|
|
|
Amazon Kindle Review
The Kindle is arguably one of the most popular e-readers of all time, and there are some good reasons for its phenomenal success. It begins with the screen.
The Kindle offers users a 6 inch diagonal e-Ink display. The background is muted which makes the display resemble real paper. The screen has a 600 x 800 pixel resolution and has 16-level gray scale, which greatly improves the overall appearance of both text and black and white images. Because there is no backlight, there is very little, if any, glare. Reading outdoors is no longer a problem.
When it comes to size, the Kindle is just right for those who want the feel of a book in their hands. It measures 8" x 5.3" x 0.36" and weight only 10.2 ounces. Its size and weight make it very easy to hold and carry.
Using the Kindle's page turning buttons is a breeze. They are located on either side of the device which allows users to turn pages with one hand. The buttons flex inward which helps to stop accidental page turns.
For navigating, the Kindle employs a new 5-way controller which is easy to use and very functional. It is used to highlight text, select text, and look up words.
The Kindle is 100% wireless, supporting 3G but not Wi-Fi. The device ships so that it is ready to use out of the box. No set up is needed.
For such a versatile device, the battery life for the Kindle is impressive. With wireless turned ON, users can read for about four days before a charge is needed. With wireless turned OFF, users can extend that time to about two weeks or so.
In order to get a full charge, users will need about four hours and a wall socket. Charging via the included USB 2.0 cable from user's PC or Mac is also supported.
The Kindle supports the following formats for material: Kindle (AZW), TXT, Audible (formats 4, Audible Enhanced (AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.
One of the most appreciated features of the Kindle is it wireless access with Whispernet. Users can download a book (via 3G) in about one minute! Keep in mind, however, that download times will vary depending on 3G wireless coverage strength (of where you are standing) and file size.
With the Kindle, there are no contracts, wireless bills, or other commitments.
Even though the Kindle is often considered the little brother of the Kindle DX, it holds just as many books as the more expensive model. With its internal memory (the Kindle comes with 2 GB of internal memory) it can hold up to 1500 books.
One very unique feature you get with the Kindle and DX models is the Automatic Library Backup function. This feature automatically downloads any book you buy from the Kindle Store. There is no charge for this service, and this is how you can get virtually unlimited storage on the Kindle. By using this feature, users can make room for any new books they want to add to the device, while still having access to any past books they bought.
The Kindle also includes its Read-to-Me feature. This is a basic text-to-speech function and allows the device to literally read to you aloud. As the device reads to you, the pages turn automatically so it is hand's free. User can select either male or female voices.
The device also allows users to make notes and annotations to any text they are reading. There is a standard-format keyboard to type on to make notes. Editing and deleting notes is fast and simple.
Just like on the Kindle DX, Kindle users have access to what is known as the Personal Document Service Via Whispernet. Every Kindle will have its own customizable e-mail address. Users can use this address to send e-mail Word, PDF documents, and pictures wirelessly to your Kindle.
There is a small fee for using the service. The Kindle will support wireless delivery of unprotected MS Word files, PDF, HTML, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, PRC and MOBI files.
For the price, you might think this would be enough, but the Kindle offers a whole lot more. The device comes with a built-in dictionary with an instant lookup feature. Users also have access to Wikipedia, and are able to listen to audiobooks, should they wish to do so.
Kindle owners who also own iPhones or iPods can download a variety of apps to use to sync these devices. And the Kindle also ships with a basic web browser.
For those shopping for a Kindle, here is an important reminder: There are now two versions of the popular Kindle available. The original Kindle provides 3G access within the US only. The newer version of the Kindle provides 3G access globally (100 countries or so). The newer version costs a little more, and does come with some restrictions, but other than this, the two are basically the same.
If you are looking for a powerful and versatile e-reader, but do not want to spend too much money on it, the Kindle may be just what you are looking for.