter and Facebook easily.

I got the Kindle 1 in June of last year, and after reading two or three books, I was hooked. However, the Kindle 2 is a nice upgrade over the original Kindle; yes, it leaves off a couple of key items--most importantly removable memory and a protective carrying case--but it makes up for it with a slicker design, improved performance, increased internal memory, built-in speakers, and a new feature, Text-to-Speech audio reading. I've been able to download required reading material for my Philosophy class for a quarter of what I would pay in the bookstore.

Unlike WiFi, Kindle utilizes the same high-speed data network (EVDO) as advanced cell phones so you never have to locate a hotspot. Wireless Access with Whispernet&8482Whispernet utilizes Amazon's optimized technology plus Sprint's national high-speed (EVDO) data network to enable you to wirelessly search, discover, download, and read content on the go. The Kindle hardware devices use an electronic paper display and download content over Amazon Whispernet using the Sprint EVDO network.

If you are wondering just how big the Kindle 2 Ebook Reader is, you will be glad to know that it is about the size of most magazines, which makes for easy reading. At just over one third of an inch, you will surely not become too quickly tired holding the Kindle 2 Ebook Reader. And since it is so thin, you can expect the weight of the reader is be easy on the arms as well. With it being only about 10.2 ounces, you will find that it is easier then holding a typical paperback book.

Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle's screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. I have ordered multiple Kindles to use in our family. Kindle remains by far the best dedicated ebook reader out there, and based on how often they sold out of original Kindles, Amazon will sell as many of these as they can make. You can also synchronize data between Kindles, and with the Whispersync system, you'll likely soon be able to push books between mobile devices, like phones and maybe even netbooks.

Amazon pays for Kindles wireless connectivity so you wont see a monthly wireless bill. Especially with the wireless capability to get what I want on demand. With wireless off, it can go two weeks without recharging.

Im a HUGE news junkie, and I would love to subscribe to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and a host of other faltering newspapers on my new Kindle 2. The weeks that I have spent with my Kindle 2 has made it clear that it is miles ahead of the competition. With an 800x600 resolution e-ink screen and unlimited free Internet access, the Kindle 2 makes a compelling choice for anyone who enjoys reading.

Pricing and availability of the Kindle 2 will set you back US $299. Although the "text to speech" is computer generated, I was impressed by its natural flow and intonation on the Kindle 2. In addition to the memory, Kindle 2 has an improved display that reads like real paper, with 16 shades of gray, for clear text and crisp images. The Kindle 2 also turns pages 20% faster than the original.

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