Kindle 2 instant review

Amazon’s Kindle wireless e-book reader, launched 14 months ago, has been one of the hottest selling consumer electronics gadgets in the US and helped create a new distribution model for the book publishing industry.

Amazon is looking to its second generation Kindle 2 not just to build on the success of the original Kindle, but to substantially expand the market for electronic book readers and e-book content.

I got my hands on a demonstration model at the Kindle 2 launch in New York on Monday and was suitably impressed – particularly by its sleek, slim new design that replaces the clunky, wedge-like slab of the original.

It is clear that Amazon has listened carefully to existing Kindle users, and has built into the new Kindle 2 many of the improvements they have requested while retaining the Kindle’s key advantage over rivals – wireless connectivity using Sprint Nextel’s 3G data network in the US.

The external improvements include a much sexier case that is just 0.36 inches thick – slimmer than most mobile phones – and reduced weight at just over 10 ounces. The navigation buttons have also been designed to make the Kindle 2 easier to hold and operate while a new five-way controller makes note taking, highlighting and document navigation easier and quicker.

Amazon has also beefed-up the Kindle’s electronic guts. In use, one of the most obvious changes from the original Kindle is that page turns are much faster (about 20 per cent faster) while both text and images displayed on the 6-inch screen are cleaner and crisper thanks to improved software and the screen’s ability to display 16 rather than four shades of grey.

Product Link : Amazon Kindle 2

Source : ft.com

The Kindle 2 is here!

The Kindle caused quite a buzz whn it was released just over a year ago. It quickly converted readers into tech-savvy bibliophiles.

Now Amazon.com has released the second version of the electronic reading device which is finally available for pre-ordering.

The new Kindle looks a whole lot cooler than the original version. It is sleeker and seems like it will be more efficient to use. The display boasts 16 shades of gray for more definition and contrast. The first version was only able to display 4 shades. The new device only weighs 10.2 ounces and can hold 1,500 books at one time. Another upgraded feature is a text-to-speech application which makes the Kindle your very own storyteller! If you are cooking dinner or have your hands full doing something else, you don't have to miss out on your favorite book.

The device is still on the pricey side, but it honestly looks like such a great product if you love to read and constantly carry a lot of books with you. The wireless still uses Sprint's 3G network so that you can read your favorite newspapers and blogs as well as download new books anytime, anywhere.

The new Kindles are available on a first come, first serve basis which means you'd better go and pre-order the e-reader so you make sure to get it in a timely manner. The devices will start shipping on February 24th!

Product Link : Amazon Kindle 2