Kindle 2 Reviews and Info Page | Buy Kindal | Cheap Kindle

The new Amazon wireless ebook reader Kindle 2 was recently released with great anticipation. In case you aren't familiar with the Kindle, it is a light, portable device that can store and display thousands of pages of text using a special display technology that is easy on the eyes, compared to a standard computer screen. Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon.com-- the owner and developer of the Kindle device-- came up with the idea of dramatically changing the way people read books. He believes that the Kindle 2 is the future of reading. Considering the much improved advancements in the second version including a sharper contrast screen capable of hundreds of shades of gray; faster page turning, increased storage capacity, and increased battery supply, the Kindle 2 is positioned to be a threat to major booksellers like Barnes and Nobles and Borders. Just like how on-demand movies are sapping the lifeblood from video rental stores, Amazon's kindle is set to do the same for bookstores.

Think about it: your standard book release is a hard-cover, thick paged object that has significant cost built into its construction. Paper manufacturing, book binding, ink and press, and graphic design are needed to produce your standard book. It is also inefficient in the sense that it requires considerable natural resources to produce (trees, water); requires chemical processing that isn't good for the environment, requires traditional transportation (gas) to get to its retail store, and once it is finished, it sits on a bookshelf taking up space.

Contrast this with the Kindle and digitized books: The Kindle can be the equivalent of a library of 1,000 books all contained in a 8" x 5" x 1/3" portable tablet. The books can be downloaded through the internet into your Kindle in a matter of seconds (no need to drive to the bookstore, or mail order one). You can browse book selections online much faster than strolling the lanes in Barnes and Nobles. And when you're done reading your book, there is nothing taking up space in your home. The Kindle's ample screen size and natural font and soft background allows you to read comfortably just as you would a regular book. The one click page turning feature is easier than using your hands to turn the page. You can save the page you were on, and continue at a later time with the click of a button.

All things considered, Amazon's Kindle 2 beats the old form book hands down.

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Kindle Specs from Amazon.com:

The most elegant feature of a physical book is that it disappears while you're reading. Immersed in the author's world and ideas, you don't notice a book's glue, the stitching, or ink. Our top design objective was to make Kindle disappear--just like a physical book--so you can get lost in your reading, not the technology.

Paper-like Screen

Utilizing the latest in electronic-ink display technology, Kindle provides a crisp black-and-white 6" screen with the same appearance and readability of printed paper. Sharp and natural with no glare or backlight, reading on Kindle is nothing like reading from a computer screen. Those who see it for the first time always do a double-take. The screen works using ink, just like books and newspapers, but displays the ink particles electronically. And unlike a laptop or smart phone, Kindle never gets warm so you can comfortably read as long as you like.

Sharper Display of Images and Photos

Kindle's high-resolution screen now boasts 16 shades of gray, so images and photos are sharper and clearer than ever.

Read in Sunlight with No Glare

Kindle's screen reflects light like ordinary paper and uses no backlighting, eliminating the glare associated with other electronic displays. As a result, Kindle can be read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room.

Read the entire Amazon.com Kindle Specification Details.

Pros: Display is great
Selection of books is good - getting better fast ...
Cons: The more complex navigations take some getting used to
The key markings need a little more contrast..."

CNET Review on February 25, 2009

Pros: connection to whispernet without subscription cost
Cons: screen size to keyboard size ratio. why do you need that big of a keyboard? The focus should be the reading screen.

CNET Review on February 24, 2009

Pros: Sleek, attractive design
Ability to download books quickly and directly
Clear screen
MP3 and basic web access
Cons: Lack of case

CNET Review on February 27, 2009

Pros: Fast wireless logon with no monthly charges.
Immediate access to most recent books for $9.95. Do not have to wait 4 months for paperbacks. Low book and individual magazine/newspaper prices.
Cons: Keyboard takes up too much space. A foldup keyboard
would be ideal. Would prefer larger screen to avoid too frequent page turning using larger fonts.

CNET Review on February 27, 2009

Pros: i love that this Kindle can fit into anywhere because of its sleek design. I was worried i spent soooo much money on it that i wanted to make sure it was protected.
Cons: The slim cases sold are okay,,.... So i got a really great case on Amazon.

CNET Review on February 29, 2009

-If you don't own any eReader and can afford $359 - Yes, Buy the Kindle 2.0. It is the best eReader available on the market now.
-If you don't own any eReader and can afford $200-$250 - Buy a used Kindle 1.0. Make sure it still has 6 or more months of warranty left.
-If you own a Kindle 1.0 - I'm not sure it's worth an upgrade. Personally, I did buy a Kindle 2.0 - However, I'd recommend making your own decision.

ireaderreview.com

Pros: Expansive library, available magazines and newspapers (needs expanding), form factor (feel in my hands), readability, wireless download, refresh speed.
Cons: Going through inverse black/white on page refresh.

CNET Review on March 1, 2009

In the e-book universe, the Kindle retains a significant edge. Offering built-in Sprint 3G wireless (at no extra cost to users) and tight integration with Amazon's shopping engine, the Kindle handheld delivers a cohesive reading and shopping experience...

Computerworld